Can I take naproxen with Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: July 24, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Naproxen and Augmentin Can Be Taken Together with Caution

Yes, naproxen can be taken with Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate), but caution is advised due to potential gastrointestinal risks.

Safety of the Combination

Naproxen (an NSAID) and Augmentin (an antibiotic) do not have a direct pharmacological interaction that would prevent their concurrent use. However, both medications have independent risks that should be considered:

  • Augmentin is an antibiotic combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid used to treat bacterial infections 1
  • Naproxen is a non-selective NSAID that carries gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks 2

Risk Assessment Before Taking This Combination

Gastrointestinal Risk Factors

Before taking naproxen with Augmentin, consider these risk factors for GI complications:

  • Age: Risk increases 2-3.5 fold in patients over 65 years 2
  • Previous GI events: 2.5-4 times higher risk in patients with history of ulcers or bleeding 2
  • Concomitant medications:
    • Anticoagulants increase GI bleeding risk approximately 3-fold 2
    • Corticosteroids increase risk approximately 2-fold 2

Cardiovascular Considerations

  • Non-selective NSAIDs like naproxen may affect cardiovascular risk 2
  • If you have cardiovascular disease, discuss with your healthcare provider before using naproxen

Recommendations for Safe Use

If you need to take both medications:

  1. Use the lowest effective dose of naproxen for the shortest duration possible 2
  2. Consider gastroprotection:
    • For high-risk patients, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) should be added when taking naproxen 2
    • PPIs can reduce the risk of bleeding ulcers by 75-85% in high-risk NSAID users 2
  3. Timing of administration:
    • Take naproxen with food to reduce direct gastric irritation
    • Follow the specific instructions for Augmentin (typically taken at the start of a meal)
  4. Monitor for warning signs:
    • Abdominal pain
    • Black/tarry stools
    • Vomiting blood

Special Populations

Patients on Anticoagulants

  • Avoid NSAIDs if possible in patients taking anticoagulants 2
  • If concurrent use is necessary, monitor closely and use GI prophylaxis 2

Breastfeeding Women

  • Naproxen is considered safe during breastfeeding 2
  • Discuss Augmentin use during breastfeeding with your healthcare provider

Alternative Options

If you're concerned about the combination:

  • Consider acetaminophen (paracetamol) as an alternative pain reliever, which has no increased risk of GI complications 3
  • For inflammation, discuss with your healthcare provider about temporarily delaying either medication if possible

Remember to always inform all healthcare providers about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

References

2
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Related Questions

Is it safe to increase naproxen (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) from 375mg to 500mg BID (twice a day) for a 29-year-old male patient with normal range of motion (ROM) and capillary refill, 6 days post-wrist injury?
Is a 5-day lack of response from a urologist's office to a patient's concerns about a possible urinary tract infection (UTI), despite multiple attempts to contact them, considered patient abandonment, given the patient's history of kidney stones, sepsis, and recent hospital discharge for stent placement, and current symptoms including flank pain, low-grade fever, and positive test results for leukocytes and nitrites, while taking Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate)?
What is the best course of action for a patient, 3 days post-discharge, with a history of obstructing ureteral stone and infection, currently on Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate), presenting with right-sided flank pain, chills, nausea, and abnormal labs, including leukocytosis, hematuria, and elevated liver enzymes, after undergoing stent placement for a ureteral stone with a urine culture positive for Klebsiella?
What is the best course of action for a patient with a history of obstructing ureteral stone and infection, currently on Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate), presenting with severe flank pain, signs of infection, impaired liver function, and anemia, 3 days after discharge following stent placement?
What is the dosing and frequency of Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) 600mg/5ml liquid suspension for a 265-pound female patient with streptococcal infection who cannot take pills?
What is the recommended duration of empirical antibiotics when the source of infection is not identified but the patient shows clinical improvement?
What approach should be taken when prescribing vestibular suppressants to patients 65 years and older with dizziness to balance efficacy with fall risk?
What is the next step in treating a patient with hyperglycemia on metformin 250 mg daily?
What is the most common initial presentation of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
What is the best management plan for a 50-year-old male patient with bilateral foot pain, right elbow pain, and right shoulder pain, likely related to overuse from increased physical activity?
What is the maximum dose of gabapentin (Neurontin) at night?

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.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question