Naproxen is an NSAID used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, acute gout, primary dysmenorrhea, and mild to moderate pain. Naproxen is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory dug (NSAID) and was initially approved for prescription use in 1976 and then for over-the-counter (OTC) use in 1994.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 4 references
As with other non-selective NSAIDs, naproxen exerts it's clinical effects by blocking COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes leading to decreased prostaglandin synthesis. Although both enzymes contribute to prostaglandin production, they have unique functional differences. The COX-1 enzymes is constitutively active and can be found in normal tissues such as the stomach lining, while the COX-2 enzyme is inducible and produces prostaglandins that mediate pain, fever and inflammation. The COX-2 enzyme mediates the desired antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties offered by Naproxen, while undesired adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset and renal toxicities are linked to the COX-1 enzyme.
- Primary indication
- Naproxen is indicated for the management of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, acute gout, primary dysmenorrhea, and for the relief of mild to moderate pain.Curator reviewed · 34 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C14H14O3 · 230.2592 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1997 · United States, 1976
- Also known as
- (S)-Naproxen · Naprolag
- Code names
- BAYH-6689 · RS-3540 · RS 3650
- Brand names
Resolves to
CMWTZPSULFXXJA-VIFPVBQESA-NSMILESCOC1=CC2=C(C=C1)C=C(C=C2)[C@H](C)C(O)=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 16, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Naproxen, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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