--- title: "Naproxen: Uses, Side Effects & NHS Guidance | HealthAnswers" description: "Naproxen is an NSAID painkiller that reduces pain and inflammation; how to take it safely, side effects, and heart, kidney and stomach cautions." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/naproxen/ robots: noindex --- # Naproxen: Uses, Side Effects & NHS Guidance | HealthAnswers Treatments Naproxen is an NSAID painkiller that reduces pain and inflammation; how to take it safely, side effects, and heart, kidney and stomach cautions. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is naproxen used for? Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain, swelling and inflammation. It is used for conditions such as arthritis, gout and period pain. It should be taken with food because it can irritate the stomach, and it is not suitable for everyone, so check with a GP or pharmacist if you have kidney, heart or asthma problems. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Naproxen, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Key facts about naproxen - Naproxen is an NSAID that reduces pain, swelling and inflammation. - It is longer acting than ibuprofen and is often taken twice daily. - It carries a risk of stomach irritation and bleeding, so it is taken with food. - A stomach-protecting medicine (PPI) may be prescribed alongside it if your risk is higher. - It can cause fluid retention and a rise in blood pressure in some people. - It should be avoided by people with severe heart failure. ## What is naproxen used for? Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is commonly prescribed for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) and sprains. It is available both on prescription and to buy from a pharmacy. ## How to take naproxen Naproxen should be taken with food or milk to help protect the stomach. It is best to take the lowest dose that controls your symptoms for the shortest time you need it, which helps reduce the risk of side effects. ## Who should be cautious with naproxen Naproxen is not suitable for everyone. Extra care is needed for people with kidney disease, asthma, heart failure, or those taking anticoagulant medicines, so check with a GP or pharmacist before starting it if any of these apply to you. Naproxen can also interact with other medicines, including ACE inhibitors and diuretics, so tell your GP or pharmacist about everything else you take. ## Side effects of naproxen Common side effects of naproxen include indigestion, stomach ulcers and reduced kidney function. Stop taking naproxen and seek medical help if you notice any signs of stomach bleeding, such as black stools or severe stomach pain. ## ! Important safety information for naproxen Check with a GP or pharmacist that naproxen is suitable for you if you have other illnesses or take other medicines. Stop taking it and seek help if you notice black stools or severe stomach pain, as these can be signs of stomach bleeding. Call **111** for urgent advice whenever you are unsure what to do. ## Common questions about naproxen What is the difference between naproxen and ibuprofen? Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs and work in a similar way, but naproxen lasts longer in the body, so it is often taken only twice a day. The same cautions around stomach, kidney and heart risks apply to both medicines. Do I need stomach protection when taking naproxen? A stomach-protecting medicine such as a PPI may be prescribed alongside naproxen if you are at higher risk of stomach problems, for example if you are older, have had a previous ulcer, or are also taking steroids. A GP or pharmacist can advise whether you need one. Does naproxen increase the risk of a heart attack? Naproxen and other NSAIDs can increase cardiovascular risk, particularly with higher doses or longer use. Taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed helps reduce this risk. Can I take naproxen during pregnancy? Naproxen is generally best avoided in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. If you think you need it earlier in pregnancy, discuss this with a GP or midwife first. ## Sources - [NHS — Naproxen](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/naproxen) - [NHS — Ibuprofen For Adults](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults)