What Is Naproxen and What Is It Used For?
A UK prescriber's guide to naproxen — what it treats, naproxen 250mg vs 500mg dosage, how it compares with ibuprofen, side effects, and who should avoid it.
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling and inflammation. It is commonly prescribed for joint and muscle pain, arthritis, gout and period pain. In the UK, naproxen 250mg and 500mg tablets are prescription-only, taken with or after food.
Part of the Access Doctor Pain Relief Guide.
Key fact: One dose of naproxen works for up to 12 hours — roughly twice as long as standard ibuprofen — which is why prescribers often choose it for arthritis, gout and other ongoing inflammatory pain.
What Is Naproxen Used For?
Naproxen works by blocking cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the prostaglandins that drive pain, swelling and inflammation. That makes it most useful for conditions where inflammation is the underlying problem — it treats the cause of the pain, not just the sensation. In the UK it is prescribed for:
- Joint and muscle pain — sprains, strains, back pain, neck pain and sports injuries
- Osteoarthritis — painful, stiff joints, especially during inflammatory flares
- Rheumatoid arthritis — reduces joint inflammation, swelling and morning stiffness
- Gout — a first-choice NSAID for acute gout attacks
- Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) — particularly effective because menstrual cramps are prostaglandin-driven
- Tendinitis and bursitis — inflammation around shoulders, elbows, hips and knees
- Dental pain and other short-term inflammatory pain
For pain without an inflammatory component — a tension headache, for example — paracetamol is usually a better first choice, with fewer risks.
Naproxen 250mg vs 500mg — Dosage Explained
Naproxen tablets come in two strengths: naproxen 250mg and naproxen 500mg. They are the same medicine — the strength your prescriber chooses depends on how severe the pain is, your age, and your risk of side effects. A typical adult regimen is 250–500mg twice daily, morning and evening, always with or after food.
| Condition | Typical adult dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle, joint and back pain | 250–500mg twice daily | Lowest effective dose for the shortest time |
| Osteoarthritis / rheumatoid arthritis | 500mg twice daily (or 250mg if milder) | Reviewed regularly; often with stomach protection |
| Period pain | 500mg at onset, then 250mg every 6–8 hours as needed | Start at the first sign of pain for best effect |
| Acute gout | 750mg initially, then 250mg every 8 hours | Until the attack settles, typically within days |
| Maximum daily dose | 1,000mg (general use) | Do not exceed without prescriber advice |
When is naproxen 500mg prescribed?
Naproxen 500mg twice daily is the usual dose for moderate to severe inflammatory pain such as arthritis flares, gout and significant musculoskeletal injuries. Prescribers step down to 250mg — or start there — for milder pain, for older patients, and for anyone at higher risk of stomach or kidney side effects.
1
Take it with or just after food
This is the single most important rule with naproxen. Taking it on an empty stomach significantly increases the risk of irritation, ulcers and bleeding.
2
Space your doses evenly
Take one dose in the morning and one in the evening, roughly 10–12 hours apart, swallowed whole with water.
3
Never double up
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is due — then skip it. Do not take two doses together.
4
Don't combine with other NSAIDs
Never take naproxen alongside ibuprofen, aspirin taken for pain, or diclofenac. Paracetamol, however, is safe to combine.
Order Naproxen 250mg & 500mg Online
Our pharmacist independent prescribers will confirm the right strength for you — and whether you need stomach protection alongside it.
Order Naproxen →How Long Does Naproxen Take to Work?
You should start to feel pain relief within about an hour of your first dose. The full anti-inflammatory effect builds with regular dosing — for ongoing conditions such as arthritis, it can take up to three days of twice-daily doses to feel the complete benefit, and gout attacks typically improve meaningfully within 24–48 hours.
~1 hr
Initial pain relief after the first dose
8–12 hrs
Relief per dose — twice-daily dosing is enough
3 days
Regular dosing for full anti-inflammatory effect
Because naproxen has a long half-life of 12–17 hours, levels stay steady between doses. If your pain has not improved after a week of regular use, go back to your prescriber rather than increasing the dose yourself.
Naproxen vs Ibuprofen: Which Is Stronger?
This is the question patients ask most. The honest answer: naproxen is not dramatically "stronger" milligram for milligram — both are effective NSAIDs — but naproxen lasts roughly twice as long per dose, which makes it more practical and often more effective for continuous inflammatory pain like arthritis and gout. Ibuprofen's faster onset and shorter action suit short-lived pain such as headaches and dental pain.
| Naproxen | Ibuprofen | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration per dose | 8–12 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Dosing frequency | Twice daily | 3–4 times daily |
| Best for | Ongoing inflammatory pain: arthritis, gout, back pain, period pain | Short-lived pain: headache, dental pain, fever, minor injuries |
| UK availability | Prescription-only (250mg & 500mg tablets) | Lower strengths over the counter; ibuprofen 600mg on prescription |
| Heart safety | Among the more favourable NSAIDs for cardiovascular risk at standard doses | Low risk at OTC doses; risk rises at high prescription doses |
| Stomach risk | Moderate — a PPI such as omeprazole is usually co-prescribed | Somewhat lower at OTC doses; similar precautions at prescription doses |
Whichever you take: never combine naproxen and ibuprofen. Two NSAIDs together multiply the stomach-bleeding risk without adding pain relief. Paracetamol is the safe add-on.
Side Effects and Stomach Protection
Most people take short courses of naproxen without problems. The most common side effects are digestive: indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain and nausea. Some people notice headaches, dizziness or drowsiness. Taking every dose with food substantially reduces stomach symptoms.
Why naproxen is prescribed with omeprazole
The prostaglandins naproxen blocks to reduce inflammation also protect your stomach lining. With regular use — and especially in older patients — this raises the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. That is why NICE guidance and standard UK practice recommend co-prescribing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole, which lowers stomach acid and protects the lining. When you complete a naproxen consultation with Access Doctor, our prescribers assess whether you need a PPI and can prescribe both together.
Stop naproxen and seek urgent medical help if you develop: black or tarry stools, vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds, severe stomach pain, chest pain or breathlessness, or swollen ankles with reduced urination. These can signal stomach bleeding, heart or kidney problems. In an emergency, call 999.
Who Shouldn't Take Naproxen?
Naproxen is not suitable for everyone. Tell your prescriber about your full medical history and every medicine you take. Naproxen should be avoided — or used only with specialist advice — if you have:
- A current or previous stomach ulcer, or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Severe kidney or liver disease — NSAIDs reduce blood flow to the kidneys
- Heart failure, a recent heart attack or stroke
- An allergy to any NSAID, including aspirin-sensitive asthma
- Pregnancy — naproxen is contraindicated in the third trimester and generally avoided throughout
- Anticoagulant treatment (warfarin or DOACs) — combined use raises bleeding risk
Extra caution over 65: the risks of stomach bleeding and kidney problems rise with age. Older patients are usually given the lowest effective dose, a PPI alongside, and regular review. Naproxen can also interact with blood pressure medicines, SSRIs, lithium, methotrexate and diuretics — always declare these in your consultation.
Order Naproxen for Pain Relief Online
Complete a short clinical questionnaire and a GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber will review it the same day. If naproxen is right for you, it is dispatched with next-day delivery — with omeprazole co-prescribed where needed.
Order Naproxen →Frequently Asked Questions
Is naproxen stronger than ibuprofen?
Naproxen is longer-acting rather than simply stronger. A 500mg dose of naproxen relieves pain for 8–12 hours, compared with 4–6 hours for ibuprofen, so it only needs taking twice a day. Milligram for milligram the two are broadly comparable NSAIDs, but many people find naproxen more effective for inflammatory pain such as arthritis and gout because it maintains steady levels in the body for longer.
Can you buy naproxen over the counter in the UK?
Naproxen 250mg and 500mg tablets are prescription-only medicines in the UK. A pharmacy-only 250mg product is licensed solely for period pain in women aged 15–50; for every other use you need a prescription. Access Doctor's pharmacist independent prescribers can prescribe naproxen after a short online consultation.
Can I take paracetamol with naproxen?
Yes — paracetamol and naproxen work in different ways and can safely be taken together for stronger pain relief. Never combine naproxen with ibuprofen, aspirin taken for pain, or any other anti-inflammatory, as doubling up on NSAIDs multiplies the risk of stomach side effects without adding benefit.
Is naproxen good for back pain?
Yes. NICE recommends oral NSAIDs such as naproxen as first-line medication for low back pain, used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. It works best combined with staying active and gentle movement rather than bed rest.
Do I need to take omeprazole with naproxen?
Most people prescribed naproxen should also take a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole. Naproxen reduces the prostaglandins that protect your stomach lining, increasing the risk of ulcers and bleeding; omeprazole lowers stomach acid to counter this. Your prescriber will confirm whether you need it.
Can I drink alcohol while taking naproxen?
Alcohol is not strictly prohibited with naproxen, but drinking increases the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding, particularly with regular use. Keep alcohol to a minimum during a course of naproxen and avoid it entirely if you have any history of stomach problems.
Naproxen at treatment doses needs a prescription in the UK — but not a GP appointment. Access Doctor's GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers review your consultation the same day and dispatch approved orders for next-day delivery in discreet packaging.
Pain Relief · Rx
Naproxen 250mg & 500mg Tablets
Long-acting prescription NSAID for joint pain, arthritis, gout and period pain.
View product →Pain Relief · Rx
Ibuprofen 600mg Tablets
Prescription-strength ibuprofen — a faster-onset NSAID alternative.
View product →Stomach Protection · Rx
Omeprazole Capsules
PPI co-prescribed with naproxen to protect the stomach lining.
View product →References
- NICE CKS. NSAIDs — prescribing issues. 2024. cks.nice.org.uk
- NHS. Naproxen. nhs.uk
- BNF (NICE). Naproxen. bnf.nice.org.uk
- NICE. Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59). 2020. nice.org.uk
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. In a medical emergency, call 999.