What’s the Right Naproxen Dosage for You?

When you pick up naproxen for a headache, joint pain, or menstrual cramps, the biggest question is “how much should I take?” The answer depends on a few simple factors: are you buying the over‑the‑counter (OTC) 220 mg tablets or a prescription strength, what’s your age, and do you have any health issues that affect how your body handles the drug.

In most cases, naproxen works best when you start with the lowest dose that relieves your pain. That keeps side effects low and still gives you the anti‑inflammatory boost you need.

Typical Adult Dosing

OTC (220 mg) tablets: Take one tablet now and a second one after 12 hours if you need more relief. Do not exceed two tablets (440 mg) in a 24‑hour period. You can keep this routine for up to 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without a doctor’s OK.

Prescription strengths (250 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg): Doctors usually start adults on 250 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg once daily. If you’re dealing with severe arthritis, the doctor might raise it to 500 mg twice a day. The absolute max is 1500 mg per day – never go higher.

Kids and Special Populations

Kids under 12 years old should only use naproxen if a pediatrician prescribes it. The dose is based on weight: about 5 mg per kilogram of body weight, given every 12 hours. The total daily amount should stay under 20 mg/kg.

Elderly patients often need a lower dose because their kidneys work slower. A common approach is 250 mg once daily, with careful monitoring for stomach upset.

If you have kidney or liver disease, talk to your doctor first. They may cut the dose in half or choose a different medication altogether.

Always take naproxen with food or milk. That cushions your stomach lining and cuts down on nausea or ulcers. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed one; don’t double up.

Some common drug interactions to watch for include:

• Aspirin or other NSAIDs – can increase bleeding risk.
• Blood thinners like warfarin – may boost anticoagulation.
• ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) – can affect kidney function.
• SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine) – also raise bleeding chances.

If you’re on any of these, let your prescriber know before adding naproxen.

Side effects are usually mild: stomach pain, heartburn, or a bit of dizziness. Serious issues like stomach bleeding or severe rash are rare but need immediate medical attention.

In short, the safest naproxen plan is to start low, take it with food, stay under the daily limit, and keep an eye on any other meds you’re using. If you have questions about the right dose for your specific condition, a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor can clear things up.

Now that you know the basics, you can pick the right naproxen dose without guessing. Stay safe and get back to feeling good faster!