How many aleve to take

Aleve comes in capsule and gel form. One dose of OTC Aleve contains mg naproxen and 20 mg sodium. Prescription naproxen is available in regular and extended-release formulations.

It is also available in combination with a sleep aid—25 milligrams mg diphenhydramine hydrochloride. According to the manufacturer, dosages for pain management is as follows:. After your first dose, you should not take more than two pills in any hour time or more than three in any 24 hours. If you miss a dose, you can skip it or take one as soon as you remember.

Then wait for 12 hours before taking your next dose. Stay as close to your regular dosing schedule as possible. Safely store Aleve by keeping it tightly closed in the container it came in. It should be kept at room temperature and away from heat and moisture. As an extra precaution, you can mix the drugs with something undesirable, such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter before throwing them away.

In addition, some pharmacies accept unwanted drugs so they can properly dispose of them. Keep naproxen out of the reach of children. Your doctor will advise you about how to take your medication.

It is essential to follow their directions and the package instructions carefully. Pharmacists can answer any questions you have about the medication. All medicines in the NSAID class, including naproxen, work by blocking the formation of chemicals in the body known as prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins contribute to the effects of inflammation , including swelling, fever, and pain. Some of the common side effects include:. Naproxen is usually safe, but it has been associated with severe and even fatal side effects. These include GI tract, kidney, and heart complications. Since the side effects of this drug can be pretty serious, you should only take Aleve under the guidance of your doctor. This drug has the potential to cause an allergic reaction.

This kind of reaction may show up as:. Prostaglandins naturally help protect your stomach from damage. Therefore, when Aleve reduces your prostaglandin production, it can cause stomach bleeding.

Signs and symptoms of stomach bleeding include:. Based on research findings, the U. Taking higher doses for more extended periods may increase your risk. That said, a Danish study found an association between short-term ibuprofen or diclofenac treatment and cardiovascular events. However, it did not identify a link specifically between naproxen and such events.

However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

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You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Aleve is an anti-inflammatory drug. As inflammation decreases, a person usually experiences less pain. Naproxen sodium is the active ingredient in Aleve. Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic. It inhibits the pain sensors in the nervous system, and it can also reduce fevers. Healthcare professionals usually suggest starting off with the smallest dosage of a drug.

If the symptoms persist, they then recommend increasing the dosage or adding another medication. Doctors generally recommend taking different dosages of Aleve and Tylenol. The same is true for other drugs that contain naproxen or acetaminophen.

The recommended dosage of Aleve, for adults, is one pill every 8—12 hours. However, this depends on the strength of the medication. Tylenol generally comes in milligram mg , mg, or mg pills. If a person takes either medication regularly, it may be a good idea to use the other when additional pain arises. If either Aleve or Tylenol is insufficient to relieve pain, a person may benefit from adding a staggered dosage of the other medication.

Anyone experiencing ongoing pain should speak with their doctor about the best treatment options. Read the labeling of these products carefully to understand the correct dosage and potential complications.

When in doubt, it is important to speak with a doctor. Acetaminophen is a very common ingredient in over-the-counter medications, such as cough and cold medicines. If you have any questions or are unsure which pain reliever may be appropriate for you, talk with your healthcare professional. If you take more medicine than the label says, you may increase your chance of experiencing serious side effects.

To use OTC pain relievers responsibly:. If your pain lasts more than 5 days, stop taking the medicine and see a healthcare professional. Dosing charts for adult OTC pain relievers.