How does aleve work in the body

It can also be used to reduce fever. Naproxen sodium works at the site of pain and in the central nervous system CNS. It is believed to work by stopping the production of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation.

Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor or pharmacist has not recommended it.

Each capsule contains naproxen sodium mg, of which 20 mg is sodium. The usual recommended dose of this medication for adults and children 12 to 65 years of age is 1 capsule or tablet every 8 to 12 hours.

Take this medication with a full glass of water. Do not take more than 2 capsules or tablets within a hour period.

Naproxen sodium should only be used for short periods of time — up to 5 days for pain and 3 days for fever. If your symptoms continue or change, contact your doctor. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications.

If your doctor or pharmacist has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. It is important to take this medication exactly as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. These include GI tract, kidney, and heart complications. Since the side effects of this drug can be pretty serious, you should only take Aleve under the guidance of your doctor.

This drug has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. This kind of reaction may show up as:. Prostaglandins naturally help protect your stomach from damage. Therefore, when Aleve reduces your prostaglandin production, it can cause stomach bleeding. Signs and symptoms of stomach bleeding include:. Based on research findings, the U. Taking higher doses for more extended periods may increase your risk. That said, a Danish study found an association between short-term ibuprofen or diclofenac treatment and cardiovascular events.

However, it did not identify a link specifically between naproxen and such events. Symptoms of a liver problem include:. Aleve is not the proper medication for everyone. People with certain risk factors or existing health conditions should consider other drug options.

Conditions that may increase the risk of adverse effects include:. If you already have GI problems, work with your healthcare provider to determine an appropriate pain relief solution. Other conditions that may increase your risk for the dangerous side effects of naproxen include:.

If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, you should speak to your doctor before taking Aleve. They might recommend that you avoid this medication or that you use it with caution. This drug may cause birth defects when taken in the last trimester of pregnancy. It may also pass through breast milk. Aleve is not for children under 12 unless directed by their doctor. If your child is using Aleve or any form of naproxen, be sure to tell your doctor about any changes in their weight, as the dose is weight-based.

Older adults may be at an even higher risk of GI complications. These side effects can be severe. Keep in mind that they can occur at any time and may show up without warning. Contraindications include people with heart, liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal problems. In addition, children under 12 should not take Aleve unless under the direction of their doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about alternatives to Aleve.

For this reason, it's crucial to read all medication labels OTC and prescribed before using them. Nutritional supplements, herbs, recreational drugs, and caffeine can interact with naproxen and change the way it works in your body.

Speak with your doctor about all medications and supplements you take before taking Aleve. Long-term use of Aleve can also cause other side effects. Some people are at greater risk of Aleve side effects because of certain medical conditions that they have.

Aleve, or naproxen sodium mg, is the over-the-counter version of naproxen sodium mg, which is available by prescription only. Aleve is closely related to naproxen base mg, also prescription only. Both Aleve and its prescription counterparts belong to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs.

These drugs reduce pain and fever by preventing your body from making prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances your body produces when tissues of your body are injured. These substances contribute to many of the effects of inflammation, including swelling, fever, and pain. But it can also interfere with some other functions. Prostaglandins naturally help protect your stomach from damage. When Aleve reduces your prostaglandin production, it can cause:. These effects can be fatal and can happen without warning.

If you notice severe stomach pain or bloody or black, tarry stools while you take Aleve, stop taking the drug and call your doctor right away. To lower your risk of digestive system side effects, use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest time.

Aleve can also increase your blood pressure. Although they are classified in the same group of medications, there are some similarities and differences to note. These characteristics can be found in the table below.

Prescription discount card. Aleve and ibuprofen are both effective options to treat similar types of pain. Both medications are also available over the counter with high prescription strength versions available as well.

Aleve primarily differs from ibuprofen in its frequency of dosing. The effects of Aleve may last longer than those of ibuprofen. As a result, Aleve can be dosed every 8 to 12 hours while ibuprofen is usually dosed every 4 to 6 hours. Both drugs have similar side effects and drug interactions.

They should not be used with blood thinning medications due to an increased risk of ulcers. Aleve and ibuprofen also need to be used with caution in elderly individuals with kidney or liver problems.

This drug vs drug comparison should be discussed with a doctor. The brief overview presented here does not substitute advice from a doctor.