All you need to know about the side effects of naproxen

Naproxen belongs to the class of drugs, NSAID i.e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Such medications are commonly used for treatment of inflammation as in case of arthritis, tendnitis, bursitis and any other inflammatory conditions. It is also used as a pain reliever and antipyretic, and particularly to treat dysmenorrhea. Even though naproxen is used for treatment of various types of diseases, the side effects of naprozen cannot be disregarded. The severe and less common hazards correlated to the use of naprozen are broadly divided into two categories: cardiovascular risks and gastrointestinal risks. The cardiovascular risks increase vulnerability to myocardial infarction, stroke and other thromboembolic conditions which aggravate with continued intake of naprozen. This medicine is strictly prohibited for patients with post coronary bypass pain control.

As compared to cardiovascular risks, Gastrointestinal troubles are more often and serious. These comprise of peptic ulcers and at times, gastrointestinal bleeding, which may prove fatal, if immediate measures are not taken. Though the GI side effectsare more common in people of old age and those who have used it for a long time, they can occur at any time, in patient of any age.The common side effects of naproxen are those which are shared by most of NSAIDs. These include gastritis, acid dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease and many other GI symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, constipation and asymptomatic increase in the enzyme, liver transaminase. There might be allergic reactions such as a rash and photosensitivity. Headaches, tiredness, giddiness and ringing in the ears also known as tinnitus are quite frequent.

One can buy naproxen from any chemist without a medical prescription but one needs to be cautious while using this medicine as there are many adverse effects related to its use. It may lead to the whole spectrum of acid dyspeptic disease, and gastric and duodenal ulcers with blood loss or perforation. Sticking to this medicine for too long may lead to grave renal toxicity that may even lead to kidney failure giving  rise to immediate need of  dialysis or even kidney transplant. As compared to other NSAIDs, sodium retention is more in case of naproxen (which may further lead to high blood pressure) and exacerbations of congestive heart breakdown and edema.  At times, severe skin reactions such as Steven's Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis may also occur.

Naproxen is a big "NO" with other NSAID medications and the COX2 inhibitors such as Celebrex and aspirin. The efficiency of   the ARB medications, the ACE inhibitors, and many blood pressure medications can be marred by the naproxen. One must go through the prescribing guidelines provided by the manufacturer so as to beware of potential drug interactions. The mothers are advised to keep away from this dug during the lactation or breast feeding period of the child.  Since alcohol increases the vulnerability to GI bleeding from naproxen, excessive alcohol should be avoided while taking naproxen as medication. Furthermore, people who are allergic to aspirin and other NSAIDs should not   go for naproxen as the allergy is correlated to the naproxen allergy.