Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
NSAID

Naproxen

Brand names: Naprosyn, Naprogesic

Naproxen is a non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used for musculoskeletal pain, inflammation and acute gout in orthopaedic and trauma settings.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits cyclo-oxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and thereby decreasing inflammation, pain and fever.

Prescribing in practice

  • Carries gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration risk, so use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time and consider gastroprotection in at-risk patients.
  • Avoid or use with caution in renal impairment, heart failure and uncontrolled hypertension, and in patients on anticoagulants or other NSAIDs.
  • Of the non-selective NSAIDs, naproxen carries a comparatively lower cardiovascular thrombotic risk, which can guide choice in cardiovascular disease.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure, renal function and for gastrointestinal symptoms during prolonged or higher-dose use.

Counselling the patient

  • Take with or after food to reduce stomach upset.
  • Report black stools, vomiting blood, or significant indigestion promptly.
  • Avoid taking other anti-inflammatory painkillers at the same time.

Evidence & guidelines

MHRA advice and NICE guidance support using the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest duration, noting naproxen's relatively favourable cardiovascular profile.

Reference: ACR Gout Guidelines 2020; BSR Gout Guidelines 2017; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Drugs
Pathways