TempoLife › Medicine reference › naproxen
Naproxen
Pain and inflammation, including muscle and joint pain and period pain; it is longer-acting than ibuprofen.
General information only, not medical advice, and no doses. Read the leaflet in your pack and ask a pharmacist about your own situation, other medicines, pregnancy or any health condition.
At a glance
| Generic name | Naproxen |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) |
| Commonly used for | Pain and inflammation, including muscle and joint pain and period pain; it is longer-acting than ibuprofen. |
| With food? | Take with or after food to protect the stomach. |
| Alcohol | As with other NSAIDs, heavy drinking increases the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| Timing | Usually once or twice a day with meals. |
Food and drink
Take with or after food to protect the stomach. As with other NSAIDs, heavy drinking increases the risk of stomach bleeding.
When to take it
Usually once or twice a day with meals.
Good to know
Like all NSAIDs, it is used cautiously by people with stomach, kidney or heart conditions — ask a pharmacist. If anything about your own use is unclear, a pharmacist can advise for free.
Other common medicines
Paracetamol
Mild to moderate pain such as headache, toothache and muscle aches, and lowering a fever.
Ibuprofen
Pain, inflammation and fever — for example period pain, sprains, back pain and dental pain.
Aspirin
Pain and fever at normal doses; a low daily dose is used, only on medical advice, to reduce clotting risk.
Omeprazole
Heartburn, acid reflux and stomach or gut ulcers.
Loratadine
Hay fever and other allergies, and itchy hives.
Cetirizine
Hay fever, allergies and hives.
Source: General medicine information paraphrased from standard patient-information-leaflet guidance. Always read the leaflet in your pack. · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
What is Naproxen used for?
Pain and inflammation, including muscle and joint pain and period pain; it is longer-acting than ibuprofen.
Can I drink alcohol with Naproxen?
As with other NSAIDs, heavy drinking increases the risk of stomach bleeding.
Should I take Naproxen with food?
Take with or after food to protect the stomach.
See the pattern over time
TempoLife logs symptoms, food and sleep, so you can bring a clear picture to your pharmacist or doctor.