Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation. It comes in different strengths, with naproxen 220 mg being a commonly used dose. Naproxen works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. While naproxen is generally safe when used as directed, taking too much can increase the risk of serious side effects. So how many 220 mg naproxen tablets can you safely take at one time?
Quick Answer
The maximum recommended dose of naproxen in a 24 hour period is 660 mg. So you should not exceed 3 naproxen 220 mg tablets within a 24 hour timeframe. It’s best to take the smallest effective dose that provides pain and inflammation relief. Check with your doctor if you need to take naproxen for more than 5 days for pain or more than 10 days for inflammation.
Normal Dosage Guidelines
Here are the typical naproxen dosage guidelines:
- Adults: The recommended dosage is 220 mg (1 tablet) every 8 to 12 hours. The maximum dose in 24 hours is 660 mg (3 tablets).
- Children 2 years and older: The dosage is 5 mg per kg of body weight twice daily. This is about 4 mg per pound twice a day.
- Children under 2 years: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.
So in most cases, adults and children over 12 years can take 1 to 2 naproxen 220 mg tablets every 8 to 12 hours as needed. The maximum dose per day should not exceed 660 mg or 3 tablets. It’s important to follow dosage instructions and not exceed 3 tablets in a 24 hour period.
Exceeding the Maximum Dosage
Taking more than the maximum recommended dose of naproxen can increase the risk of serious side effects. Potential adverse effects include:
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding
- Kidney problems
- Liver damage
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Fluid retention
- Worsening high blood pressure
- Heart attack or stroke
Overdosing on naproxen can be dangerous, especially for older adults, people with existing medical conditions, and those taking other medications. Seek emergency medical care if you suspect a naproxen overdose.
Maximum Dose for Special Populations
Lower maximum doses are recommended for certain groups who may be more susceptible to side effects:
- Older adults over 65 years: The maximum daily dose should not exceed 440 mg per day.
- People with kidney impairment: The maximum dose may need to be reduced based on the degree of kidney dysfunction.
- People who weigh less than 50 kg (110 lbs): They should not take more than 440 mg total per day.
Pregnant women may also need a reduced dose, so be sure to check with your doctor. It’s important for special populations to follow dosage limits to avoid excessive exposure.
Taking Naproxen Safely
To use naproxen safely and effectively:
- Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset
- Avoid lying down for 30 minutes after taking to prevent irritation
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol to reduce side effects
- Take the lowest dose that is effective for your symptoms
- Follow dosage limits and avoid exceeding 660 mg per day
- See your doctor if symptoms persist longer than 10 days
- Get medical help immediately with signs of an overdose
Checking with your doctor before starting naproxen and reading the label carefully can also help promote safe use. Report any worrisome side effects to your physician.
Key Points
- Adults should take no more than 660 mg of naproxen sodium (3 tablets of 220 mg strength) in a 24 hour period.
- It’s best to use the lowest effective dose based on your symptoms.
- Taking more than the recommended amount can increase the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney damage, heart problems, and other adverse effects.
- Special populations like older adults may require an even lower maximum daily dose.
- Know the signs of an overdose and seek immediate medical care if they occur.
Common Brand Names
Naproxen sodium is sold under a variety of brand names and store brands. Some common brand name versions in the 220 mg strength per tablet include:
- Aleve
- Anaprox DS
- EC-Naprosyn
- Leader Naproxen Sodium
- Midol Extended Relief
- Naprelan
Be sure to check the label to confirm the amount of naproxen sodium in each tablet. While 220 mg is a typical dose per tablet, some brands may contain slightly different strengths.
Use for Pain and Inflammation
Naproxen sodium tablets are used to treat a variety of conditions involving pain and inflammation, such as:
- Minor arthritis pain
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Menstrual cramps
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Sprains and strains
- Tooth pain
- Post-surgery pain
It works by blocking hormones that trigger pain and swelling. Naproxen provides relief by reducing prostaglandin production for up to 12 hours with a single dose.
Long-Term Daily Use
While naproxen sodium is intended for short-term use, some people take it daily on an ongoing basis. This may be appropriate under medical supervision in certain situations, such as:
- Managing chronic arthritis symptoms
- Treating chronic back pain or headaches
- Preventing pain and swelling from sports injuries
With long-term daily use, the maximum daily dose should not exceed 440 mg per day. Doses above 220 mg twice daily are generally only appropriate on a short-term basis. There are increased risks with higher doses for extended periods.
Combining with Other Medications
Naproxen can interact with a variety of medications. Some potentially significant interactions include:
- Blood thinners – Naproxen may increase bleeding risk
- Steroids – May increase risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers
- Blood pressure medications – Naproxen may reduce their effectiveness
- Diuretics – Can worsen kidney problems
- Methotrexate – Naproxen can cause build-up in the body
- Lithium – Risk of lithium toxicity may increase
Be sure your doctor knows all medications you take to assess for interactions. Read labels carefully and avoid OTC products that contain NSAIDs while taking naproxen.
Risks and Precautions
Use naproxen with caution if you have:
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- A history of ulcers or bleeding in the stomach
- Asthma
- Polyps in the nose
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Naproxen may worsen these conditions. Tell your doctor about any medical issues before starting. Seek emergency care if you experience signs of stomach bleeding, kidney problems, shortness of breath, or heart attack.
Side Effects
Potential side effects of naproxen include:
- Heartburn, nausea, vomiting
- Stomach pain, ulcers, bleeding
- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness
- Skin rash and itching
- Fluid retention, swelling
- Constipation, diarrhea
- Confusion, mood changes
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty breathing
Seek medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, liver injury, or life-threatening cardiovascular effects like chest pain and weakness. Report any severe or bothersome side effects to your physician.
Overdose Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a potential overdose include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Agitation or restlessness
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Bloody vomit or stools
- Jaundice
- Chest pain
An overdose can be fatal without emergency care. Seek immediate medical help if you experience these signs after taking too much naproxen.
Warnings
To use naproxen safely:
- Do not exceed 660 mg per day
- Avoid use if you have had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Do not take right before or after heart surgery
- Check with your doctor before use if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, a history of ulcers or bleeding, or other medical conditions
- Tell your doctor about all medications you take to check for interactions
Discontinue use and see your doctor if you experience breathlessness, vomiting blood, black stools, blurred vision, slurred speech, confusion, weakness on one side, or seizure after taking naproxen.
Conclusion
The recommended maximum daily dose of naproxen sodium is 660 mg or 3 tablets of 220 mg strength. Exceeding this amount raises the risk of adverse effects without providing added benefit. To use naproxen safely, take the lowest effective dose based on your symptoms, avoid long-term daily use unless directed by your doctor, and watch for signs of overdose requiring emergency care. Checking with a physician before starting naproxen and monitoring for side effects can help minimize risks.