Naproxen 500mg Tablets

Buy naproxen 500mg tablets

You can buy naproxen 500mg as long as it's been approved and prescribed by one of our clinicians. Naproxen 500mg tablets are a prescription-only, anti-inflammatory painkiller that’s used to treat a range of conditions. Available as a 28-pack or 56-pack, your prescriber will decide which pack size is best for you.

What is naproxen used for?

Naproxen is used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and ease inflammation. It's commonly prescribed for:

• joint and muscle pain
• stiffness and pain in the back and neck
• arthritis
• strains and tendon injuries
• gout
• period pain

Is naproxen 500mg a strong painkiller?

Naproxen 500mg is a moderate to strong painkiller. You can buy naproxen over-the-counter in a lower 250mg strength, under brand names like Naprosyn, but the 500mg dose is stronger and only available on prescription.

How does naproxen 500mg work?

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain, swelling, and inflammation.

By reducing these chemicals, naproxen helps to ease discomfort and improve movement in affected areas.

How long does naproxen take to work?

Naproxen typically starts to relieve pain within one hour.

How long does naproxen last?

One of the advantages of naproxen over some other NSAIDs is how long it lasts. A single dose can provide pain relief for up to 12 hours.

Naproxen daily dosage

The dose you're prescribed will depend on your condition:

• Muscle, joint or tendon pain, and period pain: 500mg to start, then 250mg every six to eight hours as needed.
• Arthritis and back and neck stiffness or pain: 500mg to 1000mg per day, taken as a single dose or split into two doses.
• Gout: 750mg to start, then 250mg every eight hours as needed.

Don't exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment. Always follow the directions given by your doctor or pharmacist.

How to take naproxen 500mg

1. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

2. Take it with or after food to reduce the chance of an upset stomach.

3. Stay well hydrated while taking naproxen.

4. Don't take more than your prescribed dose.

5. If you miss a dose, carry on as normal at the next scheduled time. Don't take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Can you take paracetamol with naproxen?

Yes, paracetamol can generally be taken alongside naproxen, as the two medicines work in different ways. However, always check with your pharmacist first, especially if you're taking any other medicines.

Can you take ibuprofen with naproxen?

No. You shouldn't take ibuprofen at the same time as naproxen. Both are NSAIDs and taking them together increases the risk of side effects.

Can you take co-codamol with naproxen?

Co-codamol can sometimes be used alongside naproxen, as they work differently.

However, because co-codamol already contains paracetamol, it's important not to take additional paracetamol at the same time. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them.

Naproxen vs other painkillers

Naproxen is an NSAID, meaning it relieves pain and reduces inflammation. This sets it apart from painkillers like paracetamol, which ease pain but don't target inflammation directly.

Compared to ibuprofen, another NSAID, naproxen lasts significantly longer, making it more convenient for ongoing conditions like arthritis.

Paracetamol is a milder option that works well for everyday pain but isn't effective for inflammatory conditions like arthritis or gout.

Opioid-based painkillers like codeine and co-codamol are stronger but carry a risk of dependence, so they're typically only used when other options haven't worked.

How much does naproxen cost?

At the time of writing, the cost of naproxen 500mg is:

• 28 tablets: £11.99
• 56 tablets: £22.99

Naproxen 500mg side effects

Like all medicines, naproxen can cause side effects, though not everyone will get them. Possible side effects may include:

• heartburn
• indigestion
• stomach ache
• nausea or vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• wind
• headaches
• dizziness
• drowsiness

For more information on side effects, including potentially serious side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

Is naproxen addictive?

No, naproxen isn't addictive. Unlike opioid painkillers like codeine, naproxen doesn't cause dependence or withdrawal effects. You can stop taking it when your course is complete without the risk of addiction.

Naproxen and pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility

• Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking naproxen if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
• During the first six months of pregnancy, naproxen should only be used if absolutely necessary and under medical supervision.
• From 20 weeks of pregnancy onwards, taking naproxen for more than a few days can cause kidney problems in the unborn baby.
• Don't take naproxen during the last three months of pregnancy, as it can cause serious problems for the baby, including effects on the heart and kidneys, and may make labour longer or later than expected.
• Naproxen may temporarily reduce your chances of getting pregnant. If you're planning to start a family or you've been having difficulty conceiving, let your doctor or pharmacist know before taking naproxen.

Naproxen and alcohol

It's best to avoid or limit alcohol while taking naproxen. Both naproxen and alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach, so taking them together increases the risk of certain side effects.

When to avoid naproxen

Don't take naproxen 500mg if you:

• are allergic to naproxen or any of the other listed ingredients
• are allergic to aspirin or another NSAID like ibuprofen, diclofenac or meloxicam
• have a stomach ulcer or a history of stomach ulcers
• have a duodenal ulcer or a history of duodenal ulcers
• have serious liver or kidney disease
• have ever experienced bleeding in the stomach or intestines while taking NSAIDs
• are in the last three months of pregnancy
• have severe heart failure

Sometimes, this medicine can cause side effects that impact your alertness and vision. It’s important not to drive or operate machinery until you know how naproxen affects you.

Please note that we’re only able to prescribe naproxen to those aged 18 and over from our clinic.

Naproxen and other medications

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking/using any other medicines before starting naproxen. This is especially important if you're taking:

• other painkillers like paracetamol, or anti-inflammatories like aspirin or ibuprofen
• blood thinners like aspirin, warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel, or ticlopidine
• medicines for epilepsy like phenytoin
• sulfonamide medicines like hydrochlorothiazide, acetazolamide, or indapamide, including sulfonamide antibiotics used to treat infections
• medicines for diabetes like glimepiride or glipizide (sulfonylureas)
• medicines for high blood pressure, including ACE inhibitors like ramipril or enalapril, beta-blockers like propranolol, or angiotensin-II receptor antagonists like candesartan, eprosartan, or losartan
• diuretics (water tablets) like furosemide
• digoxin (for heart problems)
• steroids like hydrocortisone, prednisolone, or dexamethasone
• quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or moxifloxacin
• lithium (for mental health conditions)
• antidepressants like fluoxetine or citalopram (SSRIs)
• probenecid (for gout)
• methotrexate (used to treat skin conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer)
• ciclosporin or tacrolimus (to prevent transplant rejection after surgery)
• zidovudine (used to treat HIV and AIDS)
• colestyramine (used to reduce cholesterol)
• mifepristone (used to end pregnancy or to bring on labour)

Alternatives to naproxen

If naproxen 500mg isn't suitable for you, there are other options your prescriber may consider, like:

• Naproxen 250mg (Naprosyn, Napralief): A lower-strength version of naproxen that's available to buy over-the-counter without a prescription.
• Ibuprofen: A widely available NSAID that works in a similar way to naproxen but needs to be taken more frequently and doesn't last as long.
• Paracetamol: A gentle, everyday painkiller that's a good option for mild to moderate pain where inflammation isn't the main issue.

Frequently asked questions about naproxen

Does naproxen make you sleepy?

Naproxen can cause drowsiness or dizziness in some people. It's not a sedative, but if you feel tired or less alert after taking it, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

Is naproxen good for toothache?

Yes, naproxen can help with toothache by reducing both the pain and inflammation, but it's a temporary fix. You should still see a dentist to treat the underlying cause.

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet. MHRA. [Accessed 9th March 2026].
• Common Questions About Naproxen. (2022). NHS. [Accessed 9th March 2026].
• Naproxen. Arthritis UK. [Accessed 9th March 2026].
• Taking Naproxen with Other Medicines and Herbal Supplements. (2022). NHS. [Accessed 9th March 2026].