Naproxen vs Naproxen Sodium
As both, Naproxen and Naproxen Sodium, are being NSAIDs prescribed for the same conditions, knowing the difference between Naproxen and Naproxen Sodium is a must for health professionals. Naproxen and naproxen sodium belong to the drug class, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are mostly used to treat the patients with inflammatory conditions. The signs and the symptoms of an inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling and loss of function. An inflammation is not an illness. It is a protective step by the body to remove the infectious substances. NSAIDs treat the inflammatory conditions and the low fever conditions. These drugs act to reduce the process of blood clotting. NSAIDs should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure, asthma, kidney failures and renal impairments. NSAIDs interfere with the action of cyclooxygenase enzymes, cox-1 and cox-2 to prevent the inflammations. So, taking NSAIDs may cause gastric irritations and kidney dysfunction. Dose adjustment is required for the patients with heart failures. NSAIDs inhibiting cox-2 enzymes are used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Recently conducted studies have revealed that NSAIDs have a delaying action on bone healing process. Naproxen and naproxen sodium are almost similar but have some differences because naproxen sodium has an attached sodium part.
Naproxen – Use, Side Effects, Precautions
Naproxen is an NSAID and reduces pains and the signs of the inflammations. Naproxen should be used with caution in patients having cardiac diseases, kidney diseases and known hypersensitivities to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Naproxen is not suitable for patients who have a history of recent bypass surgery. Naproxen may lead to intestinal bleeding. Taking naproxen during the first and last trimester of pregnancy may produce harmful defects on the unborn baby. Breast feeding mothers should not take naproxen. Safe use of naproxen in children under two years has not been recommended.
Naproxen Sodium – Use, Side Effects, Precautions
Naproxen sodium is an NSAID as naproxen. It interferes with the important mechanisms of the substances that lead to inflammation. Taking naproxen in an empty stomach is not suitable. Patients should not lie down at least ten minutes after taking naproxen sodium. The therapy should be as short as possible. It is better to take the possible lowest dose of naproxen sodium enough to gain the maximum therapeutic effect. Patients with cardiac diseases, kidney diseases and allergic reactions should inform the doctor before taking the drug. Using the drug during the first and last trimester of pregnancy and lactation is not suitable.
What is the difference between Naproxen and Naproxen Sodium?
- Both drugs are NSAIDs and prescription only medicines.
- The chemical name of naproxen is (s)-6-methoxy-α-methyl-2-naphthalene acetic acid. The chemical name of naproxen sodium is (s)-6-methoxy-α-methyl-2-naphthalene acetic acid sodium salt.
- The molecular formulas of naproxen and naproxen sodium are C14H14O3 and C14H13NaO3, respectively.
- The solubility of naproxen sodium in water is higher than naproxen. Naproxen sodium is freely soluble in water at pH 7 while naproxen is freely soluble in water at high pHs.
- The excipients of a naproxen tablet are microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, iron oxide, povidone and magnesium stearate. Except these ingredients, naproxen sodium tablet has talc as an ingredient.
- Absorption of naproxen sodium is higher than that of naproxen.
- Naproxen sodium has a fast onset of action than naproxen.
- Physicians prescribe both drugs for the relief of the signs and the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, acute gout, pain management and primary dysmenorrhoea.
- Both naproxen and naproxen sodium may interact with ACE inhibitors, antacids, sucralose , aspirin, cholestyramine, diuretics, lithium, methotrexate, warfarin and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Both drugs should be stored in well closed containers.
Naproxen and naproxen sodium are prescription only medicines. Physicians, pharmacists and patients should be aware not only of the benefits but also of the possible serious side effects. Naproxen and naproxen sodium should not be used as a practice. The therapy should be as short as possible.
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