Naprelan

Generic name: Naproxen
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Usage of Naprelan

Naprelan is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Naprelan is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps.

The delayed-release or extended-release tablets are slower-acting forms of Naproxen that are used only for treating chronic conditions such as arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. These forms of naproxen will not work fast enough to treat acute pain.

Naprelan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Naprelan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic Reaction (runny or stuffy nose, wheezing or trouble breathing, hives, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Stop using Naprelan and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Naprelan may cause serious side effects. Stop using Naprelan and call your doctor at once if you have:

shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);

swelling or rapid weight gain;

the first sign of any skin rash or blister, no matter how mild;

signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

kidney problems--little or no urination, painful urination, swelling in your feet or ankles; or

low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of Naprelan may include:

headache;

indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain; or

flu symptoms;

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Naprelan

Naprelan can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Naprelan may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine, especially in older adults.

You should not use Naprelan if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Ask a doctor before giving Naprelan to a child younger than 12 years old.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;

a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

stomach ulcers or bleeding;

asthma;

liver or kidney disease;

fluid retention; or

if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.

If you are pregnant, you should not take Naprelan unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Relate drugs

How to use Naprelan

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Take Naprelan with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. Naprelan doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

If you use Naprelan long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Naprelan.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Warnings

Naprelan can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use Naprelan just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). This medicine may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

What other drugs will affect Naprelan

Ask your doctor before using Naprelan if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Naprelan with any other medications, especially:

other NSAIDs or salicylates (diflunisal, salsalate);

antacids and sucralfate;

cholestyramine;

cyclosporine;

digoxin;

lithium;

methotrexate;

Pemetrexed;

probenecid;

warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) or similar blood thinners;

a diuretic or "water pill"; or

heart or blood pressure medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Naprelan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.