Overview Of Common Fever-Reducing Medications

Naproxen

Naproxen is another powerful anti-inflammatory. It is offered by prescription as well as over-the-counter! Patients are limited to taking two doses of this medication a day. However, sometimes a doctor will allow three doses. They must drink a full glass of water with each dose and avoid lying down for ten minutes! This medication has an upset stomach as a side effect. Patients reduce this risk by taking this medication with food or milk! Of course, taking it with an antacid also helps. Other side effects are heartburn, headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness. Patients need to call their doctor when these effects get worse or do not go away!

There are other less common side effects as well. They include painful swallowing, mood changes, easy bruising, and vision changes. Patients also deal with urine output changes and a stiff neck with no known cause on this medication. They have to tell their doctor right away if any of these appear! Of course, naproxen interacts with some medicines. They include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, lithium, and corticosteroids. Thus, patients need to review a list of their current medications with their doctor first. Many of them need adjusted doses or to find another medication.