Napexa
Generic Name
Naproxen
Manufacturer
Example: Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| napexa 500 mg tablet | ৳ 16.00 | ৳ 64.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Napexa-500 mg Tablet is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, and menstrual cramps.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For mild to moderate pain, dysmenorrhea: 250-500 mg orally twice daily or 500 mg followed by 250 mg every 6-8 hours as needed. For chronic conditions (arthritis): 250-500 mg orally twice daily. Max: 1250 mg/day.
Elderly
Start with the lowest effective dose and monitor for adverse effects, especially gastrointestinal and renal.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution; a reduced dosage may be necessary. Avoid in severe renal impairment.
How to Take
Take orally with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break.
Mechanism of Action
Naproxen works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever. It primarily inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Pain relief usually starts within 1 hour.
Excretion
Primarily excreted in the urine (about 95%) as unchanged drug and metabolites; a small amount is excreted in the feces.
Half life
Approximately 12-17 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma levels are reached in 2-4 hours.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 system (CYP2C9) to inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to naproxen or other NSAIDs
- Asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Active gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease
- Severe heart failure
- Third trimester of pregnancy
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment
Drug Interactions
Lithium
Increased plasma lithium levels, leading to toxicity.
Methotrexate
Increased methotrexate toxicity.
Corticosteroids
Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding/ulceration.
ACE inhibitors/ARBs
Reduced antihypertensive effect and increased risk of renal impairment.
Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)
Reduced diuretic and antihypertensive effects.
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
Increased risk of bleeding.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include drowsiness, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain. More severe symptoms: gastrointestinal bleeding, acute renal failure, apnea, coma. Management: Gastric lavage, activated charcoal, symptomatic and supportive care. No specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C (first and second trimester), Category D (third trimester). Avoid in late pregnancy due to risk of premature closure of ductus arteriosus. Use with caution during lactation; small amounts may pass into breast milk.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to naproxen or other NSAIDs
- Asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Active gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease
- Severe heart failure
- Third trimester of pregnancy
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment
Drug Interactions
Lithium
Increased plasma lithium levels, leading to toxicity.
Methotrexate
Increased methotrexate toxicity.
Corticosteroids
Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding/ulceration.
ACE inhibitors/ARBs
Reduced antihypertensive effect and increased risk of renal impairment.
Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)
Reduced diuretic and antihypertensive effects.
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
Increased risk of bleeding.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include drowsiness, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain. More severe symptoms: gastrointestinal bleeding, acute renal failure, apnea, coma. Management: Gastric lavage, activated charcoal, symptomatic and supportive care. No specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C (first and second trimester), Category D (third trimester). Avoid in late pregnancy due to risk of premature closure of ductus arteriosus. Use with caution during lactation; small amounts may pass into breast milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 to 36 months from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by FDA/DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established Naproxen's efficacy and safety for its approved indications. Ongoing post-market surveillance monitors long-term effects.
Lab Monitoring
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) (for long-term use)
- Kidney function tests (creatinine, BUN)
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST)
- Blood pressure monitoring
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients to take with food to minimize GI upset.
- Educate on symptoms of GI bleeding and cardiovascular events.
- Monitor renal function and blood pressure in patients on long-term therapy.
- Caution in elderly and patients with pre-existing cardiovascular or renal disease.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
- Report any signs of stomach bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood) to your doctor immediately.
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
- Do not take other NSAIDs or aspirin without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
May cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Stay hydrated.
- Engage in regular, moderate exercise, if appropriate for your condition.
- Avoid smoking.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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