Naproxen

NSAID·Analgesia - Simple & NSAIDs

Acute gout, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhoea, acute musculoskeletal injuries

PBSNSAIDNaprogesic, Naprosyn, Inza500 mg EC tabletUNSCHEDULED+1

Max Dose

1000 mg/day

Half-life

12-15 h

GI Bleed

HIGH RISK

CV Risk

LOWER

Rapid Summary

Overview

Potent, long-acting non-selective NSAID. Highly effective for gout and rheumatological conditions. Has the safest cardiovascular profile of all NSAIDs.

Maximum Dose

Max 1000 mg/day (1250 mg/day on day 1 for acute gout).

Clinical Focus

Higher risk of severe GI bleeding compared to ibuprofen due to its long half-life. Cover with a PPI in vulnerable patients.

Bottom Line

Naproxen is the NSAID with the best cardiovascular safety profile for patients requiring long-term anti-inflammatory therapy, but still carries GI bleeding and renal risks common to all NSAIDs.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Inza

Oral Routes

Tablets (250, 500 mg). Enteric-coated (SR) tablets (500, 750 mg, 1000 mg).

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (OTC) for 275mg low dose. S4 for higher doses. Unrestricted General Benefit.

Indications & Use

Primary

PBSTGA

Acute gout, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhoea, acute musculoskeletal injuries.

Clinical Place

The NSAID of choice for patients with known ischemic heart disease who absolutely require an NSAID (due to its neutral CV risk profile).

Quick reference

Class & Role

NSAID — Potent, long-acting non-selective NSAID.

Route / Formulation

Tablets (250, 500 mg). Enteric-coated (SR) tablets (500, 750 mg, 1000 mg). (Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Inza)

Usual Dose & Max

PO 750 mg STAT, then 250 mg every 8 hours until attack resolves. Max 1250 mg on Day 1, then 1000 mg/day.

Key Indication Doses

Acute Gout: PO 750 mg STAT, then 250 mg every 8 hours until attack resolves. Max 1250 mg on Day 1, then 1000 mg/day. Rheumatoid / Osteoarthritis: PO 250-500 mg BD (morning and night). Dysmenorrhoea: PO 500 mg STAT, then 250 mg q6-8h. Max 1250 mg on Day 1. Renal Impairment: Avoid if eGFR < 30.

Best Uses

Naproxen is the NSAID with the best cardiovascular safety profile for patients requiring long-term anti-inflammatory therapy, but still carries GI bleeding and renal risks common to all NSAIDs.

Avoid / Cautions

Active GI bleeding, severe heart failure, eGFR < 30. Pregnancy Category C. Do not use in 3rd trimester (premature ductus arteriosus closure).

Key Risks

Gastrointestinal: Peptic ulceration, perforation, and GI bleeding. Higher risk than ibuprofen due to prolonged COX-1 blockade in the stomach. Renal: AKI, fluid retention, hyperkalemia. Cardiovascular: Has the most favorable, neutral cardiovascular risk profile (lowest risk of causing an MI) compared to Diclofenac or Celecoxib.

Key Interactions

NSAID + ACEi/ARB + Diuretic = AKI. Anticoagulants (DOACs/Warfarin). High risk of fatal upper GI bleed. Lithium and Methotrexate (Naproxen heavily blocks their renal clearance, causing toxic spikes).

Monitoring

Take strictly with food. A prophylactic PPI (Pantoprazole 20-40mg) is heavily recommended for patients >65 years or those on Aspirin/SSRIs. Check U&E if used long-term.

Clinical Pearl

Naproxen is the absolute gold-standard NSAID for an acute gout flare. A massive 750mg stat dose rapidly crushes the inflammation faster than most other oral agents.

Access

Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Inza500 mg EC tablet

Brand: Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Inza
Formulation: Tablets (250, 500 mg)

Naproxen

NSAID·Analgesia - Simple & NSAIDs

Acute gout, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhoea, acute musculoskeletal injuries

PBSNSAIDNaprogesic, Naprosyn, Inza500 mg EC tabletUNSCHEDULED+1

Max Dose

1000 mg/day

Half-life

12-15 h

GI Bleed

HIGH RISK

CV Risk

LOWER

Rapid Summary

Overview

Potent, long-acting non-selective NSAID. Highly effective for gout and rheumatological conditions. Has the safest cardiovascular profile of all NSAIDs.

Maximum Dose

Max 1000 mg/day (1250 mg/day on day 1 for acute gout).

Clinical Focus

Higher risk of severe GI bleeding compared to ibuprofen due to its long half-life. Cover with a PPI in vulnerable patients.

Bottom Line

Naproxen is the NSAID with the best cardiovascular safety profile for patients requiring long-term anti-inflammatory therapy, but still carries GI bleeding and renal risks common to all NSAIDs.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Inza

Oral Routes

Tablets (250, 500 mg). Enteric-coated (SR) tablets (500, 750 mg, 1000 mg).

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (OTC) for 275mg low dose. S4 for higher doses. Unrestricted General Benefit.

Indications & Use

Primary

PBSTGA

Acute gout, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhoea, acute musculoskeletal injuries.

Clinical Place

The NSAID of choice for patients with known ischemic heart disease who absolutely require an NSAID (due to its neutral CV risk profile).

Quick reference

Class & Role

NSAID — Potent, long-acting non-selective NSAID.

Route / Formulation

Tablets (250, 500 mg). Enteric-coated (SR) tablets (500, 750 mg, 1000 mg). (Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Inza)

Usual Dose & Max

PO 750 mg STAT, then 250 mg every 8 hours until attack resolves. Max 1250 mg on Day 1, then 1000 mg/day.

Key Indication Doses

Best Uses

Naproxen is the NSAID with the best cardiovascular safety profile for patients requiring long-term anti-inflammatory therapy, but still carries GI bleeding and renal risks common to all NSAIDs.

Avoid / Cautions

Active GI bleeding, severe heart failure, eGFR < 30. Pregnancy Category C. Do not use in 3rd trimester (premature ductus arteriosus closure).

Key Risks

Key Interactions

NSAID + ACEi/ARB + Diuretic = AKI. Anticoagulants (DOACs/Warfarin). High risk of fatal upper GI bleed. Lithium and Methotrexate (Naproxen heavily blocks their renal clearance, causing toxic spikes).

Monitoring

Take strictly with food. A prophylactic PPI (Pantoprazole 20-40mg) is heavily recommended for patients >65 years or those on Aspirin/SSRIs. Check U&E if used long-term.

Clinical Pearl

Naproxen is the absolute gold-standard NSAID for an acute gout flare. A massive 750mg stat dose rapidly crushes the inflammation faster than most other oral agents.

Access

Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Inza500 mg EC tablet

Brand: Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Inza
Formulation: Tablets (250, 500 mg)