Aleve is a nonprescription pain reliever and a member of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug family, functioning to reduce inflammation, pain, and temperature. Its generic name is naproxen sodium, and other prescription drugs’ brand name is Anaprox and Naprosyn. Anaprox and Naprosyn are prescribed for chronic pain, inflammation and menstrual pain. However, Aleve is only for temporary relief of minor aches and pains. Aleve appeared on the over counter drug market in 1994 and is produced by Bayer Corporation. Naprosyn has been sold since 1976 and Anaprox since 1980.

How it works

Naproxen is an inhibitor to the cyclooxygenase enzyme that inhibits the activity in order to prevent prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins are hormonelike regulatory molecules, derived from arachidonate and other polyunsaturated fatty acids, triggers inflammation and makes nerves more sensitive to pain impulses. Naproxen binds to the active side of the cyclooxygenase enzyme and inhibits the process of the second step in prostaglandin synthesis. The other substance that is derived from prostaglandin synthesis is thromboxane, which causes constriction of blood vessels and platelet aggregation during the blood clotting. Sodium reverses the reaction caused by thrombonxane, increasing dilation of blood vessels and blood flow.

Uses

Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache, muscular aches, minors pain of arthritis, toothache, backache, the common cold, menstrual cramps, and temporarily reduces fever.

Available in

Tablets: naproxen sodium 220mg [200-mg naproxen and 20 mg sodium].

Cost

100 caplets cost about $9.00.

Direction

Drink a full glass of water with each dose on an empty stomach for the best results and do not take more than directed. Take food with it if upsets your stomach.

Over age 65	1 caplet every 12 hours. Do not exceed 1 caplet in 12 hours, unless directed by a doctor.
12-65 years	Take 1 caplet every 8 to 12 hours. The first dose you should take 2 caplets within the first hour. Do not take more than 2 caplets in any 8 to 12 hours or 3 caplets in a 24-hour period. The smallest effective dose should be used.
Under 12 years	Ask a doctor.

The average dose for an adult is 440 to 1,500 mg daily. The maximum dose is 1500 mg daily.

Effect

Pain reliever starts working within 30-60 minutes. Inflammation may take up to 2 weeks to suppress. It works up to 12 hours.

Half life

Naproxen 12-15 hours. Sodium 12-13 hours.

Do not use

If persistent pain lasts more than 10 days, a fever that lasts more than 3 days, if you are allergic to other pain relievers, if you consumes 3 or more alcohol drinks per day, pregnant, breast feeding, stomach problems, ulcers, asthma, uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease. Consult your doctor.

Drug interaction

Do not take this with other anti-inflammation drugs and don’t take with other drugs containing naproxen. If you are taking antihypertensives, steroids, anticoagulants, antibiotics, itraconazole or ketoconazole, plicamycin, penicillamine, valproic acid, phenytoin, cyclosporine, digitalics drugs, lithium, methotrexane, probenecid, triamterene, or zidovudine, consult your doctor.

Common side effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, headache, dizziness, sleepiness.

Common pain reliever molecule structures