The swelling and tenderness of one or more joints is called Arthritis. It is one of the most common disorders that affect joints. Arthritis can cause pain in joints as well as inflammation, due to which the patient feels difficulty in moving. It involves degeneration and breakdown of joints of affected patients. Arthritis usually affects people of older age; it can develop in men and women of any age. There are different types of Arthritis and every type has its own different symptoms. These are the most common areas of the body where Arthritis can occur:
- Feet
- Hands
- Hips
- Knees
- Lower back
Types of Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis
Also known as “Wear or Tear Arthritis” and it occurs when joint cartilage breaks down due to repeated stress. It is referred as most common type of Arthritis.
- Juvenile Arthritis(JA)
This disorder occurs when tissues around the joints are attacked by the immune system itself. It affects children of 16 or younger.
- Gout
This disease occurs due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
It is usually Arthritis of the lower back i.e. the spine.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
In this type of Arthritis the immune system attacks the synovial membrane of joints.
- Psoriatic Arthritis
It is a type of joint inflammation which develops in people with psoriasis(autoimmune disorder that causes skin irritation).
Symptoms of Arthritis:
Some common symptoms of arthritis are as follows:
- Pain in joints
- Stiffness of joints
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Warmth
- Decreased range of motion
- Numbness and tingling
- Chronic fatigue
NSAIDS are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Naproxen belongs to the NSAIDS family and it is used to treat different conditions like Naproxen is available as prescription medicine and as well as over-the-counter medicine at its lower strength forms. Naproxen works as a pain reliever and reduces inflammation by blocking the enzyme that produces prostaglandins. Inflammation is produced due to prostaglandins. At the site of injured tissue, prostaglandins cause inflammation which further causes redness, heat, swelling and pain.
Naproxen comes into market in two forms i.e. Naproxen and Naproxen Sodium. The major difference between simple Naproxen and Naproxen Sodium is that Naproxen Sodium is more rapidly absorbed.
Naproxen Uses:
Naproxen cab be used in following Conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Juvenile Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Bursitis
- Gout
- Tendonitis
- Muscle Aches, strains, sprains
- Headache
- Menstrual cramps
- Dental Pain
It is first line therapy for treatment of Osteoarthritis, acute gout arthritis, dysmenorrhoea, musculoskeletal inflammation and pain.
Ibuprofen: Proficient drug to Treat Arthritis
NSAIDS are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Ibuprofen belongs to NSAIDS. It is used to treat Arthritis. Ibuprofen works by reducing the release of those hormones which cause pain and inflammation in the body. Due to its property of reducing pain and inflammation, Ibuprofen is used in treatment of many conditions like menstrual cramps, headache, minor injury, toothache and Arthritis. As Ibuprofen comes under the class of NSAIDS that’s why it can be used in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.
Naproxen Dosage:
Naproxen is available in different Dosage forms i.e. tablets, liquid capsules and in liquid form as well. Naproxen Dosage is decided according to condition of patient for that he/she is taking the medicine. A generalised rule for taking medicine is that to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. It can prevent the one from many serious side effects. Doctors advise to take all NSAIDS with food to prevent gastrointestinal adverse effects.
Maximum Recommended Dose of Naproxen:
- The OTC use of Naproxen should be for short term period between 3-5 days for pain and not more than 3 days for fever. For ongoing treatment patient should consult the doctor. Maximum daily dose for children between 2-12years old is 20 mg/Kg. In 24 hours they shouldn’t take more than 1000 mg. When taking Naproxen as OTC the maximum dose in Children 12 years and older shouldn’t take more than 660 mg in 24 hours. Maximum dose for Arthritis is 1650 mg/day for upto 6 months.
Naproxen Dosage for mild to moderate pain:
- For fever and mild to moderate pain the Dosage for adults having age limit 12 to 65 years, is one tablet of Naproxen 220 mg every 12 hours.
- Children under 12 year should not take this medicine unless their doctor recommended to them.
Naproxen Dosage for acute gout attacks:
- Patients who are suffering from acute gout attacks should take 825 mg for one dose by following 275 mg every 8 hours.
Naproxen Dosage for Osteoarthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- Patients suffering from Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis can manage the pain and inflammation of joints by taking 220 mg to 550 mg of Naproxen every 12 hours.
Naproxen Dosage for Juvenile Arthritis:
- Naproxen can be used in adults who are suffering from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. The prescribed dose for this is to administer the liquid suspension of Naproxen to children 2 years old and older. For this recommended dose is 10 mg per Kg, divided into two doses 12 hours apart.
Naproxen Side Effects:
Some common Naproxen Side Effects are as follows:
Upset Stomach
- Nausea
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
If any side effects lasts longer immediately consult your concerned doctor or pharmacist. If you experience any serious side effect like these you should immediately consult your doctor.
- Symptoms of Heart Failure
- Bruising/Bleeding
- Mood changes
- Signs of kidney problems
- Unexplained stiffed neck
- Hearing changes
- Painful/difficult swallowing
- Unusual Tiredness
- Swelling of feet, ankle
Naproxen Interactions:
Interactions of different drugs can affect the efficacy of medicine and may also increase the risk of many serious side effects. To manage these interactions of drugs the patient should tell about all his previous medical history and all those drugs(Prescription/Non Prescription or herbal drugs) he/she is taking. There are many interactions of drugs and with food too, this article does not contain all interactions but some of them are given below. The patients should be well aware about this point that they don’t start, stop or change the Dosage of any medicine without telling his consultant.
Some drugs which can interact with Naproxen:
Angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Losartan, Valsartan
ACE inhibitors
- Captopril, Lisinopril
Corticosteroids
- Prednisone
Diuretics
- Furosemide
Aliskerin
Cidofovir
Lithium
Water pills
Naproxen may increase the risk of bleeding if it is taken along with anti platelet or blood thinning medicines i.e it can enhance the effect of anti platelet drugs e.g. Clopidogrel or blood thinners e.g. Warfarin.
Naproxen Warnings:
Patient should not take NSAIDS If he/she has previous history of allergy to any drug of this class. Naproxen can increase the risk of many fatal Heart Diseases. Naproxen may increase the risk of many stomach problems which can be fatal. So the patient should avoid take medicine if he/she experience any serious side effect.
Naproxen Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- It is less expensive.
- It is available as capsules, chewable tablets, syrups etc.
- It is available as over-the-counter medicine.
- It works well for pain, fever, inflammation.
Cons:
- It can cause Stomach Bleeding and Ulcer.
- It is not safe for pregnant women in their 3rd trimester.
- It does not last as long as other NSAIDS do.
- It is not safe for patient who have existing Cardiovascular Disorders.
