What Is Naproxen EC?

If you suffer from the pain from conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, and menstrual cramps, you've most likely taken Naproxen-EC. This, however, is its generic name. People know it better as Aleve or Midol. Regardless of what it's called, the medication is all the same. It is a group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to reduce the hormones responsible for causing pain and inflammation in the body. While it can be prescribed by a doctor, it is available as an over-the-counter medication. For this reason, people need to be educated about the possible risks and side effects that accompany its benefits.

Dosage

• Naproxen-EC should be taken as directed by your doctor, or as suggested by the label on the bottle. It should never be taken in larger doses for periods longer than stated. Naproxen-EC is designed to release the medication slowly into the body. The pills or capsules should be swallowed whole. Crushing or breaking them can result in too much medication being released at once. The pills are enteric-coated, meaning there is a coating on them to protect your stomach; breaking the pill also breaks the protection. Naproxen-EC also comes in a liquid suspension form; this should be shaken well before measuring and should always be measured in a specially marked cup or spoon to ensure the proper dose is taken.

Missing a Dose

• Naproxen-EC is sometimes prescribed to be taken on an as needed basis, meaning you will not necessarily have a regular dosing schedule. If you are taking it on a regular basis and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next scheduled dosing time, skip the missed dose. Never take extra medication to make up for the missed dose. If you believe you have taken too much of the medication, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, drowsiness, abdominal problems including pain, nausea, and vomiting, black or bloody stools, coughing that produces blood, fainting, and shallow breathing.

Side Effects

• Every medication will carry side effects, some more serious than others. More common side effects that should go away shortly after beginning the medication include abdominal symptoms such as upset stomach and mild heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, bloating or gas, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, rash, or itchy skin. Severe side effects that require you to stop taking the medication immediately and call the doctor as soon as possible include chest pain, slurred speech, swelling or rapid weight gain, infrequent or no urination, neck stiffness, sore throat and headache accompanied with severe blistering and peeling of the skin, chills, an increased sensitivity to the light, and seizures. In addition, there is always a chance of an allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. These symptoms include swelling of the face, tongue, lips throat, and face, hives, and difficulty breathing.

Drug Interaction

• Certain drugs may interact negatively with Naproxen-EC. If you take any of the following, you may not be able to take Naproxen, or may need an adjusted dose. Some of these medications include blood thinners such as Coumadin, lithium such as Lithibid, methotrexate such as Trexall, steroids like Prednisone, diruetics such as Lasix, and ACE inhibitors such as Lotensen, Monopril, and Vasotec.

Medical Conditions

• Just as there are drug interactions, there are certain medical conditions that limit your ability to take Naproxen-EC. Medical conditions that may interfere negatively with Naproxen include a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots, history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, liver or kidney disease, bleeding or clotting disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure. People who smoke may also have a negative reaction to Naproxen-EC. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor may not allow you to take Naproxen-EC, may adjust your dose, or may require testing while on it to ensure your safety.

Warning

• NSAIDs can increase your risk of developing a life threatening heart or circulation problem which includes heart attack and stroke. This risk is increased the longer you take the medication. Naproxen-EC should not be used immediately following a heart bypass surgery, and can increase your risk of stomach bleeding or perforation. It can be harmful to an unborn baby, causing birth defects in the last three months. For this reason, you should tell your doctor if you're pregnant before starting Naproxen-EC, or plan on becoming pregnant while taking it.