Naproxen

Naproxen (trade names: Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, Naprelan) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used for the reduction of mild to moderate pain, fever, inflammation and stiffness caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, injury, menstrual cramps, tendinitis, bursitis, and the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Naproxen is a member of the arylacetic acid family of NSAIDs. The chemical name for naproxen is (S)-6-methoxy-α-methyl-2-naphthaleneacetic acid. Its empirical formula is C₁₄H₁₄O₃, represented with the following structure:

Naproxen is an odorless, white to off-white crystalline substance with a molecular weight of 230.2628. It is lipid-soluble, practically insoluble in water (H₂O) with a low pH (below pH 4), while freely soluble in water at a high pH (6 pH and above). Naproxen has a melting point of 153 degrees C.

Naproxen is also available as a sodium salt, naproxen sodium, that is more rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Although naproxen typically requires a higher dosage than other NSAIDs — a minimal dose is about 200 mg — it binds very well to albumin and thus achieves a longer half-life in the blood than other drugs, lasting up to 12 hours per dose.

Like other NSAIDs, naproxen is capable of producing disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. Taking the medication with food may help to alleviate this side-effect, which is the most commonly reported side-effect.

Also like other NSAIDs, naproxen can inhibit the excretion of sodium and lithium. Extreme care must be taken by those who use this drug along with lithium supplements.

Naproxen is also not recommended for use with NSAIDs of the salicylate family (drugs may reduce each other's effects), nor anticoagulants (may increase risk of bleeding.)