What is the recommended dose of naproxen (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID) for a 215-pound (97.5 kilograms) man?

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From the Guidelines

For a 215-pound man, the recommended dose of naproxen is 275-550 mg every 2-6 hours, with a maximum initial dose of 825 mg and not exceeding 1.5 g per day, as indicated in the study published in the American Family Physician in 2002 1.

Important Considerations

When taking naproxen, it is essential to consider the following:

  • Take the medication with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation.
  • Do not exceed the recommended dose, as this can increase the risk of adverse reactions.
  • If you have kidney disease, heart conditions, high blood pressure, or take certain medications like blood thinners or other NSAIDs, consult your doctor before taking naproxen.
  • Naproxen works by reducing inflammation and pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
  • If pain persists for more than 10 days, seek medical advice.

Potential Side Effects

Naproxen can cause several side effects, including:

  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Pruritus
  • GI upset
  • Constipation It is crucial to monitor for these side effects and adjust the dose or discontinue use if necessary.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage of naproxen is 275-550 mg every 2-6 hours, with a maximum initial dose of 825 mg and not exceeding 1.5 g per day 1. This dosing is based on the standard adult recommendation, which is typically not weight-dependent for adults within normal weight ranges. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for individual patients.

From the FDA Drug Label

The recommended dose is 250 mg, 375 mg, or 500 mg twice daily The recommended starting dose of naproxen is 500 mg, followed by 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 6 to 8 hours as required. In patients who tolerate lower doses well, the dose may be increased to naproxen 1500 mg/day for limited periods of up to 6 months when a higher level of anti-inflammatory/analgesic activity is required.

The recommended dose of naproxen for a 215-pound man is 250 mg, 375 mg, or 500 mg twice daily. The initial total daily dose should not exceed 1250 mg of naproxen, and thereafter, the total daily dose should not exceed 1000 mg of naproxen 2.

From the Research

Recommended Dose of Naproxen

The recommended dose of naproxen for a 215-pound (97.5 kilograms) man is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the following information can be used as a guide:

  • A study published in 2004 3 found that naproxen sodium 550 mg (equivalent to 500 mg of naproxen) is considered an effective dose for treating postoperative pain.
  • Another study published in 2009 4 found that doses equivalent to 500 mg and 400 mg naproxen administered orally provided effective analgesia to adults with moderate to severe acute postoperative pain.
  • A study published in 1985 5 used an initial dose of naproxen of 750 mg, with additional 250-500 mg doses taken if and when required, to a maximum of five 250 mg tablets within a period of 24 h in each migraine attack.

Key Points to Consider

  • The dosage of naproxen may vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual's response to the medication.
  • The studies provided do not specify a recommended dose for a person of a specific weight, such as 215 pounds (97.5 kilograms).
  • It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dose of naproxen for a particular individual.

Available Dosage Information

  • The following dosages of naproxen were mentioned in the studies:
    • 200-220 mg
    • 400 mg
    • 500 mg
    • 550 mg (naproxen sodium)
    • 750 mg (initial dose for migraine treatment)

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Single dose oral naproxen and naproxen sodium for acute postoperative pain.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2004

Research

Treatment of acute migraine attack: naproxen and placebo compared.

Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache, 1985

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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