Aleve
Over-the-counterWhat is Aleve?
Aleve is an over-the-counter pain reliever that contains naproxen sodium. This medication belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Aleve works to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation in your body.
Each Aleve tablet contains 220 milligrams of naproxen sodium. The medication is longer-lasting than many other pain relievers. One dose can provide relief for up to 12 hours. This means you may need fewer doses throughout your day.
Aleve is available without a prescription at most pharmacies and stores. You can find it in tablet, capsule, and liquid gel forms. While you don't need a prescription, it's important to use Aleve safely and as directed.
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Common uses
- Temporary relief of minor aches and pains from headaches
- Muscle aches and body pain
- Backache and neck pain
- Minor arthritis pain and joint stiffness
- Menstrual cramps and period pain
- Toothache and dental pain
- Pain from the common cold or flu
- Fever reduction
How it works
Aleve works by blocking certain natural chemicals in your body called prostaglandins. Your body makes prostaglandins when tissues are injured or infected. These chemicals cause inflammation, swelling, and pain signals. They also help produce fever when you're sick.
By reducing prostaglandin production, Aleve decreases inflammation and blocks pain signals from reaching your brain. This dual action makes it effective for many types of pain. The effects typically begin within 30 to 60 minutes of taking a dose. Relief can last for 8 to 12 hours.
Taking Aleve? Monitor your levels.
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Dosage information
For adults and children 12 years and older, the typical starting dose is one tablet every 8 to 12 hours. You may take 2 tablets for the first dose if needed. Do not take more than 2 tablets in any 8 to 12 hour period. Do not exceed 3 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor. Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.
Side effects
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Gas or bloating
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears
Stop taking Aleve and seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of your body, slurred speech, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, or signs of an allergic reaction. Long-term use can increase risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding. NSAIDs can also affect kidney function, especially with prolonged use.
Drug interactions
- Blood thinners like warfarin, which may increase bleeding risk
- Other NSAIDs including aspirin and ibuprofen
- Blood pressure medications, which may work less effectively
- ACE inhibitors and diuretics used for heart conditions
- Lithium used for mood disorders
- Methotrexate used for arthritis and cancer
- Prednisone and other corticosteroids
- Alcohol, which increases stomach bleeding risk
- SSRIs and SNRIs used for depression
Blood test monitoring
Regular kidney function monitoring is important if you take Aleve frequently or for extended periods. NSAIDs like naproxen can affect how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. Your doctor may order blood tests to check creatinine levels and eGFR, which measure kidney function. These tests are especially important if you're over 60, have existing kidney problems, take blood pressure medications, or use Aleve daily. Rite Aid offers blood testing services that measure over 200 biomarkers including kidney function markers. Testing twice per year helps you and your doctor catch any changes early.
Related blood tests
Taking Aleve? Monitor your levels.
- Track how your body responds
- Catch side effects early with blood work
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Aleve contains naproxen sodium, while Tylenol contains acetaminophen and Advil contains ibuprofen. The main difference is how long each medication lasts. Aleve provides pain relief for up to 12 hours, while ibuprofen typically lasts 4 to 6 hours. Tylenol reduces pain and fever but does not reduce inflammation like Aleve does.
You should not take Aleve daily for more than 10 days without talking to your doctor. Long-term daily use increases your risk of serious side effects including stomach bleeding, heart problems, and kidney damage. If you need pain relief for longer than 10 days, consult your doctor about safer long-term options. Regular kidney function monitoring is important if you take NSAIDs frequently.
No, Aleve is available over the counter without a prescription. You can purchase it at any Rite Aid location or online. While a prescription is not required, you should follow package directions carefully and talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about safe use.
NSAIDs like Aleve can reduce blood flow to your kidneys and affect how they filter waste. This can lead to decreased kidney function over time, especially with frequent use. Blood tests that measure creatinine and eGFR help detect kidney problems early. People over 60 or those with existing health conditions face higher risk and should monitor kidney function regularly.
Talk to your doctor before taking Aleve if you have high blood pressure. NSAIDs can raise blood pressure and make blood pressure medications less effective. They can also increase risk of heart attack and stroke in people with cardiovascular conditions. Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits and risks based on your specific health situation.
Most people feel pain relief within 30 to 60 minutes after taking Aleve. The medication reaches peak levels in your blood after about 2 to 4 hours. Full anti-inflammatory effects may take several days of regular use to develop. Liquid gels may work slightly faster than tablets.
Because Aleve is taken as needed for pain, there is no strict dosing schedule to follow. Simply take a dose when you experience pain or discomfort. Do not take extra doses to make up for missed ones. Remember not to exceed 3 tablets in 24 hours.
You should avoid alcohol while taking Aleve. Both alcohol and NSAIDs can irritate your stomach lining and increase bleeding risk. Combining them raises your chance of stomach ulcers and bleeding significantly. Even moderate alcohol use can be harmful when taken with pain relievers like Aleve.
Do not take Aleve with other NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen unless your doctor tells you to. Taking multiple NSAIDs together increases side effect risks without providing better pain relief. You can generally take Aleve with Tylenol because they work differently in your body. Always check with your pharmacist about drug interactions before combining medications.
Rite Aid offers blood testing services that check over 200 biomarkers including kidney function markers. For $349 per year, you get 2 tests that measure creatinine and eGFR to track how well your kidneys are working. Regular monitoring helps catch potential problems early, especially if you take Aleve frequently. Talk to your Rite Aid pharmacist about testing options and medication safety.