Naproxen: What Is It For?
Naproxen is an analgesic drug that belongs to the large family of NSAIDs, also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs. It is a drug that is contraindicated, among other situations, in patients suffering from a gastroduodenal ulcer, as well as in pregnant or lactating women.
The reason for this is that, as we will see later, naproxen crosses the placenta and part of it is excreted in the milk. On the other hand, this drug is administered in adults, mainly orally, in doses of 250 milligrams in two doses every 12 hours. The maximum dose is 1000 milligrams.
Main indications of naproxen
It can be used both as an antipyretic and as an analgesic. It has an effect similar to that of aspirin, but has a better tolerance. In addition to these two effects, it is also an anti-inflammatory drug used for the treatment of rheumatic diseases such as the following:
- Osteoarthritis.
- Gouty arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
Likewise, it is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, such as that which occurs in tendonitis, bursitis, dental pain, dysmenorrhea or migraines.
On the other hand, naproxen, having antipyretic effects, can be used in the treatment of febrile episodes and in relief of symptoms associated with the cold.
Learning more about NSAIDs
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic drug, this family being one of the most prescribed drug groups. The reason for this is that they present a wide variety of indications.
In terms of how they trigger action, naproxen, like all non-opioid pain relievers, share a mechanism of action. They are capable of inhibiting the action of the enzyme cyclooxygenase . As a consequence of this inhibition, the synthesis of prostaglandin formation, specifically PGE and PGL , is inhibited .
Prostaglandins are protein substances that participate in numerous physiological processes such as inflammatory reactions, the production of pain and fever. Due to this, with the inhibition of the enzyme involved in its synthesis, all these symptoms can be controlled.
Main adverse reactions of naproxen
Naproxen is one of the NSAIDs best tolerated by patients. However, like all dermal products on the market, naproxen is not exempt from producing a number of adverse effects. Medication adverse effects are all those expected events that occur unintentionally with treatment with a drug.
In this sense, naproxen can cause a series of digestive disorders such as:
- Sickness.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Or, if given rectally:
- Anal discomfort
- Gastroduodenal ulcer.
- Liver injuries
On the other hand, it is also capable of triggering nervous disorders, such as headaches, dizziness or loss of consciousness, among others. Other side effects that occur with naproxen treatment include the following:
- Temporary deafness.
- Agranulocytosis.
- Allergic reactions.
- Skin changes.
Pharmacokinetics: what happens to naproxen in the body?
Pharmacokinetics encompasses the processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. In this sense, naproxen is administered orally, presenting rapid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Approximately 2-4 hours after administration, naproxen reaches its maximum plasma levels. It has a half-life of between 12 and 15 hours, that is, this is the time necessary for half of the plasma concentration of the drug to be eliminated.
On the other hand, for its distribution in the body it needs to bind to plasma proteins. Specifically, it joins almost entirely, 99%. This fact is important because it favors the interaction with other drugs that also bind to plasma proteins for their distribution, which can generate a toxic picture if the necessary measures are not taken.
Naproxen is able to cross the placental and blood-brain barrier, so caution is required. Finally, it is metabolized in the liver and 95% is eliminated in the urine and partially in the milk.
Naproxen is an NSAID that is used mainly to treat rheumatic diseases. However, it has many other indications.
Pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with gastroduodenal ulcers, should not take this medicine as it can cause serious consequences.
For any questions, we recommend that you ask both your doctor and the pharmacist before taking naproxen and that the complications are no longer reversible.
