Naprosyn is the brand name of the generic drug Naproxen which is manufactured by Roche Laboratories. It is an NSAID drug which means it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is available in tablets of 250, 375, and 500 mg and in a suspension of 125 mg. EC- Naprosyn is available in 375 mg.
Indications
This drug is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis to bring down the inflammation, fever and the pain and reduces the swelling and stiffness. This drug is also prescribed for muscle aches, back aches, headaches, toothache, gout, menstrual cramps and other types of arthritis as well. It is very often used as a cold or flu remedy because it helps in bringing down the fever.
Action
This medication works by reducing the prostaglandins in the system. These are the chemicals in the body that are responsible for the inflammation, pain and swelling. What this drug actually does is to prevent the enzymes that are involved in manufacturing them from doing so. So the production of prostaglandins are brought down and with this, the inflammation is reduced.
Side Effects
The side effects that are commonly manifested are diarrhea or constipation, nausea, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, feeling sleepy or dizzy, skin rash, ringing sounds in the ear or nausea. This drug could cause tiredness, swelling of hands or feet because of water retention, headaches, and ulcers in the stomach or intestine. Dark colored stools must be reported to the doctor immediately. There could also be heart problems like a pounding heart or heart attacks, blood clots, raised blood pressure or kidney problems. Some experience vision problems, yellowing of the eyes or skin and excessive urine.
Caution
This medication must be used with caution if you are allergic to certain drugs. The doctor must be informed about all your allergies, all the ailments you have suffered and all the medications and supplements you are taking. Any respiratory disorder or any heart complaint must be communicated so that the doctor can decide whether or not it is safe for you to be it on this drug. You need to stop or cut down on the alcohol and tobacco and you need to be careful when you are out in the sun because this drug makes your skin extra sensitive.
Contraindications
This drug is contraindicated when the person has ulcers, kidney or liver problems, heart ailments, glaucoma, when women are pregnant or nursing. It should also be avoided in people who are allergic to this kind of medication, in children under sixteen and in very old people.