Naproxen 500 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Period pain (dysmenorrhoea); Joint pain and swelling from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Listed MRPs range from ₹3.00 to ₹19.69 per tablet across 5 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naproxen Tablets IP 500 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 15 | ₹45.00 | ₹3.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Napaspeed 500 | Morepen Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹93.75 | ₹9.38 | 19 October 2026 |
| Naprowel 500 | Leeford Healthcare Ltd | 10 | ₹115.00 | ₹11.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Naproxia 500 | Admaris Pharmaceuticals Private Limited | 10 | ₹140.63 | ₹14.06 | 19 October 2026 |
| Napripla 500 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹196.88 | ₹19.69 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Period pain (dysmenorrhoea).
- Joint pain and swelling from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Gout attacks.
- Muscle, back and tendon pain from sprains and injuries.
- Migraine attacks, when prescribed by a doctor.
How to take it
Naproxen 500 mg is usually taken once or twice a day, up to a maximum your doctor sets; it works for longer than most painkillers, so it is not taken more than two or three times a day. Take it with or just after food with a glass of water and swallow the tablet whole – do not crush or chew film-coated or gastro-resistant tablets. For period pain or an injury a few days is usually enough; for arthritis your doctor will review you and may add a stomach-protecting tablet. Use the smallest dose for the shortest time, and stop and see a doctor if you get black stools, stomach pain or vomiting.
Side effects
Common
- Indigestion, stomach pain or bloating.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Constipation or diarrhoea.
- Headache, dizziness or sleepiness.
- Ringing in the ears.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Stomach ulcer or bleeding – black tarry stools, blood in vomit. Stop and see a doctor at once.
- Kidney problems – blood in urine, swelling of the feet or hands, passing little urine.
- Heart failure – breathlessness and swollen legs; naproxen also carries a small heart attack and stroke risk with long use.
- Severe allergic reaction – swollen throat or tongue, breathing difficulty, blistering rash.
Safety information
Alcohol
Limit alcohol; it increases the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding with naproxen.
Pregnancy
Avoid in pregnancy unless your doctor advises it, especially in the last three months. Not usually used while breastfeeding; paracetamol or ibuprofen are preferred.
Kidney problems
Can harm the kidneys, particularly if you are dehydrated, elderly or on water pills. Avoid in kidney disease unless your doctor is monitoring you.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about any liver disease; naproxen may be unsuitable in severe liver problems.
Children
Some forms can be given from 5 years, but only on a doctor's prescription with the dose worked out by weight. The 500 mg tablet is an adult dose.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember, unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never take two doses together.
Interactions
- Other NSAIDs – ibuprofen, diclofenac, aceclofenac, aspirin – do not combine. Paracetamol can be taken alongside.
- Warfarin and other blood thinners, and SSRI antidepressants (citalopram, sertraline) – higher bleeding risk.
- Blood pressure tablets and water pills (enalapril, telmisartan, furosemide) – naproxen weakens them and can strain the kidneys.
- Steroids (prednisolone) – more stomach ulcers.
- Methotrexate and lithium – levels can rise.
- Pantoprazole or omeprazole – often prescribed with naproxen to protect the stomach.
Frequently asked questions
Naproxen 500 before or after food?
After food. Take it with or just after a meal with a glass of water to reduce acidity and the risk of stomach ulcers.
Naproxen vs ibuprofen – which is better?
Both are NSAIDs. Naproxen lasts longer, so it is taken fewer times a day and suits period pain and arthritis, while ibuprofen is shorter-acting. Naproxen is thought to be a little safer for the heart, ibuprofen a little gentler on the stomach. Do not take both together.
Can I take naproxen with alcohol?
Keep alcohol to a minimum. Both irritate the stomach lining, and together they increase the chance of ulcers and bleeding.
Can I take naproxen and paracetamol together?
Yes, paracetamol does not interact with naproxen and the two are often combined for short periods. Avoid combining naproxen with any other NSAID.
Is naproxen good for period pain?
Yes, naproxen is one of the most effective painkillers for period cramps because it reduces the prostaglandins that cause them. It works best if started as soon as the pain or bleeding begins.
Is naproxen safe in pregnancy?
No. NSAIDs should be avoided in pregnancy, particularly in the last three months. Paracetamol is the preferred painkiller; ask your doctor.
How long does naproxen take to work?
Pain relief usually starts within an hour and lasts for 8 to 12 hours. The full anti-inflammatory effect on swollen joints builds over a few days.
Is naproxen available without prescription in India?
Naproxen is a Schedule H medicine, so the chemist should ask for a prescription. It is also available at Jan Aushadhi stores as a generic.
Sources
- NHS – Naproxen (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms