Poison Prevention for Adults | Medicines | Medication safety

Naproxen: Side Effects and Overdose Concerns

The Bottom Line

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that decreases pain and inflammation and reduces fever. Side effects include nausea and stomachache, as well as mild drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. Acute overdose and chronic use may cause reversible kidney toxicity. A naproxen overdose is usually not considered serious unless a large amount is taken.

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What is naproxen and what is it used for?

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Common brand names include Aleve, Anaprox, and Naprosyn. It decreases inflammation and pain and reduces fever. Its therapeutic uses include treating mild to moderate pain from arthritis, tendinitis, gout, menstrual cramps, and other conditions. Naproxen and naproxen sodium are available without a prescription at lower strengths and with a prescription at higher strengths. It is also available as an oral suspension for children.

What are the side effects of naproxen?

Side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomachache, and bleeding in the digestive tract. Some people experience mild drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. Like other NSAIDs, naproxen can cause acute kidney failure, which is usually reversible. Kidney failure is more likely to occur in older adults and in people with other diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and pre-existing kidney disease. More serious adverse effects are possible, including those due to allergy or blood abnormalities.

Naproxen vs. Ibuprofen and Naproxen vs. Acetaminophen: What’s the difference?

Ibuprofen and naproxen are both NSAIDs. Ibuprofen starts working faster, but naproxen has a longer lasting effect. Acetaminophen is not a NSAID. It is used to treat pain and reduce fever, but does not decrease inflammation and swelling.

Can you drink alcohol with naproxen?

Both naproxen and alcohol are irritating to the digestive tract. Taking them together can increase the risk of an upset stomach, as well as bleeding in people with stomach ulcers. Do not drink excessively when on naproxen or any NSAID.

Who should not take naproxen?

Do not give naproxen to children under 2 years of age. People who are allergic to naproxen or who have experienced a severe allergic reaction or asthma attack from aspirin or another NSAID should not take naproxen. If you are on another NSAID, such as ibuprofen, you should not take naproxen at the same time. People with stomach ulcers or bleeding and women in the second half of pregnancy should not use naproxen unless recommended by a doctor.

How much naproxen is safe?

When used according to the directions on the label, naproxen is safe. Unintentionally taking more than the recommended dose (e.g., a double dose) or taking additional doses sooner than recommended is usually not harmful.

What should I do if I overdose on naproxen or take it by accident?

An overdose of naproxen can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes drowsiness, ataxia (i.e., wobbly walking), ringing in the ears, and disorientation. Naproxen overdose is usually not serious unless a large amount is taken, in which case altered mental status, coma, seizures, digestive tract bleeding, kidney failure, and acidosis may occur.

If someone takes an overdose of naproxen, takes it by accident, or if you have a question about using it safely, help from experts is available through the webPOISONCONTROL online tool or by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control’s expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Wendy Klein-Schwartz, Pharm.D., MPH
Clinical Toxicologist

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For More Information

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs | FDA

References

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Ziesenitz VC, Welzel T, van Dyk M, Saur P, Gorenflo M, van den Anker JN. Efficacy and safety of NSAIDs in infants: A comprehensive review of the literature of the past 20 years. Paediatr Drugs. 2022;24(6):603-655. doi: 10.1007/s40272-022-00514-1.