Skip to main content

Who can and cannot take naproxen

Who can take naproxen

Most adults can take naproxen. It can also be prescribed to children to treat:

  • muscle and bone disorders for babies from 1 month
  • conditions which affect the joints for children from 2 years
  • period pain for children under 15

Adults and teenagers aged 15 and over can buy it from a pharmacy for period pain.

Who may not be able to take naproxen

Naproxen is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to naproxen or any other medicine
  • have ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
  • have or have had stomach ulcers, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, or a hole in your stomach
  • have high blood pressure
  • have severe liver or kidney failure
  • have severe heart failure or other heart problems
  • have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
  • have lupus
  • have a blood-clotting disorder
  • are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding

Page last reviewed: 20 January 2022
Next review due: 20 January 2025