Skip to main content

EC-Naprosyn

Generic name: naproxenna-PROX-en ]
Brand names: Aleve, Aleve Back and Muscle Pain, Aleve Easy Open Arthritis, Aleve Liquid Gels, Anaprox-DS, ... show all 10 brands
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is EC-Naprosyn?

EC-Naprosyn is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

EC-Naprosyn is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps.

The delayed-release or extended-release tablets are slower-acting forms of naproxen that are used only for treating chronic conditions such as arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. These forms of naproxen will not work fast enough to treat acute pain.

EC-Naprosyn may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

EC-Naprosyn side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (runny or stuffy nose, wheezing or trouble breathing, hives, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Stop using EC-Naprosyn and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

EC-Naprosyn may cause serious side effects. Stop using EC-Naprosyn and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of EC-Naprosyn may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

EC-Naprosyn can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use EC-Naprosyn just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). This medicine may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

EC-Naprosyn can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

EC-Naprosyn may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine, especially in older adults.

You should not use EC-Naprosyn if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Ask a doctor before giving EC-Naprosyn to a child younger than 12 years old.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

If you are pregnant, you should not take EC-Naprosyn unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How should I take EC-Naprosyn?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Take EC-Naprosyn with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. EC-Naprosyn doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

If you use EC-Naprosyn long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using EC-Naprosyn.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since EC-Naprosyn is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking EC-Naprosyn?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs unless your doctor tells you to.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to EC-Naprosyn (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen).

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb EC-Naprosyn.

What other drugs will affect EC-Naprosyn?

Ask your doctor before using EC-Naprosyn if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using EC-Naprosyn with any other medications, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect EC-Naprosyn, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

Ibuprofen is short acting, while naproxen is long acting and more likely to cause an upset stomach. Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs so they are similar in many ways, but there are important differences. Continue reading

Common antidepressants used for orthopedic pain relief may include SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft), SNRIs such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline (Elavil) or nortriptyline (Pamelor). Continue reading

Caridoxen is a brand name of a combination medicine available in Mexico that contains naproxen (250mg) and carisoprodol (200mg) which may be used to control pain and inflammation and relieve muscle spasms. Caridoxen may be used as a muscle relaxant. Continue reading

It should be out of your system within approx 93.5 hours. Naproxen has an elimination half life of 12 to 17 hours. This is the time it takes for your body to reduce plasma drug levels by half. It takes approximately 5.5 x elimination half-life for a drug to be eliminated from your system. Continue reading

Feverfew, an herbal supplement that is a member of the daisy family, may interact with over 40 medicines. This includes drugs used to help prevent blood clots like the anticoagulant warfarin. Continue reading

In the U.S. Apronax is called naproxen sodium (brand example: Aleve). Naproxen is a common NSAID medicine used to treat pain, fever, and headache. Apronax appears to be a name for naproxen sodium in countries such as Columbia and Ecuador. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.