Various (e.g., Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox)
Generic Name
h-nap
Manufacturer
Various (e.g., Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Beximco Pharma, Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)
Country
Globally manufactured
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Description
Overview of the medicine
h-nap (Naproxen) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling, and fever. It is commonly used for conditions such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, gout, and other inflammatory conditions.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis: 250-500 mg twice daily. For acute gout: 750 mg initially, then 250 mg every 8 hours until attack subsides. For dysmenorrhea: 500 mg initially, then 250 mg every 6-8 hours as needed. Max 1250 mg/day.
Elderly
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. Increased risk of side effects.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution and consider dose reduction in moderate to severe renal impairment. Contraindicated in severe renal failure.
How to Take
Take orally, preferably with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew enteric-coated tablets.
Mechanism of Action
h-nap (Naproxen) works by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which are responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are mediators of inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin production, Naproxen alleviates these symptoms.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Approximately 1 hour for pain relief, longer for anti-inflammatory effects.
Excretion
Mainly excreted in the urine (approximately 95%) as unchanged drug and its metabolites.
Half life
Approximately 12-17 hours.
Absorption
Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 2-4 hours for conventional tablets and 1-2 hours for sodium salt formulation.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 system (CYP2C9) to 6-O-desmethylnaproxen, followed by glucuronidation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to Naproxen or other NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin-induced asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions)
- Active gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment
- Severe heart failure
- Third trimester of pregnancy
- Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (peri-operative pain)
Drug Interactions
Lithium
Increased plasma lithium levels, leading to toxicity.
Methotrexate
Increased plasma methotrexate levels, leading to toxicity.
Corticosteroids
Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine)
Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)
Reduced diuretic and antihypertensive effects, increased risk of renal impairment.
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
Increased risk of bleeding.
Antiplatelet agents (e.g., Aspirin, Clopidogrel)
Increased risk of bleeding.
ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Reduced antihypertensive effects, increased risk of renal impairment.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Less common symptoms include hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, and coma. Treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage and activated charcoal. Monitor renal function and vital signs.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Contraindicated in the third trimester due to potential adverse effects on the fetal cardiovascular system (premature closure of ductus arteriosus). Use in early pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit outweighs the risk. Lactation: Naproxen is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Use with caution in nursing mothers; consult a doctor.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to Naproxen or other NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin-induced asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions)
- Active gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment
- Severe heart failure
- Third trimester of pregnancy
- Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (peri-operative pain)
Drug Interactions
Lithium
Increased plasma lithium levels, leading to toxicity.
Methotrexate
Increased plasma methotrexate levels, leading to toxicity.
Corticosteroids
Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine)
Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)
Reduced diuretic and antihypertensive effects, increased risk of renal impairment.
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
Increased risk of bleeding.
Antiplatelet agents (e.g., Aspirin, Clopidogrel)
Increased risk of bleeding.
ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Reduced antihypertensive effects, increased risk of renal impairment.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Less common symptoms include hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, and coma. Treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage and activated charcoal. Monitor renal function and vital signs.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Contraindicated in the third trimester due to potential adverse effects on the fetal cardiovascular system (premature closure of ductus arteriosus). Use in early pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit outweighs the risk. Lactation: Naproxen is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Use with caution in nursing mothers; consult a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years from the date of manufacture, depending on formulation and storage conditions.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals worldwide
Approval Status
Approved by FDA/DGDA
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of h-nap (Naproxen) for its approved indications, comparing it to placebo and other NSAIDs in various pain and inflammatory conditions.
Lab Monitoring
- Monitor complete blood count (CBC) periodically, especially during long-term therapy, for signs of anemia or blood dyscrasias.
- Monitor renal function (serum creatinine, BUN) and liver function tests (ALT, AST) periodically, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions or on long-term therapy.
Doctor Notes
- Always consider patient's complete medical history, especially cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and renal risks, before prescribing.
- Prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals.
- Educate patients about potential serious side effects, including GI bleeding and cardiovascular risks.
- Monitor for signs of fluid retention, blood pressure changes, and renal function, especially in elderly or at-risk patients.
Patient Guidelines
- Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
- Report any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., black, tarry stools; vomiting blood) or allergic reactions immediately.
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
h-nap (Naproxen) may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Patients should be cautious when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medicine affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain adequate hydration.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Engage in regular, moderate exercise as tolerated (if applicable to underlying condition).
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.