Aleve (naproxen) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is sold over-the-counter (OTC) in 220 mg doses.Prescription-strength Aleve is available in doses ranging from 250 mg to a 750 mg extended-release form.
People use Aleve to manage many symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Fever
- Symptoms of chronic disease, especially arthritis
It's important to follow your doctor's dosage recommendations to avoid potential side effects.
This article explains Aleve's dosage, safety, side effects, and drug interactions. It also covers precautions to consider while taking Aleve.
Aleve Dosage
Aleve comes in capsule and gel form. One dose of OTC Aleve contains 200 mg naproxen and 20 mg sodium.
Prescription naproxen is available in regular and extended-release formulations. It is also available in combination with a sleep aid—25 milligrams (mg) diphenhydramine hydrochloride.
As with all NSAIDs, you should aim for the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. According to the manufacturer, dosages of OTC Aleve for pain management is as follows:
- Take one pill every 8-12 hours.
- You can take two pills within one hour for your first dose.
After your first dose, you should not take more than two pills in any 8-12 hour time or more than three in any 24 hours.
Missed Dose of Aleve
If you miss a dose, you can skip it or take one as soon as you remember. Then wait for 12 hours before taking your next dose. Stay as close to your regular dosing schedule as possible.
Never double-dose this medication.
How to Store
Safely store Aleve by keeping it tightly closed in the container it came in. It should be kept at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.
Get rid of medication that is outdated or if you don’t need it anymore. As an extra precaution, you can mix the drugs with something undesirable, such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter before throwing them away.
In addition, some pharmacies accept unwanted drugs so they can properly dispose of them. Keep naproxen out of the reach of children.
Your doctor will advise you about how to take your medication. It is essential to follow their directions and the package instructions carefully. Pharmacists can answer any questions you have about the medication.
Safety and Side Effects
All medicines in the NSAID class, including naproxen, work by blocking the formation of chemicals in the body known asprostaglandins.Prostaglandins contribute to the effects of inflammation, including swelling, fever, and pain.
Some of the common side effects include:
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Bruising
- Itching
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Naproxen is usually safe, but it has beenassociated with severe and even fatal side effects. These include GI tract, kidney, and heart complications.
Since the side effects of this drug can be pretty serious, you should only take Aleve under the guidance of your doctor. In addition, it’s best to take no more than the recommended dosage for the shortest time necessary.
Allergic Reaction
This drug has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. This kind of reaction may show up as:
- Hives
- Facial swelling
- Asthma
- Skin rash
- Blisters
- Shock
If any of these symptoms occur, stop taking naproxen and seek emergency medical attention.
Stomach Bleeding
Prostaglandins naturally help protect your stomach from damage. Therefore, when Aleve reduces your prostaglandin production, it can cause stomach bleeding.
Signs and symptoms of stomach bleeding include:
- Severe stomach pain
- Black, tarry stools
- Bloody stools
- Vomiting blood
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these effects.
Cardiovascular Risks
Based on research findings, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required manufacturers to strengthen their warnings about cardiovascular health risks on NSAID packages and labeling.
These risks include:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Stroke
You can have these effects even if you only use NSAIDs for a few weeks. Taking higher doses for more extended periods may increase your risk.
That said, a 2016 Danish study found an association between short-term ibuprofen or diclofenactreatment and cardiovascular events. However, it did not identify a link specifically between naproxen and such events.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms that may indicate cardiovascular side effects that require immediate attention include:
- Fluid retention
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Slurred speech
- Vision or balance problems
Liver Damage
Liver damage is another potential complication of taking naproxen or other NSAIDs. Symptoms of a liver problem include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Itching
- Yellowing of skin and eyes or dark urine (jaundice)
- Flu-like symptoms
If you have any of these, stop taking naproxenand seek immediate medical attention.
Precautions and Contraindications
Aleve is not the proper medication for everyone. People with certain risk factors or existing health conditions should consider other drug options.
Conditions that may increase the risk of adverse effects include:
- Before or after a heart bypass operation
- Heart disease
- Gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- History of stroke
Using alcoholin combination with naproxen can increase your risk for stomach and GI problems.
If you already have GI problems, work with your healthcare provider to determine an appropriate pain relief solution.
Other conditions that may increase your risk for the dangerous side effects of naproxeninclude:
- Asthma
- Nasal polyps
- Bleeding and clotting disorders
- Being a smoker
- Skin that's sensitive to sunlight
Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, you should speak to your doctor before taking Aleve. They might recommend that you avoid this medication or that you use it with caution.
This drug may cause birth defects when taken in thelast trimester of pregnancy. It may also pass through breast milk.
Children
Aleve is not for children under 12 unless directed by their doctor. If your child is using Aleve or any form of naproxen, be sure to tell your doctor about any changes in their weight, as the dose is weight-based.
Older Adults
NSAIDs come with the risk of ulcers, bleeding in the stomach lining, and other GI problems.Older adults may be at an even higher risk of GI complications.
These side effects can be severe. Keep in mind that they can occur at any time and may show up without warning.
Recap
Contraindications include people with heart, liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal problems. In addition, children under 12 should not take Aleve unless under the direction of their doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about alternatives to Aleve.
Drug Interactions and Overdose
Many OTC medications contain NSAIDs. For this reason, it's crucial to read all medication labels (OTC and prescribed) before using them. Also, be sure you're getting only one dose of an NSAID at a time.
Nutritional supplements, herbs, recreational drugs, and caffeine can interact with naproxen and change the way it worksin your body. Speak with your doctor about all medications and supplements you take before taking Aleve.
Medications that may interact with naproxenin a harmful way include:
- Alendronate, taken to prevent bone loss
- Other NSAIDs, includingaspirin
- Other anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)
- Entecavir, for hepatitis-B infections
- Cidofovir, taken for eye infections in people with HIV
- Cyclosporine, given to transplant patients
- Water pills (diuretics)
- Blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors
- Blood thinners such as Coumadin or other medications that treat or prevent blood clots
- Methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug
- Pemetrexed, a chemotherapy drug
- Herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or Ginkgo biloba
- Lithium medication such as Eskalith and Lithobid
If you think you may have overdosed, call 911 or your local poison control center.
Summary
Aleve is an NSAID fever and pain reducer that people frequently use to manage chronic pain. The medication is available OTC and by prescription. You should follow your doctor's guidance regarding dosage. OTC instructions are to take one 220 mg pill every 8-12 hours.
A Word From Verywell
Aleve may be helpful for your condition, but to make the most of it, you need to use it safely. OTC medications, including Aleve, need to be used correctly and with caution.
Make sure to follow the dosage instructions and be aware of the possible side effects and interactions. If you feel that something isn't right, contact your healthcare provider.
FAQs
Can you take Aleve every 4 hours? ›
The maximum daily dose of Aleve for adults is 660 mg of the OTC preparation. You can take 2 tablets in the first hour for your first dose. After that, you should not exceed 2 tablets in 12 hours or 3 tablets in 24 hours.
What happens if I take 4 Aleve in 24 hours? ›Heartburn, stomach pain (possible bleeding in the stomach and intestines) Nausea, vomiting. Rash. Ringing in the ears.
Can you take Aleve daily long term? ›Long-term use of Aleve can make your heart work harder. Aleve makes you retain water, which increases the load on your heart. This extra work can cause pressure on your cardiovascular system and can sometimes lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Does Aleve help with inflammation? ›Naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are available over-the-counter (OTC). They're commonly used for pain and inflammation.
Why is Aleve better than ibuprofen? ›Aleve is Long Acting and ibuprofen is Short Acting
Ibuprofen tablets/capsules need to be given every four to six hours. Aleve is considered long-acting, and can be given twice daily. It has a slower onset of effect and is better suited for the treatment of chronic conditions.
In summary: Use NSAIDs like Advil or Aleve for chronic pain, pain from an injury or surgery, or other inflammatory pain like arthritis. Use Tylenol for mild pain like headache or to reduce fever.
Is taking two Aleve everyday bad? ›For safe and effective use of this medicine, do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than ordered by your doctor. Taking too much of this medicine may increase the chance of unwanted effects, especially in elderly patients.
What is the safest NSAID for long term use? ›Of the available NSAIDs, ibuprofen seems to present the lower risk of liver injury and may be a preferred option for patients with risk factors for hepatotoxicity.
Can you mix Aleve and Tylenol? ›Yes, Aleve and Tylenol are generally safe to take at the same time. However, taking them at different times is often more effective. A person could start, for example, by taking Tylenol in the morning. The pain may return before the next scheduled dose, depending on the strength of the Tylenol.
What is the safest anti-inflammatory medication? ›...
This class of medications includes:
- Aspirin (full dose)
- Celecoxib (used in Celebrex)
- Diclofenac (used in Votaren)
- Ibuprofen (used in Advil or Motrin)
- Naproxen (used in Aleve)
What pain reliever can I take everyday? ›
For most older adults, the safest oral OTC painkiller for daily or frequent use is acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol), provided you are careful to not exceed a total dose of 3,000mg per day.
What is the strongest anti-inflammatory? ›What is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication? Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available.10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex.
Can I take 2 Aleve at once? ›Take one tablet, caplet, gelcap or liquid gel every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last. For the first dose, you may take 2 pills within the first hour. Do not exceed more than 2 tablets, caplets, gelcaps or liquid gels in 12 hours, and do not exceed 3 tablets, caplets, gelcaps or liquid gels in 24 hours.
How many days should you take Aleve for inflammation? ›Aleve should not be taken for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for a fever without consulting your doctor. Aleve is available over the counter, so you can get long-lasting pain relief without a prescription.
Is Aleve good for arthritis? ›Prescription and over-the-counter medications, like Aleve can help ease minor arthritis pain when used as directed. Just make sure you always check with your doctor before taking any medication.
What is best for inflammation? ›green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards. nuts like almonds and walnuts. fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
Which is the stronger anti-inflammatory Aleve or Advil? ›As far as effectiveness goes, a dose of 440mg Aleve is approximately equivalent to a dose of 400mg Advil. One of the most important differences is the length of time Aleve and Advil act for. Advil is considered a short-acting NSAID, with a relatively quick onset of action.
Which is stronger ibuprofen 800 or Aleve? ›If you're still wondering whether to take Aleve or ibuprofen, remember that Aleve is a long-acting drug, while ibuprofen is short-acting. Aleve will last longer and is more effective for chronic pain, but it also poses a greater risk for gastrointestinal issues.
What is the strongest pain relief? ›Fentanyl is a strong opioid painkiller. It's used to treat severe pain, for example during or after an operation or a serious injury, or pain from cancer. It is also used for other types of pain that you've had for a long time when weaker painkillers have stopped working. Fentanyl is available only on prescription.
What is the strongest OTC pain reliever? ›Naproxen (Aleve) is the most powerful anti-inflammatory pain reliever available without a prescription. It is especially effective for sprains, sunburns and arthritis and other conditions. Similar doses of Naproxen tend to last longer than other non-prescription pain relievers.
What is the safest drug for arthritis? ›
Methotrexate is widely regarded as one of the safest of all arthritis drugs, though it carries some potential downsides. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are its most frequent side effects.
Does Aleve raise blood pressure? ›Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often the pain reliever of choice for people with high blood pressure (hypertension) because most other options are types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), which can raise blood pressure.
Why can't you lay down after taking naproxen? ›Doing so can release the drug too quickly, increasing the risk of side effects. Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug.
Is Aleve hard on your kidneys? ›NSAIDS, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), lead the list for drugs that cause kidney damage because of their widespread use.
What can I take for inflammation instead of NSAIDs? ›Acetaminophen is a safe alternative to NSAIDs for people who are allergic or hypersensitive to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. In addition, certain supplements can help provide relief from inflammation and pain. Common alternatives to NSAIDs include arnica, curcumin, and bromelain.
What is the best anti-inflammatory medicine for joint pain? ›For swelling, the best solutions are general pain relievers that reduce inflammation and don't contain steroids. These pain medications include ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) and aspirin.
What's the best anti-inflammatory for arthritis? ›Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
Taking two medications that work the same way and affect the same parts of the body is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of side effects. For example, taking ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) together is not recommended because they are both NSAIDS.
How soon can I take Aleve after Tylenol? ›If you need additional pain relief, you can combine aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen with acetaminophen. However, do not take aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen within 8-12 hours of each other. Also, watch out for pain medications that might be included in combination products such as those used for cough and cold.
Why can't you take Aleve and ibuprofen together? ›Using ibuprofen together with naproxen is generally not recommended. Combining these medications may increase the risk of side effects in the gastrointestinal tract such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and rarely, perforation.
How do you fight inflammation naturally? ›
- Load up on anti-inflammatory foods. ...
- Cut back or eliminate inflammatory foods. ...
- Control blood sugar. ...
- 4. Make time to exercise. ...
- Lose weight. ...
- Manage stress.
To reduce inflammation fast, limit your intake of sugar and processed foods. Perhaps, more importantly, though, pursue exercise, stress-reducing behaviors, a good night's sleep, and a diet full of colorful, anti-inflammatory foods.
What is the best medicine for knee pain in old age? ›Over-the-counter medications — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) — may help ease knee pain. Some people find relief by rubbing the affected knee with creams containing a numbing agent, such as lidocaine, or capsaicin, the substance that makes chili peppers hot.
What is the safest pain reliever to take on a daily basis? ›Acetaminophen is generally considered safer than other pain relievers. It doesn't cause side effects such as stomach pain and bleeding.
Is Aleve safe for the elderly? ›Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen
The most common over-the-counter alternatives to acetaminophen are ibuprofen and naproxen (like Advil or Aleve). These are in the category of called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Older adults should be very careful with NSAIDs.
NSAIDs are often the go-to drugs for back pain relief. They can be purchased over the counter (or, in higher doses, by prescription) and include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). NSAIDs help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in muscles and around damaged spinal discs or arthritic joints.
What is a fast acting anti-inflammatory? ›NSAIDs can be very effective. They tend to work quickly and generally have fewer side effects than corticosteroids, which also lower inflammation.
How long does Aleve take to reduce pain? ›You should start feeling better about one hour after you take naproxen. If you're taking this medicine twice a day regularly, it might take up to three days for it to work properly. Depending on your condition, you may take naproxen for only a day or two.
Will Aleve help you sleep? ›Aleve PM can help you fall asleep and stay asleep with less pain for a good night's rest. The naproxen sodium (220 mg) in Aleve PM works by temporarily blocking the body's production of naturally occurring chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a direct role in pain.
Is naproxen 500 mg a strong painkiller? ›Naproxen is a powerful anti-inflammatory painkiller which is used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with a range of different health conditions (such as arthritis, gout or menstrual pain).
Is it safe to take Aleve for two weeks? ›
Aleve dosage for aches and pain
Adults and adolescents over the age of 12 can use Aleve to relieve minor aches and pains due to arthritis, muscle aches, backaches, headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, or the common cold. However, Aleve should only be used for 10 days continuously.
For safe and effective use of this medicine, do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than ordered by your doctor. Taking too much of this medicine may increase the chance of unwanted effects, especially in elderly patients.
What is the best food to eat with naproxen? ›Eat neutral foods
Crackers, rice, bread, peanut butter, and other neutral foods do a good job coating your stomach and prompting digestion, which helps your body to metabolize your medication efficiently.
Several nutritional supplements have shown promise for relieving pain, stiffness and other arthritis symptoms. Glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e and curcumin are just some of the natural products researchers have studied for osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
What do most doctors prescribe for arthritis? ›- NSAIDs . Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. ...
- Counterirritants. ...
- Steroids. ...
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Your joints' lubricating fluid allows your joints to move with more ease and less stress. To activate those juices, start your exercise routine with a gentle 5-10-minute warm-up and gradually increase your effort. Another good way to self-lube is drinking more water. Stretch regularly.
How long apart Can you take Aleve? ›Aleve is an NSAID fever and pain reducer that people frequently use to manage chronic pain. The medication is available OTC and by prescription. You should follow your doctor's guidance regarding dosage. OTC instructions are to take one 220 mg pill every 8-12 hours.
How long do you have to wait between taking Aleve? ›Aleve can relieve pain all day with just 2 pills. Each Aleve pill has the strength to last 12 hours. Aleve is available without a prescription, so it's easy to get pain relief that can last all day.
Can I take Tylenol and Aleve together? ›The medical community considers it generally safe to take Tylenol and Aleve at the same time. However, alternating doses of Aleve and Tylenol can extend the relief from pain. A person can take one as the other starts to wear off. A person should only take the recommended doses of these medications.
Is Aleve stronger than Advil? ›Which Is More Effective at Relieving Pain? Since naproxen and ibuprofen work in the same way, they are generally equally effective for relieving pain. However, the type of pain you're experiencing may help you decide which to take. On average, Aleve lasts eight to twelve hours, while Advil lasts just four to six hours.
Is it safe to take Aleve every day for arthritis? ›
For safe and effective use of this medicine, do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than ordered by your doctor. Taking too much of this medicine may increase the chance of unwanted effects, especially in elderly patients.
Can I take 2 Aleve every 4 hours? ›Take one tablet, caplet, gelcap or liquid gel every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last. For the first dose, you may take 2 pills within the first hour. Do not exceed more than 2 tablets, caplets, gelcaps or liquid gels in 12 hours, and do not exceed 3 tablets, caplets, gelcaps or liquid gels in 24 hours.
What's the difference between naproxen and Aleve? ›Aleve is the same as naproxen (which goes by the brand name Naprosyn). Aleve is over the counter and comes as a 200 milligram tablet. Naproxen (Naprosyn), that is prescription, comes in sizes starting with 250 milligrams and goes up to 500 milligrams and also comes as a liquid in the prescription form.
What should you not mix with Aleve? ›This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.
How long should you wait to take Aleve after Tylenol? ›If you need additional pain relief, you can combine aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen with acetaminophen. However, do not take aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen within 8-12 hours of each other. Also, watch out for pain medications that might be included in combination products such as those used for cough and cold.
What is strongest anti-inflammatory? ›What is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication? Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available.10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex.
What is best to take for inflammation? ›“Ibuprofen is a non-steroid, anti-inflammatory. In other words, it reduces inflammation and pain in the body, and it can also be used as a fever reducer,” Reeder says. Some common brand names of ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin.