Naproxen
Also known as: Naprosyn, Feminax Ultra
What it's for
Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory painkiller. It treats pain, swelling, and stiffness from arthritis, muscle strains, period pain, and gout. It lasts longer than ibuprofen.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 250mg to 500mg twice a day.
- Take with or after food.
- Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Stomach pain, heartburn, or indigestion
- Feeling sick or diarrhoea
- Headache or dizziness
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not take if you have a stomach ulcer
- Avoid in pregnancy, especially the last 3 months
- Can increase risk of heart attack or stroke if used long-term
- Not suitable if you have severe heart, liver, or kidney problems
Get medical help urgently if…
- You vomit blood or have blood in your stool
- You have severe stomach pain
- You have chest pain or shortness of breath
- You have swelling in your legs
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.