Generic Naprelan

Common use

Naprolen is in the group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to treat pain and inflammation in such conditions as arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout or menstrual cramps. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.



Dosage and directions

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use Naprelanin larger amounts or longer than prescribed. Do not crush, chew or break tablet. Swallow the pill whole. your doctor may want to check you on a regular basis to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.



Precautions

Discuss with your doctor all conditions you may have especially the following:

a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure; a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding; liver or kidney disease; asthma; polyps in your nose;a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or if you smoke.

Contraindications

Tell your doctor about all prescribed and not prescribed medications. Discuss with your doctor if you take cold, allergy, or pain medications before using Naprelan. Do not drink alcohol while taking naproxen. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by naproxen. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Naproxen can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you are outdoors.



Possible side effects

Seek for medical attention immediately if any of the following effects occurs: severe allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat), chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; black, bloody, or tarry stools; coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; swelling or rapid weight gain; urinating less than usual or not at all; nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects are: dizziness, headache, nervousness; upset stomach, mild heartburn or stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas; blurred vision; skin itching or rash; or ringing in your ears.



Drug interaction

Before using Naprelan tell your doctor if you use the following antidepressants :citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor) as a contemporary use of them with Naprelan can lead to bruise or easy bleeding. Also tell you doctor about the following medicines you may take: a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall); diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix); steroids (prednisone and others); aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), meloxicam (Mobic), piroxicam (Feldene), and others; or an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.



Missed dose

Since naproxen is sometimes taken only when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.



Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.



Storage

Store Naprelan at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep it out of the reach of children and away from pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)