Aleve

Toothache, Chronic Pain, Migraine + 24 more

Treatment

18 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Aleve

Treatment for

Toothache

What is Aleve

Naproxen

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Naproxen is a pain reliever used to treat acute pain and pain related to rheumatic diseases. It was first approved for prescription use in 1976 and then for over-the-counter (OTC) use in 1994. Naproxen is generally well-tolerated and effective, making it a good choice for treating pain. It is available in different forms, including delayed release, combination with sumatriptan to treat migraines, and combination with esomeprazole to reduce the risk of developing gastric ulcers.

Naprosyn

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Aleve Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Naprosyn

Naproxen

1976

1260

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Naproxen, otherwise known as Naprosyn, is approved by the FDA for 18 uses including Juvenile arthritis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) .

Juvenile arthritis

Used to treat Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in combination with Esomeprazole

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

Used to treat Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in combination with Esomeprazole

Toothache

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Used to treat Osteoarthritis (OA) in combination with Esomeprazole

Migraine

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis in combination with Esomeprazole

articular inflammation

Used to treat articular inflammation in combination with Esomeprazole

Inflammation

Used to treat articular inflammation in combination with Esomeprazole

Back

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Used to treat Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) in combination with Esomeprazole

Dysmenorrhea

Osteoarthritis

Used to treat Osteoarthritis (OA) in combination with Esomeprazole

Headache

Back pain

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Used to treat Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) in combination with Esomeprazole

Menstrual Distress (Dysmenorrhea)

Fever

Acute Coryza

Used to treat Acute Migraine in combination with Sumatriptan

Effectiveness

How Aleve Affects Patients

Naproxen is a common pain reliever, anti-inflammatory and fever reducer. It works by blocking an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase, which in turn reduces the production of certain substances like prostaglandin. Taking naproxen may raise your blood pressure, although not as much as taking ibuprofen. Additionally, people who take naproxen may have a higher risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, especially if they are also taking corticosteroids or anticoagulants, or have a history of GI ulcers.

How Aleve works in the body

Naproxen works by blocking two enzymes - COX-1 and COX-2 - which help create prostaglandins. While both are involved in prostaglandin production, they have different roles. COX-1 is always active and found in healthy tissue, while COX-2 is activated by pain, fever, or inflammation and is responsible for creating the prostaglandins that reduce pain and inflammation. Taking naproxen helps reduce the pain and inflammation, but it also blocks the COX-1 enzyme which can lead to gastrointestinal issues and kidney problems.

When to interrupt dosage

The advised dosage of Aleve is contingent upon the diagnosed issue, such as Menstrual Distress (Dysmenorrhea), Migraine and Toothache. The quantity of dosage shifts, in line with the procedure of delivery (e.g. Tablet, extended release or Tablet, delayed release) specified in the table underneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Acute Coryza

125.0 mg/mL, , 220.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 550.0 mg, 275.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mg, 125.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2.2 mg/mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 210.0 mg, 105.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg/mL

, Suspension, Oral, Suspension - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Kit - Oral, Rectal, Suppository, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Cream - Topical, Tablet, for suspension, Tablet, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Oral; Topical, Kit - Oral; Topical

Inflammation

Collagen Diseases

Migraine

Sinusitis

Influenza

Bursitis

Fever

Arthritis, Juvenile

Dysmenorrhea

Spasm

Epilepsy, Post-Traumatic

Back

Primary Dysmenorrhoea

Tendinopathy

Arthritis, Gouty

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hay Fever

Nasal Congestion

Warnings

Aleve Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Naproxen may interact with Pulse Frequency

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Do Not Combine

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Naproxen may interact with Pulse Frequency

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Naproxen may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Aleve.

Common Aleve Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Amiodarone

Major

The metabolism of Amiodarone can be decreased when combined with Naproxen.

Brigatinib

Major

The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Naproxen.

Cabazitaxel

Major

The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Naproxen.

Enasidenib

Major

The metabolism of Enasidenib can be decreased when combined with Naproxen.

Erlotinib

Major

The metabolism of Erlotinib can be decreased when combined with Naproxen.

Aleve Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Taking too much naproxen may lead to drowsiness, fatigue, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. However, these effects are usually mild and can be managed with supportive care. Naproxen should not be taken during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the fetus.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Aleve Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Aleve?

635 active clinical trials are being conducted to assess the potential of Aleve to alleviate Chronic Pain, Migraines and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Influenza

29 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3

Postoperative Pain

19 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3, Not Applicable

Chronic Pain

130 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Phase 1

Inflammation

0 Actively Recruiting

Bursitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Tendinopathy

0 Actively Recruiting

Nasal Congestion

0 Actively Recruiting

Juvenile arthritis

8 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3

Rheumatoid Arthritis

55 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1

Spasm

0 Actively Recruiting

Back

8 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Phase 1

Fever

2 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4

Collagen Diseases

0 Actively Recruiting

Osteoarthritis

0 Actively Recruiting

Migraine

13 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4

Arthritis, Juvenile

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Migraine

51 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1

Arthritis, Gouty

0 Actively Recruiting

Acute Coryza

0 Actively Recruiting

Epilepsy, Post-Traumatic

0 Actively Recruiting

Aleve Reviews: What are patients saying about Aleve?

Patient Review

8/4/2014

Aleve for Headache caused by Disorder of Cranial Blood Vessels

This treatment provided excellent pain relief, but unfortunately I developed hives and chest pain after using it for two weeks. Not worth it in my opinion.

Patient Review

8/19/2014

Aleve for Pain

Aleve unfortunately did not help with my knee inflammation pain, but I took it as directed with food. The worse side effects I experienced were insomnia and then depression.

Patient Review

5/9/2017

Aleve for Toothache

I took this medication for a migraine and it worked great! However, I did have an allergic reaction the next day. Be careful when taking this medication as reactions like mine are not rare.

4.7

Patient Review

12/27/2019

Aleve for Joint Damage causing Pain and Loss of Function

I was taking this medication and it worked well for me, but I had to stop because it may have been interacting dangerously with other medications I am on. If you're thinking of taking this, just be aware that there could be some risks involved.

4.3

Patient Review

3/13/2015

Aleve for Pain

Aleve was highly effective against the joint pain I experienced as a side effect of my cancer treatment; however, I stopped taking it because it caused serious indigestion and stomach pain. Tylenol arthritis is working just as well for me with none of the gastrointestinal issues.

4.3

Patient Review

11/29/2020

Aleve for Migraine Headache

I have chronic migraines and found this medication to be most effective when taken at the very beginning of a headache. If I wait even an hour, it's not as useful. So, if you're struggling with migraines like me, take this in the morning for best results.

4.3

Patient Review

10/7/2021

Aleve for Painful Periods

Naproxen is very effective at alleviating my cramps, which have gotten worse with age. I've unfortunately had to increase my dosage over time. It works within 30 minutes, but the effects don't seem to last as long.

4.3

Patient Review

11/2/2014

Aleve for Inflammation of the Sac Surrounding the Joint - Bursitis

Aleve has always been my go-to for headaches and it never fails to deliver results within 20 minutes.

Patient Review

10/28/2019

Aleve for Head Pain

This treatment is very effective at relieving the pain caused by my rotated pelvis. I'm able to get back to my normal activities within a few minutes. The only side effect I've noticed is that it sometimes makes me feel drowsy.

Patient Review

10/28/2019

Aleve for Pain

I used this treatment after surgery and it worked great.

3.7

Patient Review

12/27/2014

Aleve for Pain

Almost immediately after taking Aleve for my knee pain, I broke out in hives and my skin became red. My hands and feet started itching severely, and my throat began to swell. I took three Benadryl tablets, but they had no effect. Fortunately, I had some prednisone at home, which I took 15 minutes after the Benadryl failed to work. That finally did the trick, though it took about five hours to get back to normal. The last symptoms to go away were the swollen hands and feet, which cleared up overnight.

3.3

Patient Review

6/29/2014

Aleve for Mild Pain associated with Arthritis

2.3

Patient Review

5/23/2016

Aleve for Joint Damage causing Pain and Loss of Function

I had severe knee pain, but after taking eleve for just one week it was completely gone. I'm planning on continuing to take it indefinitely, as it's been such a helpful medication for me.

Patient Review

8/2/2022

Aleve for Pain

I took six Aleve pills for my knee pain, but it didn't work. I had to stop because of an upset stomach and uncomfortable abdominal symptoms. This is the first time I've taken Aleve, and unfortunately it gave me a pretty bad stomachache. It's been a week since I stopped taking the medicine, but I'm still experiencing some Upset stomach.

1.7

Patient Review

12/19/2014

Aleve for Pain

I find this much easier to take, but I wish the dosage was as high as the regular strength Aleve.

1.7

Patient Review

8/2/2014

Aleve for Pain

1.7

Patient Review

10/8/2016

Aleve for Migraine Headache

This medication does help with back pain, however I experience anxiety and uneasiness while using it. Additionally, I get ringing in my ears which is incredibly bothersome.

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about aleve

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is a Aleve good for?

"This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Naproxen is used to relieve pain from various conditions. These conditions include headaches, muscle aches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and stiffness caused by arthritis and gout. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which means that it reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation."

Answered by AI

Do ibuprofen and Aleve do the same thing?

"Ibuprofen is generally used for the treatment of acute pain, while Aleve is better suited for chronic conditions. Aleve is more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects than ibuprofen because it lasts longer in the body."

Answered by AI

Is Aleve stronger than Advil?

"Aleve lasts significantly longer than Advil, making it a better choice for those with chronic pain. Advil is better suited for short-term pain and is also considered safer for children."

Answered by AI

What is the difference between Aleve and Advil?

"Aleve is better for chronic conditions while Advil is more suited for acute pain and is the more appropriate NSAID for children. Aleve is more likely than Advil to cause gastrointestinal side effects because it is a longer acting medication."

Answered by AI