Drug Name

Aleve (Naproxen)

Drug Uses

Aleve is used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, inflammation as well as fever.

How Taken

Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended. Do not grind, bite, or break an extended-release or enteric-coated tablet. Swallow the pill whole. The extended-release pill is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. The enteric-coated pill has a distinguished coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a normal table spoon. Incase you do not possess a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Incase you take Aleve for a extended period of time, your doctor may want to check you on a normal basis to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Aleve belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) as well as several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, as well as inflammation. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are accountable for pain, fever as well as inflammation. Aleve blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase ), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain as well as fever are reduced. Aleve was approved by the FDA in December, 1991.

Missed Dose

Since Aleve is sometimes used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Incase you are using the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Incase it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose as well as take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store Aleve at room temperature away from moisture as well as heat.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take any other over-the-counter chilly, allergy, or pain medication without earliest asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to Aleve (such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen). Incase you take confident products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see incase it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen. Do not drink alcohol while using Aleve. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by Aleve. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Aleve may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Take a sunscreen as well as wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

Likely Side Effects

The most ordinary side effects from Aleve are rash, ringing in the ears, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, fluid retention as well as shortness of breath. Aleve as well as may cause stomach as well as intestinal bleeding as well as ulcers. Sometimes, stomach ulceration as well as intestinal bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Not light tarry stools, weakness, as well as dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of the bleeding. People who are allergic to other NSAIDs should not take Aleve.

More Information

There are no adequate studies of Aleve in pregnant women. Therefore, Aleve is not recommended during pregnancy.