What Is Anaprox Used For?

Anaprox contains naproxen sodium and belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation in various conditions.

Primary Uses

Anaprox is used to treat different types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), muscle and bone injuries (sprains, strains, lower back pain, rheumatism, tendonitis like tennis elbow), swelling and pain after setting broken or dislocated bones, menstrual cramps (period pain), migraine headaches, post-surgery pain, and dental pain.

How It Works

Although Anaprox can relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation, it will not cure your underlying condition. It works by reducing inflammation, swelling, redness and soreness.

How to Take Anaprox

Take Anaprox exactly as your doctor has prescribed. The dose depends on both the type and severity of your pain and inflammation. Always take tablets during or immediately after food with a full glass of water or milk to help reduce the possibility of an upset stomach.

Dosage Instructions

For sprains, strains, and period pain: 550 mg (one tablet) initially, then 275 mg (half tablet) every 6-8 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose: 1375 mg (two and a half tablets). For migraine headache: 825 mg (one and a half tablets) at first sign of migraine. Additional 275-550 mg can be taken at least one hour later if needed. Maximum daily dose: 1375 mg. For arthritis: 550 mg to 1100 mg daily (divided in two doses). Your doctor may recommend lower doses – it’s best to use the lowest effective dose.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and continue normally. If you have trouble remembering, ask your pharmacist for hints.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• stomach upset including nausea and heartburn
• loss of appetite
• constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain
• dizziness, light-headedness
• headache, drowsiness
• buzzing or ringing in ears
• sore or dry mouth or tongue
• feeling thirsty
• itching or mild skin rashes
• fluid retention or shortness of breath

Important Warnings

There are several important situations where Anaprox should not be used, and medical conditions that require special consideration before starting treatment.

Who Should Not Take Anaprox

Do not use if you have allergies to naproxen sodium, aspirin or other NSAID medicines; are vomiting blood or coffee-ground material; have bleeding from rectum, black sticky bowel motions or bloody diarrhea; currently have or previously had peptic ulcers; have severe liver disease; recently had or about to have heart bypass surgery; are taking other naproxen-containing medications; have severe heart failure; are in 3rd trimester of pregnancy; or are under 2 years old.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have heartburn, indigestion, stomach ulcers or stomach problems; history of vomiting blood or rectal bleeding; bowel problems like ulcerative colitis; kidney or liver disease; heart failure; high blood pressure or heart problems; ankle or feet swelling; bleeding tendencies or blood problems like anemia; current infections; planned surgery; or are on a strict salt-restricted diet.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Anaprox may affect your developing baby during pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss risks and benefits if treatment is necessary. It may impair fertility and is not recommended for women trying to conceive. Anaprox passes into breast milk, and effects on the baby are not known. Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Anaprox.

Drug Interactions

Several medicines may interfere with Anaprox and affect how it works. You may need different amounts of your medicine or different medicines entirely.

• antacids (for indigestion and heartburn)
• aspirin, salicylates or other NSAID medicines
• diuretics (fluid or water tablets)
• lithium (for depression)
• probenecid (for gout)
• phenytoin (for epilepsy)
• methotrexate (for arthritis and some cancers)
• warfarin and heparin (blood clot prevention)
• blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, beta-blockers)
• sulphonamide antibiotics
• diabetes medicines
• steroids (for inflammation)
• SSRIs (for depression)
• zidovudine (for HIV)
• sodium bicarbonate (for stomach upset or ulcers)

Alcohol & Driving

Anaprox may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people, which can affect your ability to drive safely. Alcohol can make these effects worse.

Alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Anaprox affects you. If you experience dizziness or light-headedness, do not drive.

Storage

Keep tablets in the blister pack until it’s time to take them – they won’t keep well if removed early. Store in a cool dry place below 30°C, away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Keep away from bathrooms, sinks, cars, or window sills. Store where young children cannot reach.

Overdose Information

If you take too much Anaprox, you may experience drowsiness, stomach pain or tenderness, stomach upset including nausea, vomiting, heartburn, indigestion or cramps. If you think you’ve taken too much, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you have no symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions