The recommended dose is one pill every eight to 12 hours while symptoms last.
What Is Aleve (Naproxen)?
Aleve is the brand name for naproxen.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
Naproxen is also available as a generic.
Naproxen is an NSAID that blocks two enzymes calledCOX-1 and COX-2that the body uses to makeprostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are compounds that serve many purposes in the human body.
includingblood clottingand the induction of labor.
But they are also responsible for regulatinginflammation.
What Conditions Does Aleve Help With?
How to Take Aleve
Aleve is intended for the short-term relief of pain and inflammation.
Aleve is taken by mouth with or without food.
Then, wait for 12 hours before taking your next dose.
Stay as close to your regular dosing schedule as possible.
How to Store Aleve
Store Aleve in its original, light-resistant container.
It should be kept at room temperature and well away from heat and moisture.
Discard any expired drug.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Side Effects and Warnings
Aleve is generally regarded as safe if taken as directed.
As with all medications, Aleve can cause side effects, most of which are relatively mild and short-lived.
Possible side effects of Aleve include:
Other more potentially serious side effects can occur.
In rare cases, the misuse of Aleve can even cause heart and liver complications.
Allergic Reaction
The risk of an allergic reaction to Aleve is low.
Some reactions take up to 24 hours before symptoms develop.
Stomach Bleeding
Aleve works by blocking the production of prostaglandins.
While this helps ease inflammation, it also affects one of prostaglandin’s major functions: blood clotting.
The risk is greatest among those with underlying heart diseases.
Who Should Not Take Aleve?
Aleve is not a good option for everyone.
People with certain risk factors or existing health conditions should consider other medications to avoid potentially serious complications.
It is unknown if naproxen can be passed in breast milk.
To be safe, avoid taking Aleve if you are nursing or pumping breast milk for your baby.
There are no liquid formulations of Aleve available for children.
Drug Interactions
Many OTC medications contain NSAIDs, including cold & flu remedies.
For this reason, it is crucial to read all medication labels to avoid double-dosing.
Some medications and supplements can interact with naproxen and change how it works.
Speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take before starting Aleve.
To avoid this, never take more than the recommended dose on the product label.
Do not induce vomiting unless the helpline advises you to do so.
you’ve got the option to start by taking two Aleves for your first dose.
Thereafter, take one every eight to 12 hours.
Never take more than two Aleves every eight to 12 hours, or three every 24 hours.
Gunaydin C, Bilge SS.Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the molecular level.Eurasian J Med.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury.
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
National Health Service (UK).Who can and cannot take naproxen.
DailyMed.Aleve [drug label].
Lelievre B, Drouillard I, Thill C, et al.Severe poisoning with naproxen causing coagulopathy.Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol.
Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School.
