The Use Of Naproxen – Learn About Its Effects
Pharmacokinetics involves the processes of absorption, distribution, and two routes of drug elimination: metabolism and excretion. In this classification, naproxen can be defined as an orally administered drug and is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Below you will learn all the important features, as well as the main action and use of naproxen.
Naproxen is a pain reliever. It belongs to a large family of NSAIDs, also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In this article, you’ll read about all the uses of naproxen.
This drug is contraindicated in patients with duodenal ulcers, as well as in pregnant or lactating women. What is the reason for this? As you will read below, naproxen crosses the placenta and some of it passes into breast milk. This drug is administered orally and the dose is 250 mg every 12 hours. The maximum daily dose is 1000 mg.
The use of naproxen
The drug described serves both as an antipyretic and as an analgesic. It works similarly to aspirin, but is better tolerated by the human body. In addition to these two effects, it is also an anti-inflammatory drug prescribed by doctors to treat rheumatic diseases such as:
- rheumatism,
- osteoarthritis,
- ankylosing spondylitis,
- gouty arthritis.
Additionally, it is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate pain caused by tendinitis, bursitis, toothache, dysmenorrhea, or migraines.
On the other hand, because naproxen has an antipyretic effect, it can help treat febrile episodes and relieve symptoms of the common cold.
Find out more about NSAIDs
As we mentioned above, naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). An interesting fact about this class of drugs is that it is one of the most prescribed groups. This is because they have many different uses.
Naproxen has the same mechanism of action as all non-opioid analgesics. They work by inhibiting the activity of the cyclooxygenase enzymes. This leads to an inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins, in particular PGE and PGL.
Prostaglandins are protein substances that play a role in many physiological processes, such as inflammatory responses, and pain and fever. Thus, inhibiting the enzyme involved in its synthesis can help control all of the above symptoms.
Main side effects of naproxen
Naproxen is one of the best tolerated drugs of the NSAID class. However, like all medications on the market, naproxen can cause a number of side effects. Side effects are unintended events that a patient can expect after initiating treatment with a particular medicine.
Thus, naproxen can cause a number of digestive disorders. Belong to them:
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea.
However, when administered rectally, it can cause:
- discomfort around the anus,
- duodenal ulcer,
- liver damage.
On the other hand, it can also cause changes in the nervous system, such as headaches, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, among others.
Here are other side effects that naproxen can cause:
- temporary deafness,
- agranulocytosis,
- allergic reactions
- skin conditions.
Pharmacokinetics: How naproxen works in the body
Pharmacokinetics involves the processes of absorption, distribution, and two routes of drug elimination: metabolism and excretion. Naproxen in this classification is an orally administered drug and is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
Maximum naproxen concentration in plasma is reached approximately two to four hours after administration. The half-life ranges from 12 to 15 hours. It takes the body this time to eliminate half of the drug’s plasma concentration.
On the other hand, this drug must bind to plasma proteins in order to be distributed throughout the body . It binds almost completely (99%). This fact is important as it promotes interaction with other drugs that also bind to plasma proteins for their distribution. This can cause problems if the doctor does not take the necessary measures.
Moreover, naproxen is able to cross the placenta and the blood-brain barrier. That’s why you need to be careful when applying it. Finally, this drug is metabolized in the liver and 95% is excreted in the urine and partly in breast milk.
The use of naproxen: conclusions
In short, these are NSAIDs prescribed by doctors primarily for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. However, when it comes to naproxen, the application can be much wider. Pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as people with duodenal ulcers should not take this drug as it can cause serious consequences.
If you have any questions, we recommend that you consult both your doctor and pharmacist before taking naproxen. Professional consultation will help you avoid possible complications.
