People use Aleve to manage many symptoms, including:
Headaches Back pain Fever Symptoms of chronic disease, especially arthritis
This article explains Aleve’s dosage, safety, side effects, and drug interactions. It also covers precautions to consider while taking Aleve.
Aleve Dosage
Aleve comes in capsule and gel form. One dose of OTC Aleve contains 200 mg naproxen and 20 mg sodium.
Prescription naproxen is available in regular and extended-release formulations. It is also available in combination with a sleep aid—25 milligrams (mg) diphenhydramine hydrochloride.
As with all NSAIDs, you should aim for the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. According to the manufacturer, dosages of OTC Aleve for pain management is as follows:
Take one pill every 8-12 hours. You can take two pills within one hour for your first dose.
Missed Dose of Aleve
If you miss a dose, you can skip it or take one as soon as you remember. Then wait for 12 hours before taking your next dose. Stay as close to your regular dosing schedule as possible.
How to Store
Safely store Aleve by keeping it tightly closed in the container it came in. It should be kept at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.
Get rid of medication that is outdated or if you don’t need it anymore. As an extra precaution, you can mix the drugs with something undesirable, such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter before throwing them away.
In addition, some pharmacies accept unwanted drugs so they can properly dispose of them. Keep naproxen out of the reach of children.
Safety and Side Effects
All medicines in the NSAID class, including naproxen, work by blocking the formation of chemicals in the body known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins contribute to the effects of inflammation, including swelling, fever, and pain.
Some of the common side effects include:
Heartburn Stomach pain or nausea Constipation Diarrhea Gas Headache Dizziness Drowsiness Difficulty sleeping Bruising Itching Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Naproxen is usually safe, but it has been associated with severe and even fatal side effects. These include GI tract, kidney, and heart complications.
Allergic Reaction
This drug has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. This kind of reaction may show up as:
Hives Facial swelling Asthma Skin rash Blisters Shock
Stomach Bleeding
Prostaglandins naturally help protect your stomach from damage. Therefore, when Aleve reduces your prostaglandin production, it can cause stomach bleeding.
Signs and symptoms of stomach bleeding include:
Severe stomach painBlack, tarry stoolsBloody stoolsVomiting blood
Cardiovascular Risks
Based on research findings, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required manufacturers to strengthen their warnings about cardiovascular health risks on NSAID packages and labeling.
These risks include:
Elevated blood pressure Heart attack Heart failure Stroke
You can have these effects even if you only use NSAIDs for a few weeks. Taking higher doses for more extended periods may increase your risk.
That said, a 2016 Danish study found an association between short-term ibuprofen or diclofenac treatment and cardiovascular events. However, it did not identify a link specifically between naproxen and such events.
Liver Damage
Liver damage is another potential complication of taking naproxen or other NSAIDs. Symptoms of a liver problem include:
Fluid retentionChest painWeaknessShortness of breathSlurred speechVision or balance problems
Nausea Vomiting Appetite loss Itching Yellowing of skin and eyes or dark urine (jaundice) Flu-like symptoms
Precautions and Contraindications
Aleve is not the proper medication for everyone. People with certain risk factors or existing health conditions should consider other drug options.
Conditions that may increase the risk of adverse effects include:
Before or after a heart bypass operation Heart disease Gastrointestinal (GI) problems Liver problems Kidney problems History of stroke
Other conditions that may increase your risk for the dangerous side effects of naproxen include:
If you already have GI problems, work with your healthcare provider to determine an appropriate pain relief solution.
Asthma Nasal polyps Bleeding and clotting disorders Being a smoker Skin that’s sensitive to sunlight
Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, you should speak to your doctor before taking Aleve. They might recommend that you avoid this medication or that you use it with caution.
Children
Aleve is not for children under 12 unless directed by their doctor. If your child is using Aleve or any form of naproxen, be sure to tell your doctor about any changes in their weight, as the dose is weight-based.
Older Adults
NSAIDs come with the risk of ulcers, bleeding in the stomach lining, and other GI problems. Older adults may be at an even higher risk of GI complications.
These side effects can be severe. Keep in mind that they can occur at any time and may show up without warning.
Drug Interactions and Overdose
Many OTC medications contain NSAIDs. For this reason, it’s crucial to read all medication labels (OTC and prescribed) before using them. Also, be sure you’re getting only one dose of an NSAID at a time.
Nutritional supplements, herbs, recreational drugs, and caffeine can interact with naproxen and change the way it works in your body. Speak with your doctor about all medications and supplements you take before taking Aleve.
Medications that may interact with naproxen in a harmful way include:
Alendronate, taken to prevent bone loss Other NSAIDs, including aspirin Other anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone) Entecavir, for hepatitis-B infections Cidofovir, taken for eye infections in people with HIV Cyclosporine, given to transplant patients Water pills (diuretics) Blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors Blood thinners such as Coumadin or other medications that treat or prevent blood clots Methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug Pemetrexed, a chemotherapy drug Herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or Ginkgo biloba Lithium medication such as Eskalith and Lithobid
Summary
Aleve is an NSAID fever and pain reducer that people frequently use to manage chronic pain. The medication is available OTC and by prescription. You should follow your doctor’s guidance regarding dosage. OTC instructions are to take one 220 mg pill every 8-12 hours.
A Word From Verywell
Aleve may be helpful for your condition, but to make the most of it, you need to use it safely. OTC medications, including Aleve, need to be used correctly and with caution.
Make sure to follow the dosage instructions and be aware of the possible side effects and interactions. If you feel that something isn’t right, contact your healthcare provider.
