Molecular structure of Naproxen
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Aleve

Naproxen (trade names: Aleve, Anaprox, Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Naprelan) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for the reduction of mild to moderate pain, fever, inflammation and stiffness caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, injury, menstrual cramps, tendinitis, bursitis, and the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. more...

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Although naproxen typically requires a higher dosage than other NSAIDs — a minimal dose is about 200 mg — it binds very well to albumin and thus achieves a longer half-life in the blood than other drugs, lasting up to 12 hours per dose.

Naproxen is also available as a sodium salt, naproxen sodium, which is more rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Naproxen was first sold as the prescription drug Naprosyn in 1976; naproxen sodium was first sold under the trade name Anaprox in 1980. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved naproxen sodium's use as an over-the-counter drug in 1991 , and it is sold in the United States as Aleve. Naproxen is still a prescription drug in much of the world, including Canada.

Structure and details

Naproxen is a member of the arylacetic acid family of NSAIDs. It is an odorless, white to off-white crystalline substance with a molecular weight of 230.2628. It is lipid-soluble, practically insoluble in water with a low pH (below pH 4), while freely soluble in water at 6 pH and above. Naproxen has a melting point of 153 °C.

Side effects and warnings

Like other NSAIDs, naproxen is capable of producing disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. Taking the medication with food may help to alleviate this most commonly reported side-effect.

Also like other NSAIDs, naproxen can inhibit the excretion of sodium and lithium. Extreme care must be taken by those who use this drug along with lithium supplements.

Naproxen is also not recommended for use with NSAIDs of the salicylate family (drugs may reduce each other's effects), nor with anticoagulants (may increase risk of bleeding).

In December 2004, the FDA issued a press release following the decision by the National Institutes of Health to halt a five-year study, called the Alzheimer's Disease Anti-Inflammatory Prevention Trial. That study aimed to test both Aleve and Celebrex as preventatives for Alzheimer's disease. Preliminary information from the study showed naproxen elevated the risk of heart attack and stroke by 50%. The FDA advised patients taking over-the-counter naproxen products to:

  • carefully follow the instructions on the label,
  • avoid exceeding the recommended doses for naproxen (220 milligrams twice daily), and
  • take naproxen for no longer than ten days unless a physician directs otherwise.

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Are you making the healthiest choices?
From Shape, 10/1/04

Every day, you make choices about your health and well--being. But are you making the right ones? Take another look at some of the decisions you face each day, and see if your choices are the best ones for you and your body.

The Breakfast Club

It's been called "the most important meal of the day"--but chances are your breakfast is overlooked, or skipped altogether. Some food for thought: missing meals can lead to overeating later in the day and weight gain. So eat up and choose wisely--go for whole grains and proteins for energy and sharpened focus.

Work It Out

Can't find time to exercise? You've got choices. Opt for a morning workout--you'll fit in fitness and gain energy for the day. If you still can't swing it, make the choice to exercise whenever you can--take the stairs instead of the elevator, or get off the bus a few stops early and walk the rest of the way to work.

Be Choosy ... in Love and in Birth Control

Whether you're choosing the right guy or looking for a pill that works best for you, your needs are unique. Not all birth control pills are the same, either--and, with more than 40 pills to choose from, it's important to make the choice that is best for you.

Yasmin[R] is a low-dose birth control pill that is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Yasmin can help:

* Give you shorter, lighter periods

* Reduce cramps

* Regulate your cycle

Know your body, know your mind and know your choices!

Talk to your healthcare provider about Yasmin and see the important safety information on the opposite page.

Learn more at www.yasmin.com

RELATED ARTICLE: The Yasmin "Choices" Sweepstakes

Go to Shape.com and find out if you're making the right choices for you-and you will be automatically entered to win a "choice" night out on the town! Four grand prize winners will each receive a romantic dinner for two, tickets for two to a show, concert or event and his and hers workout gear brought to you by Yasmin, For complete rules go to Shape.com.

Important safety information about Yasmin:

What makes Yasmin[R] different from other birth control pills?

It contains a different kind of progestin which may increase potassium. For healthy women this is not a problem.

How can you be sure Yasmin is safe for you?

Consult your doctor. You should not take Yasmin if you have kidney, liver or adrenal disease because this could cause serious heart and health problems.

What drugs could interfere with Yasmin?

Potassium-increasing drugs. Tell your doctor if you are on daily, long-term treatment for a chronic condition with any of the following: NSAIDs-ibuprofen (Motrin[R], Advil[R]), naproxen (Naprosyn[R], Aleve[R], and others) when taken long-term and daily for arthritis or other diseases or conditions, potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone and others), potassium supplementation, ACE inhibitors (Capoten[R], Vasotec[R], Zestril[R], and others). Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists (Cozaar[R], Diovan[R], Avapro[R], and others), and Heparin. Women who take any of the preceding drugs every day should have their potassium level checked in the first month of taking Yasmin.

What are the risks involved with taking any oral contraceptive (OC)?

OCs can be associated with increased risks of several serious side effects, and do not protect against HIV infection or other STDs. Women, particularly those 35 and over, are strongly advised not to smoke due to the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

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