Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory painkiller used for period pain, arthritis, back and muscular pain, gout and general aches. It comes as 200 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg tablets under many brand names. Its longer duration means fewer doses per day than ibuprofen.
What is Naproxen?
Naproxen is available in South Africa under many names and schedules:
| Product | Contains | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Aleve | Naproxen sodium 200–220 mg | S1 / S2 |
| Adco-Naproxen | Naproxen 250 mg | S2 |
| Napflam, Sandoz Naproxen, Nafasol EC | Naproxen 250 mg | S3 |
| Bio-Naproxen, Sandoz Naproxen | Naproxen 500 mg | S3 |
Being dispensed one rather than another is ordinary generic substitution.
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, which the body uses to make prostaglandins — the messengers behind inflammation, swelling, pain signalling and fever. Reducing them relieves all four.
What distinguishes naproxen is how long it lasts. Its effect persists roughly 8 to 12 hours, against about 4 to 6 for ibuprofen. In practice that means twice daily rather than three or four times — genuinely useful for conditions needing steady control, such as arthritis or a full day of period pain.
Naproxen sodium versus naproxen is a difference in speed, not strength. The sodium salt dissolves and absorbs faster, so it acts sooner — which is why over-the-counter products for acute pain often use it. The active medicine is the same.
One further point worth knowing. Among the traditional NSAIDs, naproxen is generally regarded as carrying the lowest cardiovascular risk. That is why it is often preferred for people who need an anti-inflammatory but have heart concerns. It does not make it gentler on the stomach — its gastrointestinal risk is comparable to other NSAIDs, and arguably higher than ibuprofen at equivalent doses.
What is Naproxen commonly used for?
- Period pain, where it is particularly well suited — one of its most common uses, since a longer-acting NSAID covers more of the day.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding, where NSAIDs can reduce blood loss as well as pain.
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, for pain and stiffness.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
- Gout attacks.
- Back and neck pain.
- Sprains, strains and soft-tissue injury.
- Headache and migraine.
- Dental pain.
- Tendonitis and bursitis.
The difference from paracetamol matters: paracetamol relieves pain and fever but does little for inflammation, and is far gentler on the stomach, kidneys and heart. Naproxen genuinely reduces inflammation and swelling — with cautions paracetamol does not carry.
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time that works. Most NSAID harm accumulates with dose and duration.
How Naproxen fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Simple analgesics | Paracetamol | Pain and fever; minimal anti-inflammatory effect |
| Non-selective NSAIDs | Naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac | Pain and inflammation; stomach and kidney cautions |
| COX-2 selective | Etoricoxib, celecoxib | Anti-inflammatory, gentler on the stomach |
| Topical NSAIDs | Diclofenac gel | Local relief, much less systemic exposure |
| Corticosteroids | Prednisone | Powerful anti-inflammatory, given as courses |
| Compound analgesics | Mybulen, Stilpane | Paracetamol with codeine and others |
See the pain, inflammation and musculoskeletal medicines hub.
What to check before using Naproxen
Do not take it with another anti-inflammatory. Ibuprofen, diclofenac, mefenamic acid and aspirin are all NSAIDs. Combining them multiplies stomach bleeding risk without improving relief — and they hide in many combination cold, flu and period-pain products.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor first if you:
- Have had a stomach ulcer, gastritis or bleeding in the gut.
- Have kidney disease, or are dehydrated.
- Have heart failure, high blood pressure, or a history of heart attack or stroke.
- Have liver disease.
- Have asthma. A minority of people with asthma wheeze significantly on NSAIDs.
- Are over 65.
- Are pregnant. NSAIDs are generally avoided, particularly from around 20 weeks and definitely in the third trimester.
- Are breastfeeding.
- Take warfarin or another blood thinner.
- Take an ACE inhibitor or ARB with a diuretic — that combination plus an NSAID is a recognised cause of acute kidney injury.
- Take low-dose aspirin for your heart. Naproxen can interfere with its protective effect, and timing matters — ask a pharmacist.
- Take lithium, methotrexate or an SSRI antidepressant.
Take it with food or after eating, follow the pack instructions, and do not exceed the stated maximum. This page does not set doses.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Common effects are indigestion, nausea, abdominal discomfort, heartburn, headache and dizziness. Food helps the stomach symptoms.
Stop and seek medical attention urgently if you notice:
- Vomiting blood, or vomit resembling coffee grounds.
- Black, tarry stools.
- Severe stomach pain.
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
- Sudden wheezing, particularly with asthma.
- A spreading rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- Much less urine than usual, or swollen ankles.
- Chest pain, breathlessness, or sudden one-sided weakness or slurred speech — seek emergency care.
Serious stomach bleeding can develop without warning pain, which is why the bleeding signs matter even when you otherwise feel well.
See a doctor if pain lasts more than a few days, if it worsens, or if you need an anti-inflammatory most days. For heavy or severely painful periods, persistent symptoms deserve investigation rather than indefinite treatment — fibroids and endometriosis have their own treatments.
Related medicine guides
- Browse Pain, Inflammation & Musculoskeletal Medicines guides
- Read: Prednisone used for
- Read: Donapan used for
Frequently asked questions
What is naproxen used for? Pain and inflammation — period pain, arthritis, back and muscular pain, gout, sprains, headache and dental pain.
What is naproxen 500 mg used for? The higher strength, generally for arthritis and more significant inflammatory pain, usually twice daily.
What is naproxen 250 mg used for? The lower strength, used for period pain, muscular pain and milder inflammatory conditions.
How is it different from ibuprofen? Naproxen lasts longer — roughly 8 to 12 hours against 4 to 6 — so it needs fewer doses. It is also generally considered to carry lower cardiovascular risk.
Is it better for period pain? Its longer duration suits period pain well, and NSAIDs can reduce menstrual blood loss as well as pain. Starting at the first sign of pain works better than waiting.
Can I take it with paracetamol? They are different medicines and are sometimes used together on advice. Do not combine it with another anti-inflammatory.
Is naproxen sodium different? Only in how fast it is absorbed. The sodium salt acts sooner; the active medicine is the same.
Is it safe in pregnancy? Generally avoided, particularly from around 20 weeks. Paracetamol is usually preferred — confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.