Medically Reviewed by Cheryl Mearig, PharmD.
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You shouldn't drink alcohol while taking naproxen. This interaction can cause serious health consequences that require immediate medical care. For example, combining the two substances increases the risk of:
Naproxen provides pain relief by inhibiting the production of a hormone called prostaglandin. When your body releases prostaglandins, you experience symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, and fever. Naproxen helps reduce these effects.
This also means naproxen can lessen the protective effects associated with prostaglandins. This includes repairing and conserving the stomach lining.
However, the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) tract problems increases when a person consumes alcohol while taking naproxen. Proper adherence to naproxen dosing minimizes the risk of developing gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Taking naproxen with alcohol can produce life-threatening health effects like bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal (GI). Heavy drinking can stress the GI tract and liver and result in organ damage.
When combined with naproxen or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), the risk of developing a stomach ulcer or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) that leads to upper GI bleeding increases. Older people also have an increased risk of bleeding and ulcers.
If you have difficulty stopping alcohol consumption while taking naproxen, it may indicate an underlying dependency on alcohol. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about alcohol and naproxen use.
Always consider all associated risks when combining naproxen and alcohol.
Naproxen may cause stomach bleeding. Drinking alcohol while taking naproxen can increase the risk of this occurring. Other side effects of mixing naproxen and alcohol include:
If you are experiencing these side effects, seek medical help immediately.
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Aleve can stay in the system for up to 24 hours. Your safest bet is to avoid drinking alcohol for that time. This will, however, depend on your dose of NSAIDs and the amount of alcohol you plan to consume.
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Naproxen is the generic name for Aleve® or Naprosyn®. It's a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
It can also treat:
NSAIDs work by blocking the body's production of inflammation-causing natural substances. Other Naproxen pain relievers include:
Naproxen is available as a tablet or liquid that is administered orally. Over-the-counter (OTC) naproxen may be taken with food or milk to prevent nausea.
When taking NSAIDs, taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time is important. This helps minimize the risk of serious side effects.
Side effects of naproxen range from mild to serious. The most common adverse reactions to naproxen include:
Serious side effects include:
Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately if these side effects occur.
Taking NSAIDs like naproxen can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. This risk may occur early in treatment and increase over time.
Women trying to become pregnant should not take naproxen. The drug may delay ovulation (when the ovary releases an egg) and affect a woman’s ability to conceive children.
People with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding are at greater risk for serious adverse events.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking naproxen. Combining naproxen and alcohol increases the chances of gastritis, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
If you experience adverse side effects while taking naproxen, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
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