MedicineNet.com

naproxen enteric-coated tablet - oral, EC-Naprosyn

Surprising Reasons You're in Pain Slideshow Pictures Back Pain Myths and Facts Slideshow Take the Pain Quiz! 34k1304

GENERIC NAME: NAPROXEN ENTERIC-COATED TABLET - ORAL (nah-PROX-en)

BRAND NAME(S): EC-Naprosyn

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: This drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This side effect can occur without warning at any time during treatment with naproxen. The elderly are at increased risk for serious stomach/intestinal bleeding.

Drugs related to naproxen have rarely caused blood clots to form, resulting in serious (possibly fatal) heart attacks and strokes. This medication might also rarely cause similar problems. The risk of these serious side effects may increase if you have heart disease and with longer use of this medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of treatment, as well as other possible medication choices.

Stop taking naproxen and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech.

This medication should not be used right before or after heart bypass surgery.

USES: Naproxen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain from various conditions. It reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis. Reducing these symptoms helps you do more of your normal daily activities. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).Enteric-coated tablets of naproxen are absorbed more slowly into your bloodstream than other forms of naproxen. Therefore, they should not be taken to relieve sudden pain (e.g., from gout attacks, menstrual pain, tendonitis, bursitis). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other medications that can quickly relieve sudden pain from these conditions.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using naproxen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily with or without food. Swallow this medication whole. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Doing so can destroy the enteric coating of the drug and cause the medication to be released too quickly, possibly increasing side effects. Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug.Do not take this medication with antacids or other drugs that decrease stomach acid. (For more information, see Drug Interactions.)Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take more than 1,500 milligrams per day. To minimize side effect risks (e.g., stomach bleeding), use this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible length of time. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, continue taking it as directed by your doctor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist.In certain conditions (e.g., arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks of regular use before the full benefits of this drug take effect.Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.