What it means
A long-acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugnon-STAIR-oy-dul an-tee-in-FLAM-uh-tor-ee DRUGA drug that relieves pain, fever and inflammation and is not a steroid, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.non- notanti- againstinflamm/o inflammationFull entry used for arthritis, muscle and joint pain, menstrual cramps, gout attacks and fever. It lasts longer than ibuprofeneye-byoo-PROH-fenA drug that eases pain, fever and inflammation; a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.Full entry , so it is usually taken twice a day. Like other NSAIDs, it can irritate and bleed the stomach, hold fluid, raise blood pressure and harm the kidneys.
For the nurse
Give it with food or milk and a full glass of water. Teach the client not to take it with other NSAIDs or aspirin unless told to, and to report black stools, stomach pain, swelling or less urine. Its boxed warning covers a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and stomach bleeding. The Beers Criteria advise against long-term use in older adults unless other choices fail.
At a glance
| Drug class | nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox DS |
| Spanish | naproxeno |
| Also written | Aleve, Anaprox, Anaprox DS, Naprosyn |
Related terms
analgesic
A drug that relieves pain.
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
A drug that relieves pain, fever and inflammation and is not a steroid, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
aspirin
A drug that eases pain, fever and inflammation and makes platelets less sticky so blood clots less easily.
ibuprofen
A drug that eases pain, fever and inflammation; a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.