Naproxen: In Which Cases Is It Indicated?
Naproxen is an analgesic drug that belongs to the large family of NSAIDs, also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs. It is contraindicated in patients suffering from gastroduodenal ulcer and in pregnant or breastfeeding women (it crosses the placenta and some is excreted in the milk).
This medicine is given to adults, mainly orally, in doses of 250 mg in two pills every 12 hours. The maximum dose is 1000 mg.
Main indications of naproxen
It can be used both as an antipyretic and as an analgesic. Its effect is similar to that of aspirin, but has a higher tolerance. In addition to these two effects, it is also an anti-inflammatory drug used for the treatment of rheumatic diseases such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Arthrosis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
- Gouty arthritis.
Likewise, it is recommended for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, such as that caused by tendonitis, bursitis, toothache, dysmenorrhea, or migraine.
On the other hand, thanks to its antipyretic effects, it can be used to lower fever and calm symptoms associated with colds.
Data on NSAIDs
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic drug (NSAID); they are the most prescribed group of medicines as they have a wide variety of indications.
As for the mechanism of action of naproxen, it is the same as for all non-opioid analgesic drugs: it inhibits the action of the enzyme cyclooxygenase . As a consequence of this inhibition, prostaglandin synthesis is lost, namely PGE and PGL.
Prostaglandins are protein substances that participate in numerous physiological processes such as inflammatory reactions, pain and fever. By inhibiting the enzyme involved in their synthesis, all these symptoms can be controlled.
Main adverse reactions of naproxen
Naproxen is one of the most tolerated NSAIDs by patients. However, like all drugs, it is not free from a number of adverse effects. Undesirable effects of a medicine are all those reactions that occur unintentionally during treatment. Specifically, naproxen can trigger a number of digestive disorders such as:
- Nausea.
- He retched.
- Diarrhea.
When given rectally:
- Anal disorders.
- Gastroduodenal ulcer.
- Liver injury.
On the other hand, it can cause nerve changes, such as headache, dizziness or loss of consciousness, among others. Other possible side effects following naproxen therapy are:
- Temporary deafness.
- Agranulocytosis.
- Allergic reactions.
- Skin alterations.
Pharmacokinetics: what happens to naproxen in the body?
Pharmacokinetics includes the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolization and elimination of a drug. Naproxen is administered orally and is rapidly absorbed in the digestive system.
After about 2-4 hours after taking, naproxen reaches its maximum plasma levels. Its effect lasts between 12 and 15 hours, which is the time necessary for half the plasma concentration of the drug to be eliminated.
On the other hand, for its distribution in the organism it needs to bind to plasma proteins. That is, it joins 99%. This factor is very important because it favors its interaction with other medicines that join together with plasma proteins for their distribution. This can cause toxicity if the necessary measures are not taken.
Naproxen is capable of crossing the placental and blood-brain barrier, so you need to be cautious. Finally, it is metabolized in the liver and 95% is eliminated in the urine, and another percentage partially in the milk.
Conclusions
Naproxen is an NSAID mainly used to treat rheumatic diseases. However, it has many other indications.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as people with gastroduodenal ulcers, should not take this medicine.
If you have any doubts, we recommend that you consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking naproxen in order to prevent irreversible complications.
