Aleve (generic: naproxen) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat minor pain and to reduce fever.
Aleve belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which work by stopping substances in your body that cause inflammation and pain.
This medication comes in liquid gel, tablet, gelcap, and caplet forms and is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day, with or without food.
Aleve is an over-the-counter medication used to temporarily treat minor aches and pain due to:
- headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- minor arthritis pain
- the common cold
- toothache
- menstrual cramps and pain
Abreva is also used to temporarily reduce fever.
naproxen sodium 220 mg
Allergy alert: Aleve may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin. Symptoms may include:
- hives
- asthma (wheezing)
- skin reddening
- blisters
- facial swelling
- shock
- rash
If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.
Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which may cause stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:
- are age 60 or older
- have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
- take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
- take other drugs containing an NSAID (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others)
- have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product
- take more or for a longer time than directed.
Do not use:
- if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer
- right before or after heart surgery.
Ask a doctor before use if you have:
- problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers
- stomach problems that last or come back, such as heartburn, upset stomach, or stomach pain
- ulcers
- asthma
- bleeding problems
- high blood pressure
- heart or kidney disease
- taken a diuretic
- reached age 60 or older.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are:
- taking any other drug containing an NSAID (prescription or nonprescription)
- taking a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
- under a doctor’s care for any serious condition
- taking any other drug.
When using this product:
- take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs
- the risk of heart attack or stroke may increase if you use more than directed or for longer than directed.
Stop use and ask a doctor if:
- you feel faint, vomit blood, or have bloody or black stools. These are signs of stomach bleeding.
- pain gets worse or lasts for more than 10 days
- fever gets worse or lasts for more than 3 days
- you have difficulty swallowing
- it feels like the pill is stuck in your throat
- you develop heartburn
- stomach pain or upset gets worse or lasts
- redness or swelling is present in the painful area
- any new symptoms appear
If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use Aleve during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.
Keep out of reach of children.
In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).
- Do not take more than directed.
- The smallest effective dose should be used.
- Do not take longer than 10 days, unless directed by a doctor (see Warnings).
- Drink a full glass of water with each dose
Adults and children 12 years of age or older:
- Take 1 tablet or capsule every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last.
- For the first dose you may take 2 tablets or capsules within the first hour.
- Do not exceed 2 tablet or capsules in any 8- to 12-hour period.
- Do not exceed 3 tablet or capsules in a 24-hour period.
For children under 12 years, ask a doctor.
- Each capsule contains 20 mg of sodium.
- Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) avoid high humidity and excessive heat above 40°C (104°F).
- Read all directions and warnings before use. Keep carton.
