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Pediatric Reference

Naproxen Side EffectsComprehensive Pediatric Safety Guide

Naproxen shares class-wide NSAID adverse effects, most commonly GI upset and headache.

4 Categories
5 Clinical Sources
Evidence-Based
Back to Naproxen Overview

Essential Information

1

Give with food to reduce GI upset.

2

Watch for black stools or vomiting blood.

3

Report swelling, weight gain, or decreased urination.

Clinical Overview

Serious bleeding, renal impairment, or allergic reactions are rare but require discontinuation and evaluation.

Side Effect Categories

4 Systems

Gastrointestinal

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 2

Dyspepsia

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Take with meals; consider gastroprotective agent if chronic use.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

GI bleeding

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
severe
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop drug; seek urgent care.

Monitoring Guidelines

Look for black stools or hematemesis.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Renal

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Reduced renal perfusion

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
serious
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Avoid dehydration; monitor renal function with chronic use.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Cardiovascular

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Edema/hypertension

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: Not specified
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Monitor blood pressure; adjust therapy if swelling persists.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Dermatologic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Rash

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: Not specified
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop medication and evaluate for allergy.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Parent Communication Guide

Age-Appropriate Explanations

Infants (0-12 months)

For babies taking Naproxen, watch for signs of side effects. This medication is generally well-tolerated in infants when used as directed.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

If your toddler is taking Naproxen, they might feel different. This is usually temporary and normal.

Children (4-12 years)

This medicine helps with pain and swelling. Take it with food and water.

Adolescents (13+ years)

Avoid other NSAIDs and call if you notice stomach bleeding or swelling.

Common Parent Concerns

Q: Stomach pain

A: Give with meals and avoid spicy foods.

When to validate: Seek care for severe or persistent pain with vomiting or bleeding.

Q: Swelling in legs

A: Could signal fluid retention; contact clinician.

When to validate: Urgent evaluation if accompanied by shortness of breath.

Clinical Decision Support

Severity Assessment Framework

Clinical assessment framework for Naproxen adverse effects using standardized severity grading.

Mild
Indicators: Minimal symptoms, No functional impairment, Patient comfortable continuing
Action: Continue medication with supportive care and routine monitoring
Moderate
Indicators: Noticeable symptoms, Some functional impact, Patient/family concerned
Action: Consider dose adjustment, increase monitoring frequency, provide supportive care
Severe
Indicators: Significant symptoms, Functional impairment, Quality of life affected
Action: Consider discontinuation, evaluate alternatives, close clinical follow-up

Treatment Decision Guidelines

Immediate Discontinuation

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Life-threatening adverse effects
  • Signs of toxicity

Consider Alternatives

  • Persistent moderate side effects
  • Inadequate therapeutic response
  • Patient/family preference

Dose Modification

  • Mild side effects with good efficacy
  • Age-related sensitivity
  • Drug interaction concerns

Clinical References

NaproxenMedlinePlus (2024)Drug information
Naproxen for arthritisMedicines for Children (2024)Patient information

Frequently Asked Questions

Parent and clinician concerns about Naproxen