Anti-inflammatory drugs are very useful medications, and naproxen is one of them.. It is one of the most effective as to treat many problems associated with pain and inflammation, which allows to counteract many discomforts.
This medication must be prescribed by a physician. It is the medical specialist who must decide if this drug is the right one to treat any health problem. In any case, it is good to know what type of medicine naproxen 500 mg is, what it is used for, its price, etc.
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Naproxen What is it used for?
Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory drug of the NSAID group.. Like aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac or piroxicam, naproxen is part of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which help reduce pain and inflammation.
For this reason it is a widely prescribed medication, as many people suffer pain for one reason or another. In the appearance of symptoms of pain or inflammation, naproxen gives excellent results in the fight.
What are the differences between naproxen and naproxen sodium?
Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory drug that acts by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins. These substances are responsible for regulating certain functions such as blood pressure, blood clotting and allergic inflammatory response.
When naproxen enters the bloodstream it stops this synthesis. Thus, it manages to reverse the inflammation, providing relief by reducing swelling and regulating the affected area. For this reason, its use is recommended for pain caused by inflammation, fever and minor aches and pains.
Naproxen and naproxen sodium can be found in the market.. The difference between these two is that naproxen sodium accelerates the absorption in the body, which makes the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect occur earlier.
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How does naproxen work in the body?
Naproxen generally requires higher doses compared to other NSAIDs.. However, one of its advantages is that it has a longer effect than the rest of the most common analgesics. Once Naproxen is ingested, its absorption begins rapidly.
After 3 hours after ingestion, Naproxen has reached its full concentration in the bloodstream.
The effect can last up to 12 hours, so it is important not to exceed the prescribed doses. Due to this intense effect, doses usually start with one or two tablets a day.
Presentations of Naproxen
The most common presentation is Naproxen 500 mg.. Naproxen is the name of the active compound, and is marketed in pharmacies under different trade names. The most common are: Aleve, Aliviomas, Denaxpren, Lundiran, Naprosyn, Naproval, Naproxen Ratiopharm.
Although the 500 mg presentation is the most common, it is also available in 250 mg and 550 mg presentations in the case of Naproxen Sodium.
The price of Naproxen 500 mg is around 4 or 5 euros, and it is sold in capsules, tablets and suppositories that can be found in pharmacies.
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In what cases is the prescription of naproxen more common?
It has been shown that naproxen is more efficient in relieving pain than ibuprofendespite the fact that the latter is more commonly used. In fact naproxen is used in a very similar way to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs such as diclofenac.
One of the most common uses is to relieve musculoskeletal pain. Some common causes are rheumatoid diseases, arthritis or minor sports injuries.
It can also be effective in relieving fever caused by infections. It is important to remember that it does not cure the cause of the disease, it only lessens the discomfort. Hence the importance of a doctor prescribing the use of naproxen.
Another very common use is for menstrual pains, so it is prescribed as in menstruations that cause problems. It is also used to relieve migraine, however the truth is that its efficacy is lower compared to other specific medications for headaches and migraines.
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Side effects.
Naproxen is not exempt from causing some side effects.. While they are not alarming, they should be known and taken into account. If you have any doubts about them, you should talk to your doctor, who can determine if you should take the medication and the necessary doses.
One of the most common side effects of naproxen is that it can cause discomfort in the digestive tract. It is important for people with gastric ulcers and a history of gastrointestinal bleeding to be aware of them, and it is very important that they do not self-medicate.
Another situation in which the use of naproxen is not recommended is pregnancy. During the first two trimesters it is not advisable to use it, and in the final part of pregnancy it is definitely contraindicated. Its use is associated with congenital anomalies and miscarriages.
During lactation, the risk of using naproxen is lower. However, it can be substituted by ibuprofen, for which there is no evidence that it is harmful.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are known to be associated with cardiovascular risk, but there is little reason for concern. In the case of naproxen the fear is even less.
Some other side effects that may occur are drowsiness, vertigo, palpitations, bronchospam, nausea, vomiting or urticaria. If any of these or other side effects occur, a doctor should be notified immediately.
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