Please do NOT make changes to this Sandbox. Sandboxes 30-60 are reserved for use by Biochemistry 410 & 412 at Messiah College taught by Dr. Hannah Tims during Fall 2012 and Spring 2013.
Naproxen Sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be prescribed to relieve swelling, stiffness, tenderness, or pain that can be caused by:[1]
osteoarthritis
rheumatoid arthritis
juvenile arthritis
ankylosing spondylitis
bursitis
tendinitis
gouty arthritis
Readily available over the counter, naproxen is also used to treat:[2]
headaches
menstrual pain
common colds
toothaches
muscle ache
back pain
"Naproxen and naproxen sodium are marketed under various trade names, including: Aleve, Anaprox, Antalgin, Feminax Ultra, Flanax, Inza, Midol Extended Relief, Miranax, Nalgesin, Naposin, Naprelan, Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Narocin, Proxen, Synflex and Xenobid."[3] Like other NSAID medications naproxen is known to cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the lining of the stomach and intestines and should always be taken with a glass of water.
Some of naproxen's side effects, are and are not limited too: constipation, diarrhea, sores in mouth, excessive thirst, headache,
dizziness, drowsiness, ringing in the ears, hearing problems. More severe symptoms such as blisters, changes in vision, rash, hives, difficulty breathing, flu-like symptoms, bloody urine, and stomach pain are also known to occur.[4]
Background InformationBackground Information
Naproxen was first released to the prescription drug market in 1976 under the name Naprosyn. In 1980 its counterpart salt, naproxen sodium, was released for prescription only under the name Anaprox. The FDA approved naproxens use for an over-the-counter drug in low doses, advertised as Aleve and marketed by Bayer HealthCare.
Prescription naproxen comes in tablet form as an extended-release, delayed-release, or liquid suspension pill that can be taken by mouth. Due to side effects is is commonly advised that it is taken with a full glass of water, taking the tablet with milk or food has also been known to prevent nausea, a common side effect.
Pills should always be taken whole, never crushed, chewed, or split.
Cyclooxygenase abbreviated as COX is an enzyme that is responsible for the production of prostanoids, such as prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane. These eicosanoids, or more simply signaling molecules, are responsible for inflammatory and anaphylactic reactions, vasoconstriction, and the resolution of inflammation respectively. Inhibition of this enzyme can therefore lead to temporary relief of pain and inflammation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAID, target and inhibit the COX enzyme to achieve these desired effects. Of the three variants, (COX-1, COX-2, COX-3), Naproxen targets COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is an essential enzyme in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, responsible for the inflammatory and anaphylactic reations, and is found in the blood, kidneys, and stomach. But COX-1 is also involved in the synthesis of the natural mucus lining that protects the stomach, hence why an overdose, or frequent doses can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. COX-2 is involved in prostagladin synthesis (all three types) but is only found at the site of inflammation, therefore is not responsible for the notable GI tract side effects that occur with the COX-1 inhibitors.
