Naproxen is an effective medicine to relieve pain, inflammation and fever, which we turn to when we want an alternative to ibuprofen. However, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects and consult your doctor before taking it, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking other medications.
What are the side effects of naproxen?
To know the secondary general disorders of naproxen, it is enough to read the indications of the same medication, which are: constipation, excessive thirst, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness and drowsiness.
The package insert for naproxen also warns about these side effects: abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, increased blood pressure, fluid retention, and skin rash.
In addition, the medical information service, MedlinePlus, insists on seeing a doctor if the above symptoms are severe or do not disappear, as well as in the following cases:
-Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
-Swelling in the abdomen, ankles, feet or legs
-Blisters, rash, skin redness, itching and/or hives.
Ibuprofen or naproxen?
Both ibuprofen and naproxen are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and inflammation.
Ibuprofen is considered safer than naproxen in terms of gastrointestinal side effects. Naproxen can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in higher doses or with prolonged use. However, the Medicines Agency has recommended restricting the daily doses of ibuprofen, due to an increase in cardiovascular risks as a blow from an infarctin prolonged use and at high doses: “In doses equal to or greater than 2,400 mg per day, it is associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk. This dosage would correspond to the intake of four or more 600 mg ibuprofen tablets or six or more ibuprofen tablets of 400mg”.
“The same thing happens,” adds the AEMPS, “with dexibuprofen, known in Spain under the names of Atriscal and Seractil, although in the case of this the dose associated with a greater risk is lower, 1,200 mg per day or more, which is equivalent to to three or more 400 mg tablets.
Incompatibility of naproxen with other medications
Diabetes medications: Naproxen can increase blood sugar and reduce the effectiveness of some diabetes medications. Although one of the possible —although not common— side effects is bleeding, it is not advisable to alternate with anticoagulants
The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products warns about the incompatibility of naproxen with other drugs such as hydantoins (for epilepsy), sulfonylureas (for diabetes), probenecid (a drug used in patients with gout), lithium (antipsychotic, to treat depression ), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (to lower blood pressure) and β-blockers (to lower blood pressure).
You should not take naproxen in these cases
-If you are allergic to acetylsalicylic acid or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or they cause severe allergic reactions.
– If you have previously had stomach or duodenal bleeding or have suffered a perforation of the digestive system while taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
-If you suffer from any intestinal disease.
-If you suffer from severe liver or kidney disorders.
-Naproxen Normon should not be given to children under 2 years of age.
He has severe heart failure.
-You are in the third trimester of pregnancy.
References
What are the side effects that naproxen could cause? Published: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/druginfo/meds/a681029-es.html Accessed 03/30/2023
Data sheet Naproxen Normon 500 mg tablets. Published in the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products: https://cima.aemps.es/cima/dochtml/ft/68435/FT_68435.html Accessed on 03/30/2023