Naproxen Sodium
Also sold as up and up naproxen sodium, Aleve, foster and thrive all day pain relief, Aleve Caplets, Aleve Caplets Soft Grip Arthritis, Aleve Caplets Easy Open Arthritis
From 9 official FDA drug labels · RxNorm 849574
What it is used for
These are the uses the FDA has approved for this label. Using it for anything else is “off-label”: ask your prescriber why.
Uses • temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: • minor pain of arthritis • muscular aches • backache • menstrual cramps • headache • toothache • the common cold • temporarily reduces fever
How to take it
Directions • do not take more than directed • the smallest effective dose should be used • drink a full glass of water with each dose Adults and children 12 years and older: • take 1 caplet every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last • for the first dose you may take 2 caplets within the first hour • do not exceed 2 caplets in any 8- to 12-hour period • do not exceed 3 caplets in a 24-hour period Children under 12 years: • ask a doctor
Do not take it if
Do not use • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer • right before or after heart surgery
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using it if
Ask a doctor before use if • the stomach bleeding warning applies to you • you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn • you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or had a stroke • you are taking a diuretic • you have problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers
Serious warnings and precautions
Warnings Allergy alert: Naproxen sodium may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin. Symptoms may include: • hives • facial swelling • asthma (wheezing) • shock • skin reddening • rash • blisters If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you • are age 60 or older • have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems • take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug • take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others) • have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product • take more or for a longer time than directed Heart attack and stroke warning: NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. These can be fatal. The risk is higher if you use more than directed or for longer than directed. Do not use • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer • right before or after heart surgery Ask a doctor before use if • the stomach bleeding warning applies to you • you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn • you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or had a stroke • you are taking a diuretic • you have problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are • under a doctor’s care for any serious condition • taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke, because naproxen may decrease this benefit of aspirin • taking any other drug When using this product • take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs Stop use and ask a doctor if • you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding: • feel faint • vomit blood • have bloody or black stools • have stomach pain that does not get better • you have symptoms of heart problems or stroke: • chest pain • trouble breathing • weakness in one part or side of body • slurred speech • leg swelling • pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days • fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days • you have difficulty swallowing • it feels like the pill is stuck in your throat • redness or swelling is present in the painful area • any new symptoms appear If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use naproxen sodium at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).
When using this product
When using this product • take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs
Stop using it and ask a doctor if
Stop use and ask a doctor if • you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding: • feel faint • vomit blood • have bloody or black stools • have stomach pain that does not get better • you have symptoms of heart problems or stroke: • chest pain • trouble breathing • weakness in one part or side of body • slurred speech • leg swelling • pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days • fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days • you have difficulty swallowing • it feels like the pill is stuck in your throat • redness or swelling is present in the painful area • any new symptoms appear
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use naproxen sodium at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.
Keep out of reach of children
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).
Forms and strengths available
From RxNorm. Which forms and strengths are actually stocked varies by pharmacy and country.
Reactions people have reported
These are counts from 15 voluntary reports to the FDA. They show what has been reported — they are not how common a side effect is, and they do not prove the medicine caused it.
Recalls
Research & studies
Recent higher-quality studies about Naproxen Sodium, from PubMed. We link to the source — titles only. This is not medical advice.
Similar medicines
Naproxen Sodium belongs to the Propionic acid derivatives class. Other medicines in it:
Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist
- Is this the right medicine for my condition, and how long should I take it?
- What side effects should I watch for, and which ones need urgent attention?
- Does this interact with my other medicines, supplements, or alcohol?
- What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much?
Why you can trust this
Everything above comes from official FDA drug labels (openFDA), not written by us. Here are the exact labels used.
- FDA labelTarget Corporation· version 11· published Nov 4, 2025· retrieved Oct 19, 2026· View this label on DailyMed
- FDA labelBayer HealthCare LLC.· version 19· published Dec 4, 2025· retrieved Oct 19, 2026· View this label on DailyMed
- FDA labelStrategic Sourcing Services LLC· version 3· published Sep 12, 2025· retrieved Oct 19, 2026· View this label on DailyMed
- FDA labelBayer HealthCare LLC.· version 4· published Mar 12, 2026· retrieved Oct 19, 2026· View this label on DailyMed
- FDA labelStrategic Sourcing Services LLC· version 4· published Aug 20, 2025· retrieved Oct 19, 2026· View this label on DailyMed
- FDA labelCHAIN DRUG MARKETING ASSOCIATION, INC.· version 2· published May 20, 2025· retrieved Oct 19, 2026· View this label on DailyMed
- FDA labelCare One (American Sales Company)· version 3· published Nov 21, 2022· retrieved Oct 19, 2026· View this label on DailyMed
- FDA labelBelmora LLC· version 1· published May 18, 2020· retrieved Oct 19, 2026· View this label on DailyMed