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Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in children for pain and inflammation when longer dosing intervals are preferred.
Twice-daily dosing improves adherence compared with every-6-hour NSAIDs.
Give with food to limit GI adverse effects and counsel families to avoid duplicate NSAID use.
Avoid in children with significant renal impairment, bleeding disorders, or NSAID hypersensitivity.
Monitor for GI bleeding, renal effects, and blood pressure changes with chronic use.
Assess for drug interactions with anticoagulants, antihypertensives, and lithium—naproxen can raise lithium levels.
Naproxen offers twice-daily NSAID coverage for musculoskeletal and gynecologic pain.
Guideline-supported uses include juvenile arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, and menstrual pain.
| Condition | Age Range | First Line? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juvenile idiopathic arthritis | Children and adolescents | Yes | 10–15 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours for polyarticular and oligoarticular disease; reassess GI and renal tolerance during long-term therapy. |
| Acute musculoskeletal pain or injury | Children and adolescents | Yes | Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest period; twice-daily dosing helps adherence for sprains, strains, or dental pain. |
| Primary dysmenorrhea | Adolescents | Yes | Begin 1 day prior to menses if cycles are predictable; continue every 12 hours through the first 48–72 hours of flow. |
| Acute migraine in adolescents | Adolescents | No | Often combined with hydration and triptan therapy for breakthrough migraines when acetaminophen fails. |
FDA-approved primary uses with Level A evidence
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Quick selection guides and diagnostic pearls
When to consider other medications
How to explain treatment to families
Naproxen shares class-wide NSAID adverse effects, most commonly GI upset and headache.
Serious bleeding, renal impairment, or allergic reactions are rare but require discontinuation and evaluation.
Dyspepsia
Common • mild
GI bleeding
Rare • severe
Reduced renal perfusion
Rare • serious
Edema/hypertension
Uncommon • moderate
Rash
Uncommon • moderate
Organized by affected organ systems
How to discuss side effects with families
Management protocols and monitoring
Common concerns and practical guidance
Administration guidance for pediatric naproxen therapy.
Give with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. Use the dosing syringe for suspension or tablets sized for weight. Provide plenty of water with tablets to protect the stomach.
Because naproxen lasts longer than ibuprofen, twice-daily dosing is common; set reminders for morning and evening doses. Avoid other NSAIDs while taking naproxen.
Emergency contact: Seek urgent care for stomach bleeding (vomiting blood, black stools), difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, or chest pain.
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time and keep your clinician informed if pain persists.
Different formulations and concentrations
Safe preparation and measuring techniques
Tailored approaches for different ages
Solutions for common challenges
Storage guidelines and safety tips
Expert pearls and evidence-based tips
By blocking COX enzymes, naproxen dampens prostaglandin production in peripheral tissues and the CNS, lowering pain signals and inflammation.
Naproxen is a nonselective COX inhibitor that lowers prostaglandin-mediated inflammation.
Simple explanations and helpful analogies
Receptors, enzymes, and cellular targets
Absorption, metabolism, and elimination
Age-related differences and special populations
Key pearls for safe naproxen use in children.
Emphasize GI protection, monitoring, and avoidance of duplicate NSAIDs.
Give with meals and water to minimize dyspepsia and promote hydration.
Educate families not to overlap naproxen with ibuprofen or aspirin unless under direct clinician guidance.
Obtain periodic renal function and CBC for children on long-term therapy.
Core insights every provider should know
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Recent updates that change how we practice
Organized by dosing, administration, and safety
How to explain treatments to families
Real-world cases with evidence-based approaches
Key numbers, algorithms, and decision tools
Understanding your child's medication is important. We've created comprehensive guides to help you safely administer Naproxen and monitor your child's response to treatment.
Taking it with food or milk is preferred to reduce stomach upset.
Yes—acetaminophen can be taken in between naproxen doses if cleared by the clinician. Avoid other NSAIDs at the same time.
Give it when remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Never double up.
Short courses for pain are common. For chronic conditions, the clinician will review labs and symptoms regularly.