Description

Naproxen (brand names: Aleve, Naprosyn, and many others) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the propionic acid class (the same class as ibuprofen) that relieves pain, fever, swelling, and stiffness.:665,673 It is a nonselective COX inhibitor, usually sold as the sodium salt.
It is the preferred NSAID for long-term use in people with a high risk of cardiovascular complications (for example, heart attacks or strokes),:665 due to its relatively low risk of such complications. Naproxen poses an intermediate risk of stomach ulcers compared to ibuprofen, which is low-risk, and indometacin, which is high-risk. To reduce stomach ulceration risk, it is often combined with a proton-pump inhibitor (a medication that reduces stomach acid production) during long-term treatment of those with pre-existing stomach ulcers or a history of developing stomach ulcers while on NSAIDs.:665,673

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