Naproxen sodium is a drug used for the relieving if pain and treating fever. For those people who want to use this drug they will need to know that they have side effects especially if the drug is used for long periods of time. So people should know the precautions to be taken before taking this drug and how the drug is supposed to be taken in order to be effective and not have any serious side effects on your body. Most Naproxen sodium drugs come with labels where the directions are indicated if they are bought over the counter on the other hand Naproxen can be prescribed by the doctor.

The Naproxen tabs are only supposed to be swallowed and not crushed, chewed or broken as it is supposed to release the medicine into the body slowly. Breaking of the pill causes too much of the medicine released to the body at one time and this also damages the coating. The oral suspension or liquid form Naproxen should be shaken well before measuring the dose. You should use a measuring spoon or a medicine cup and not a regular spoon. In case you do not have these measuring tools you should ask your pharmacist for one.

Patients should also not take Naproxen for long periods of time so you need to visit the doctor regularly to identify when to stop taking the drug. Naproxen should also be stored at room temperature and this should be away from heat and moisture. Naproxen sodium is basically taken when needed so this means that you will not be necessarily on a dosing schedule. However, for people who take Naproxen regularly you should immediately take your dose as soon as you remember in case you forgot. In case your time for the next dose, you can skip the missed dose and then take it at the next regularly scheduled time.

You are not supposed to take extra medicine in order to make up for the missed dose. In case a person overdoses Naproxen they should immediately seek emergency medical attention. There are several symptoms that will show when someone has overdosed Naproxen sodium and this will include nausea, drowsiness, fainting, vomiting, confusion, stomach pain, coughing up blood, black or bloody stool, shallow breathing or coma. People who plan to take or are taking Naproxen should also avoid taking several other things including any other over the counter drugs for treating colds, pain and allergies without consulting a doctor. Drinking alcohol should also be avoided while taking Naproxen.