Even widely available, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like naproxen sodium can interact with a wide range of other medications, food and drink, and disease and other medical conditions. Therefore, it’s always advisable to consult with a physician before taking this medication.
Drug Interactions
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, drugs that may interact with naproxen include the following.
- Diuretics (Ex. Furosemide (lasix))
- High blood pressure (hypertension) medication
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Speak with your physician before taking naproxen with any oral anti coagulation or anti platelet medication since naproxen can increase risk of bleeding. Some of these medications include: Apixaban (Eliquis), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Warfarin (Jantoven), Clopidogrel (Plavix) , Ticagrelor (Brilinta), etc.
- Do not take naproxen at the same time as other NSAID’s (Ex. ibuprofen, meloxicam, etc. ) as they will not help relieve pain and can increase risk of bleeding
Please note that this list may not be complete, and other interactions with drugs not listed here may occur.
Naproxen and Tylenol
Many experts consider it safe to take naproxen and Tylenol together, but they may not be as effective when combined. It is better to take the two medications at separate times during the day. For example, patients might take Tylenol (acetaminophen) in the morning and naproxen later in the day if pain recurs.
Naproxen and Aspirin
Naproxen and aspirin affect the body in similar ways. Namely, they both inhibit COX enzymes in the stomach, an action that can damage the lining of the organ. The COX-1 enzyme is involved in protecting this lining from the acid used to digest food.
Research indicates that taking these two medications together might increase the risk of stomach issues. In fact, there appears to be less risk of damage when taking either drug alone, even at a higher dose.
Naproxen and Motrin
Like naproxen, Motrin (ibuprofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Which one is best for a patient will depend on several variables, including the extent and duration of their pain. For example, naproxen sodium is typically time-released so that it may offer greater extended pain relief than ibuprofen.
Taking them together may make each less effective as well as increase the risk of stomach damage.
Naproxen and Xanax
Xanax (alprazolam) is an anti-anxiety medication. It is considered safe to take these two medications together with a doctor’s approval.
Food Interactions
Sometimes food and beverages can also interact with medications.
Food and drink that may interact with naproxen sodium include:
- Alcohol
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other foods and beverages that interact with this drug. See Alcohol and Naproxen page for more information.
Naproxen and Alcohol
For more information, please see our page regarding naproxen and alcohol interactions.
Conditions & Disease Interactions
Sometimes certain medications can increase the risk of adverse side effects for patients with specific diseases or other medical conditions.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, diseases and medical conditions that are known to interact with naproxen negatively include:
- Stomach bleeding
- Ulcer
- Heartburn
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart disease
- Liver cirrhosis (hepatic cirrhosis)
- Kidney disease
- Asthma
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other diseases and medical conditions where patients should not take naproxen.
Naproxen and Coronavirus
There was initial concern about using NSAIDs like naproxen sodium in the treatment of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-COV-2. The World Health Organization has since issued a statement saying they are not aware of any potential risks from the use of NSAIDs.
However, experts in France have previously said they believe taking NSAIDs may worsen the symptoms of the disease and that they are generally not suitable for respiratory infections. People with existing medical problems might consider discussing the use of naproxen sodium in the treatment of coronavirus with a healthcare professional before taking the medication. For some, acetaminophen (Tylenol, paracetamol) will be a better choice for pain management.
Naproxen and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on naproxen and pregnancy.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
