Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

For safe and effective use of this medicine, do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than ordered by your doctor. Taking too much of this medicine may increase the chance of unwanted effects, especially in elderly patients.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

When used for severe or continuing arthritis, this medicine must be taken regularly as ordered by your doctor in order for it to help you. This medicine usually begins to work within one week, but in severe cases up to two weeks or even longer may pass before you begin to feel better. Also, several weeks may pass before you feel the full effects of this medicine.

Check with your doctor first before changing dosage forms (eg, tablets, suspension). These forms are very different from each other.

Swallow the delayed-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

If you are using the suspension, shake it gently before using it. Use the marked measuring cup included in the package to measure the dose.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For naproxen (eg, Naprosyn®) tablet and oral suspension dosage forms:
    • For rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis:
      • Adults—At first, 250 milligrams (mg) (10 milliliters (mL)/2 teaspoonfuls), 375 mg (15 mL/3 teaspoonfuls), or 500 mg (20 mL/4 teaspoonfuls) 2 times a day, in the morning and evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However the dose is usually not more than 1500 mg per day.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight 2 times a day.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For acute gout:
      • Adults—750 milligrams (mg) for the first dose, then 250 mg every 8 hours until the attack is relieved.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For naproxen controlled-release tablet (eg, Naprelan®) dosage form:
    • For rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis:
      • Adults—At first, 750 milligrams (mg) (taken as one 750 mg or two 375 mg tablets) or 1000 mg (taken as two 500 mg tablets) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However the dose is usually not more than 1500 mg (taken as two 750 mg or three 500 mg tablets) per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For bursitis, tendinitis, menstrual cramps, and other kinds of pain:
      • Adults—At first, 1000 milligrams (mg) (taken as two 500 mg tablets) once a day. Some patients may need 1500 mg (taken as two 750 mg or three 500 mg tablets) per day, for a limited period. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For acute gout:
      • Adults—1000 to 1500 milligrams (mg) (taken as two to three 500 mg tablets) once a day for the first dose, then 1000 mg (taken as two 500 mg tablets) once a day until the attack is relieved.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For naproxen delayed-release tablet (eg, EC-Naprosyn®) dosage form:
    • For rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis:
      • Adults—At first, 375 or 500 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day, in the morning and evening. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1500 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For naproxen sodium (eg, Anaprox®, Anaprox® DS) tablet dosage form:
    • For rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis:
      • Adults—At first, 275 or 550 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day, in the morning and evening. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1500 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For bursitis, tendinitis, menstrual cramps, and other kinds of pain:
      • Adults—550 milligrams (mg) for the first dose, then 550 mg every 12 hours or 275 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1375 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For acute gout:
      • Adults—825 milligrams (mg) for the first dose, then 275 mg every 8 hours until the attack is relieved.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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