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Naproxen dosage, forms, and strengths

Medically reviewed by Karen Berger, Pharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist
Updated Sep 29, 2021  •  Published Sep 27, 2021
Fact Checked

Naproxen is a generic over-the-counter and prescription pain reliever and fever reducer. Naproxen sodium is the version of naproxen sold in over-the-counter drugs such as Aleve or generic naproxen. As a prescription drug, naproxen is sold in higher doses as a generic or under the brand names Naprosyn (immediate-release naproxen), EC-Naprosyn (delayed-release naproxen), Anaprox (naproxen sodium), and Naprelan (extended-release naproxen sodium). 

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID, a family of drugs that includes aspirin and ibuprofen. NSAIDs reduce pain, swelling, and fever by blocking an enzyme in the body that produces prostaglandins, the substances responsible for the body’s swelling and fever responses. As a long-lasting pain reliever, naproxen is taken by mouth every eight to 12 hours.

RELATED: What is naproxen? | Get naproxen discounts 

Naproxen dosage forms and strengths

Over-the-counter naproxen is taken orally as a tablet, caplet, or gelcap (liquid capsule). Each 220 milligram (mg) tablet of naproxen sodium is equivalent to a 200 mg naproxen dose. Prescription naproxen is taken orally as a tablet, delayed-release tablet, or oral suspension.

  • OTC caplets: 220 mg naproxen sodium (200 mg naproxen)

  • OTC tablets: 220 mg naproxen sodium (200 mg naproxen)

  • OTC gelcaps: 220 mg naproxen sodium (200 mg naproxen)

  • Prescription tablets: 250 mg, 275 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg

  • Oral suspension: 125 mg/5 mL

Naproxen dosage for adults

Immediate-release over-the-counter or prescription naproxen is generally taken every eight to 12 hours. Delayed-release prescription naproxen is also taken every eight to 12 hours but at higher doses. 

  • Standard OTC naproxen dosage for adults: One caplet, tablet, or gelcap (220 mg) every eight to 12 hours; for the first dose, a person can take a second caplet, tablet, or gelcap (220 mg) in the first hour

  • Standard prescription naproxen dosage for adults: 250–500 mg taken every eight to 12 hours

  • Maximum OTC naproxen dosage for adults: No more than two caplets, tablets, or gelcaps (440 mg) every eight to 12 hours and no more than three caplets, tablets, or gelcaps (660 mg) every 24 hours

  • Maximum prescription naproxen dosage for adults: 1500 mg per day

Naproxen dosage chart
Indication Starting dosage Standard dosage Maximum dosage Discontinue
Minor aches and pains 1-2 tablets, caplets, or gelcaps (220–440 mg) for the first dose 220 mg (1 tablet, caplet, or gelcap) every 8-12 hours 440 mg (2 tablets, caplets, or gelcaps) every 8-12 hours AND 660 mg (3 tablets, caplets, or gelcaps) every 24 hours After 10 days
Fever 1-2 tablets, caplets, or gelcaps (220–440 mg) for the first dose 220 mg (1 tablet, caplet, or gelcap) every 8-12 hours 440 mg (2 tablets, caplets, or gelcaps) every 8-12 hours AND 660 mg (3 tablets, caplets, or gelcaps) every 24 hours After 3 days

Prescription naproxen
Osteoarthritis 250–500 mg (375–500 mg delayed-release) every 12 hours 250–500 mg (375–500 mg DR) every 12 hours 1500 mg per day for 6 months
Rheumatoid arthritis 250–500 mg (375–500 mg DR) every 12 hours 250–500 mg (375–500 mg DR) every 12 hours 1500 mg per day for 6 months
Ankylosing spondylitis 250–500 mg (375–500 mg DR) every 12 hours 250–500 mg (375–500 mg DR) every 12 hours 1500 mg per day for 6 months
Gout 750 mg first dose 250 mg every 8 hours Not specified
Inflammatory conditions 250–500 mg (375–500 mg DR) every 12 hours 250–500 mg (375–500 mg DR) every 12 hours 1250 mg per day (1000 mg DR per day)
Dysmenorrhea 250–500 mg every 12 hours 250–500 mg every 12 hours 1250 mg per day
Pain (mild to moderate) 250–500 mg (375–500 mg DR) every 12 hours 250–500 mg (375–500 mg DR) every 12 hours 1250 mg per day (1000 mg DR per day)

Source: DailyMed, Epocrates

Naproxen dosage for aches and pain

Adults and adolescents older than the age of 12 can use over-the-counter naproxen to relieve minor aches and pains due to headache, backache, muscle aches, arthritis, toothache, menstrual cramps, or the common cold.

  • Maximum OTC naproxen dosage for fever: No more than two caplets, tablets, or gelcaps (440 mg) every eight to 12 hours and no more than three caplets, tablets, or gelcaps (660 mg) every 24 hours

Naproxen dosage for arthritis

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved prescription-strength immediate-release and delayed-release naproxen to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, a rheumatic condition of the spine. Because of side effects and possible gastrointestinal problems, healthcare professionals are advised to prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

  • Standard prescription naproxen dosage for arthritis: 250–500 mg (375–500 mg delayed-release) taken every eight to 12 hours

  • Maximum prescription naproxen dosage for arthritis: 1500 mg per day

Naproxen dosage for gout

Prescription immediate-release naproxen is used in the short term to relieve pain and swelling due to gout, a joint condition caused by the build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. Gout attacks are typically sudden and severe, often affecting the joint of the big toe (or other joints). As with other arthritic conditions, healthcare providers are urged to use the lowest effective naproxen dose.

  • Standard prescription naproxen dosage for gout: Starting dose of 750 mg, followed by 250 mg taken every eight hours until the attack has subsided

  • Maximum prescription naproxen dosage for arthritis: Not specified

Naproxen dosage for inflammatory conditions

Both immediate- and delayed-release naproxen is used to treat pain and swelling due to tendonitis or bursitis, inflammatory conditions of the soft tissues. For maintenance treatment, the maximum dose is 1000 mg per day.

  • Standard prescription naproxen dosage for inflammatory conditions: 250–500 mg (375–500 mg DR) taken every eight to 12 hours

  • Maximum prescription naproxen dosage for inflammatory conditions: 1250 mg per day (1000 mg DR per day)

Naproxen dosage for dysmenorrhea

Painful menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, are commonly experienced by women and, in most cases, effectively managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. For severe pain, healthcare providers turn to prescription NSAIDs like naproxen.

  • Standard prescription naproxen dosage for mild to moderate pain: 250–500 mg taken every 12 hours

  • Maximum prescription naproxen dosage for mild to moderate pain: 1250 mg per day

Naproxen dosage for mild to moderate pain

Either immediate- and delayed-release naproxen may be prescribed to relieve mild to moderate pain due to a variety of causes.

  • Standard prescription naproxen dosage for mild to moderate pain: 250–500 mg (375–500 mg DR) taken every 12 hours

  • Maximum prescription naproxen dosage for mild to moderate pain: 1250 mg per day (1000 mg DR per day)

Naproxen dosage for children

Over-the-counter naproxen sodium should not be given to children younger than 12 years of age except under the direction of a healthcare provider. For adolescents 12 years of age and older, parents can give the recommended adult dose for pain or fever. 

Prescription naproxen, on the other hand, has been approved by the FDA to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and pain in children 2 years of age or older. Doses will be based on the child’s body weight.

Naproxen can be used continuously for up to 10 days. If pains and aches worsen or persist beyond 10 days, stop taking naproxen and get medical advice from a healthcare provider.

  • Standard OTC naproxen dosage for minor aches and pains: One caplet, tablet, or gelcap (220 mg) every eight to 12 hours; for the first dose, a person can take a second caplet, tablet, or gelcap (220 mg) in the first hour

  • Maximum OTC naproxen dosage for minor aches and pains: No more than two caplets, tablets, or gelcaps (440 mg) every eight to 12 hours and no more than three caplets, tablets, or gelcaps (660 mg) every 24 hours

Naproxen dosage for fever

OTC naproxen can be taken to temporarily reduce fever in adults and children 12 and older but should be discontinued (and the doctor should be called) if the fever worsens or lasts for longer than three days.

  • Standard OTC naproxen dosage for fever: One caplet, tablet, or gelcap (220 mg) every eight to 12 hours; for the first dose, a person can take a second caplet, tablet

Naproxen pediatric dosage chart
Indication Age Starting dosage Standard dosage Maximum dosage
Minor aches and pains 12 years or older 1-2 tablets, caplets, or gelcaps (220–440 mg) for the first dose 220 mg (1 tablet, caplet, or gelcap) every 8-12 hours 440 mg (2 tablets, caplets, or gelcaps) every 8-12 hours AND 660 mg (3 tablets, caplets, or gelcaps) every 24 hours
Fever 12 years or older 1-2 tablets, caplets, or gelcaps (220–440 mg) for the first dose 220 mg (1 tablet, caplet, or gelcap) every 8-12 hours 440 mg (2 tablets, caplets, or gelcaps) every 8-12 hours AND 660 mg (3 tablets, caplets, or gelcaps) every 24 hours

Prescription naproxen
Juvenile idiopathic polyarticular arthritis 2 years or older 10 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day in 2 divided doses 10 mg/kg per day divided into 2 daily doses 12 hours apart 1000 mg per day (500 mg per dose)
Pain 2 years or older 10–20 mg/kg per day in 2 or 3 divided doses 10–20 mg/kg per day divided into 2 daily doses 12 hours apart or 3 daily doses 8 hours apart 1000 mg per day (500 mg per dose)

Source: DailyMed Aleve, DailyMed Naproxen, PDR

Naproxen dosage restrictions

There are no dosage restrictions for naproxen, but it may not be the right medication for everyone. Some people should not take naproxen, for example, if they have moderate to severe—or severe—kidney disease, recent coronary artery bypass graft, or have a history of allergic reactions to naproxen or other NSAIDs. Women who are in the third trimester of a pregnancy should not take naproxen. Women who are in the first or second trimester of pregnancy (or think they may be pregnant) or who are breastfeeding should consult their healthcare professional before using naproxen. Naproxen (like other NSAIDs) can possibly cause a miscarriage in the first half of pregnancy. 

People with other medical or physical conditions such as advanced age, debilitation, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, recent heart attack (myocardial infarction), congestive heart failure or edema, high blood pressure (hypertension), bleeding problems, stomach bleeding, mild to moderate renal impairment, or liver problems should consult their healthcare provider before using naproxen due to the possibility of serious side effects.

Naproxen also has a black box warning, which is the strongest warning required by the FDA. The black box warning states: 

  • NSAIDs, including naproxen, can increase the risk of clotting events, such as heart attack and stroke. These can be fatal.

  • Naproxen should never be used before or during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

  • NSAIDs can increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) problems, such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. These complications can cause death. Older adults and people with a history of certain stomach conditions are at higher risk for serious GI problems. 

Naproxen dosage for pets

Never give a pet naproxen or any other human medication except under the supervision of a veterinarian. Because safe dosing for animals is challenging, veterinarians rarely use naproxen in pets, preferring safer and more predictable drugs to relieve pain or swelling. Naproxen is most commonly prescribed to horses, but in some rare cases, veterinarians will use it in dogs to treat osteoarthritis, joint pain, or muscle pains. Doses and dosing schedules will be determined by the practitioner. 

How to take Naproxen

Both over-the-counter and prescription naproxen are taken by mouth every eight to 12 hours, depending on the dosage and formulation. Prescription naproxen can also be taken as immediate-release tablets or delayed-release tablets or oral suspension. Naproxen can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. If taking the medicine causes heartburn or abdominal pain, however, take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Read the instructions and warnings printed on the package or package insert.

  • Do not take more than instructed.

  • Adverse effects can be minimized by taking the smallest effective dose for the shortest period.

  • Store over-the-counter and prescription naproxen tablets, caplets, gelcaps, or oral solution at room temperature (68°–77°F) in a closed, light-resistant container. Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

OVER-THE-COUNTER TABLETS, GELCAPS, OR CAPLETS

  • Take one caplet, tablet, or gelcap with a full glass of water every eight to 12 hours while symptoms last.

  • For the first dose, a second caplet, tablet, or gelcap can be taken within the first hour after taking the first tablet, caplet, or gelcap.

  • Do not exceed more than two caplets, tablets, or gelcaps in a single 8- to 12-hour period.

  • Do not exceed more than three caplets, tablets, or gelcaps in a single 24-hour period.

PRESCRIPTION TABLETS

  • Take this medication as instructed by a healthcare provider.

  • For extended-release formulations: swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure which formulation you are taking.

PRESCRIPTION ORAL SOLUTION

  • Take this medication as instructed by a healthcare provider.

  • Shake the medication well before measuring out a dose.

  • Use the calibrated syringe or other calibrated dosing device to measure out a dose. A pharmacist can supply free dosing syringes or other calibrated devices on request. Do not use kitchen utensils.

Naproxen dosage FAQs

Naproxen vs. extended-release naproxen: What’s the difference in doses?

For arthritic conditions, inflammatory conditions, and pain, prescription extended-release naproxen may be taken in higher doses (375 to 500 mg) than immediate-release naproxen but will be taken every 12 hours just like prescription naproxen. Over-the-counter naproxen sodium is not sold in an extended-release formulation. 

How long does it take Naproxen to work?

Naproxen begins to relieve pain, swelling, or fever about 1 hour after taking a dose and reaches its peak effectiveness in about 2 to 2.5 hours. 

How long does naproxen stay in your system?

With a half-life of 13–17 hours, naproxen provides symptom relief for about eight to 12 hours. Because of its long half-life, a dose of naproxen takes almost four days to be cleared out from the body. The slow elimination of naproxen can produce problems for people taking a drug test because naproxen and other NSAIDs can produce false-positive results for drugs such as barbiturates or marijuana.

What happens if I miss a dose of naproxen?

Take a missed dose when remembered even if it’s almost time for the next dose. Taking a missed dose, however, will reset the dosing clock. Do not take another dose for another eight to 12 hours. 

How long can you take naproxen?

Naproxen should only be taken over the short term. Taking naproxen over too long a period puts people at a greater risk for adverse events such as stomach bleeding. Prescription-strength naproxen is typically prescribed for only a few days or weeks. Do not take over-the-counter naproxen products for longer than 10 days for pain or three days for fever. If symptoms get worse or persist for too long, seek medical help for more appropriate treatment.

What is the maximum dosage for naproxen?

The maximum dosage for OTC naproxen is two gelcaps, caplets, or tablets (440 mg) in any single eight-to-12- hour period and no more than three gelcaps, caplets, or tablets (660 mg) in any 24-hour period. The maximum dosage of prescription naproxen is 1000 to 1500 mg per day for adults, depending on the formulation and indication. 

Can you overdose on naproxen?

Do not exceed the recommended or prescribed dose. Taking too much naproxen increases the risk and severity of side effects such as stomach bleeding, abdominal pain, fluid retention, and constipation. Excessive amounts of naproxen can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, drowsiness, and possibly seizures. Contact a poison control helpline or go to an emergency room if an overdose of naproxen is suspected. 

Is it safe to take naproxen during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should generally avoid taking prescription or over-the-counter NSAIDs during all stages of pregnancy, particularly the third trimester.  There is an increased risk of miscarriage when NSAIDs are taken in the first trimester of pregnancy. In the third trimester, naproxen can interfere with the development of the heart’s blood vessels in the fetus, leading to problems such as heart dysfunction, heart failure, and death. 

Naproxen is found in breast milk at very low concentrations. Although naproxen use during breastfeeding does not cause side effects in many cases, women  are encouraged to ask their healthcare provider about using alternative pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Resources:

Medically reviewed by Karen Berger, Pharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist

After receiving her doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Karen Berger, Pharm.D., has worked in both chain and independent community pharmacies. She currently works at an independent pharmacy in New Jersey. Dr. Berger enjoys helping patients understand medical conditions and medications—both in person as a pharmacist, and online as a medical writer and reviewer.

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