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Naproxen : Interaction with Foods, Herbs, Alcohol and Caffeine


Are you taking Naproxen? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Naproxen with certain foods, herbs or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.

Naproxen Interactions with Food and Herbs

Food:
  • Take naproxen with food, water or milk as it may decrease Gastric irritation.
  • Taking a high dose of this medication can increase your intake of vitamin C, vitamin K and folate (1 Trusted Source
    Abebe W. (2002). Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, 27(6), 391-401. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2710.2002.00444.x PMID: 12472978.

    Go to source
    ).
Herbal Supplements:
  • Avoid intake of herbal supplements such as garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng or horse chestnut as they can interfere with blood coagulation (1 Trusted Source
    Abebe W. (2002). Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, 27(6), 391-401. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2710.2002.00444.x PMID: 12472978.

    Go to source
    ).

Naproxen Interactions with Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking naproxen because it can cause stomach bleeding and increase the risk of liver damage (2 Trusted Source
Nutrient-Drug Interactions and Food

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).

Naproxen Interactions with Caffeine

Limit caffeine intake while taking naproxen as it can lead to several side effects (2 Trusted Source
Nutrient-Drug Interactions and Food

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).

When and How to Take Naproxen

  • Prescription naproxen is available as a regular tablet, a delayed-release and extended-release tablet and a suspension (liquid) to be taken orally.
  • Delayed-release tablets and suspensions are usually taken twice a day, while extended-release tablets are taken once a day.
  • Nonprescription naproxen comes as a tablet, a capsule and a gel capsule to be taken by mouth.
  • It is usually taken with a full glass of water every 8 to 12 hours as needed.
  • Swallow the tablets as a whole instead of crushing, chewing or breaking them.
  • Follow the directions exactly as given on the prescription label.
  • Take the medication at the same time every day for better results.
  • Do not exceed or skip a dose. If you miss it, take the medication as soon as you remember.
  • Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose (3 Trusted Source
    National Library of Medicine: Naproxen MedlinePlus Drug Information.

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    ).

References

1. Abebe W. (2002). Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs.Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, 27(6), 391-401. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2710.2002.00444.x
2. Nutrient-Drug Interactions and Food: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/nutrition-food-safety-health/nutrient-drug-interactions-and-food-9-361/
3. National Library of Medicine: Naproxen MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681029.html

Drug Name : Naproxen

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), prescribed for pain, fever, inflammation and stiffness due to various disease conditions.
We recommend consulting your doctor to verify the information presented on this page or if you need any further clarifications.


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Naproxen for Medical Condition(s)