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How Many Aleve Can You Take For Back Pain

Common Nsaids For Back And Neck Pain

Ibuprofen vs. Aleve vs. Turmeric vs. Tylenol (Updated with Aspirin) Pharmacist Chris Explains

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a popular class of medication that can help relieve back and neck pain. There are about 20 types of NSAIDs sold in the United States, but four dominate the market:

  • Aspirin

See Medications for Back Pain and Neck Pain

The strength of these medications varies. Typically, the prescription version is 2 to 4 times stronger than those sold over the counter. Prescribing doctors often give specific instructions on the medication dosage and schedule based on an individuals situation it is important to follow these directions carefully and not exceed the listed dose.

What Interacts With Aleve

Although Aleve can be used without a prescription, other OTC and prescription drugs can interact with Aleve and cause problems. This is important because naproxen stays in the bloodstream for days after taking the last dose. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about taking Aleve before he or she prescribes any other medications. Here are some medications to possibly avoid when taking with Aleve:

  • In general, dont use other NSAIDs when taking Aleve. In particular, Aleve should never be used if the prescription NSAID ketorolac is also being taken.

  • Because Aleve interferes with blood clotting, tell a doctor about Aleve if youre on a blood-thinning drug.

  • Because Aleve can cause stomach bleeding, it should be avoided when taking corticosteroids. Consult with a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional about alternatives to Aleve when taking steroids.

  • Tell the doctor or other healthcare provider about using Aleve if they prescribe diuretics, antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, heart medications, certain types of antibiotics , methotrexate, or lithium.

  • Because of the risk for stomach bleeding and other gastrointestinal problems, drinking three or more alcoholic drinks per day is not recommended when taking Aleve.

Practice Proper Pillow Position

TIP 3 OF 4

Pay attention to pillow position as your head and spine should be in alignment while sleeping. If your pillow elevates your head to the point that it becomes misaligned with your spine, try a new pillow. If you snooze on your back, you do not want your chin pressing into your chest. If sleeping on your side, you dont want your chin pointing toward your shoulder.

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Take It Easy But Not Too Easy

Tip 3 of 4

Give your back some rest, but only for a few days. Continuing your daily activities as soon as possible can give your back better flexibility than resting in bed for a week. In fact, bed rest for too long could make back pain worse and lead to other complications, like depression, decreased muscle tone and blood clots in the legs.

Aleve Dosage For Children

ALEVE® Pain Relief Caplets

Aleve should not be given to children younger than 12 years of age without a prescription. For adolescents 12 years of age and older, parents can give the recommended adult dose for pain or fever. For children under the age of 12, parents should either consult with a doctor or consider childrens formulations of alternative medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen.

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In 10 People Will Experience Back Pain At Some Point

WHAT CAUSES BACK PAIN?

A number of different factors can cause back pain. Some of the most common causes are:

  • Strained back muscles or ligaments
  • Bulging or ruptured discs
  • Severe scoliosis
  • Osteoporosis

Each of these conditions are known to cause pain. See your doctor to get a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan just right for you. ALEVE® is indicated for the temporary relief of aches and pains.

HOW CAN I GET RELIEF FROM BACK PAIN?

When it comes to back pain relief, theres good news most back pain can be treated without surgery. However, what works for one person might not work or be right for another. So, its important to talk to your doctor about your options. In the meantime, here are a few things that can provide back pain relief.

Rest

We know it can be challenging for go-getters to sit around and do nothing, but bed rest for a day or two at most can be an effective method for relieving back pain.

Exercises and stretches

Proper exercises to strengthen the muscles around the area in pain, and stretching to keep the tendons flexible, can provide relief.

Medication

Prescription and over-the-counter medications, like ALEVE®, can help ease back pain when used as directed. Just make sure you always check with your doctor before taking any medication.

TIPS YOU CAN USE RIGHT NOW

Aleve Dosage For Aches And Pain

Adults and adolescents over the age of 12 can use Aleve to relieve minor aches and pains due to arthritis, muscle aches, backaches, headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, or the common cold. However, Aleve should only be used for 10 days continuously. If pains and aches last longer than 10 days or get worse, discontinue taking Aleve and talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider.

  • Dosages are the same as listed in the Dosage for Adults section above.

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Aleve Dosage For Fever

For the temporary reduction of low fever in people older than 12, Aleve is taken at the same dosage as for minor aches and pains. However, Aleve should be discontinued if a fever lasts for longer than three days or climbs above 103 F.

  • Dosages are the same as listed in the Dosage for Adults section above.

Are There Specific Warnings Associated With Nsaid Use

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The Food and Drug Administration requires that the labeling of NSAIDs contain these specific warnings:

These warnings are for non-aspirin NSAIDs:

  • Non-aspirin NSAIDs can increase the chance of heart attack or stroke. This risk may be greater if you have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. However, the risk may also be increased in people who do not have heart disease or those risk factors. This risk can occur early in treatment and may increase with longer use.
  • Heart problems caused by non-aspirin NSAIDs can happen within the first weeks of use and may happen more frequently with higher doses or with long-term use.
  • Non-aspirin NSAIDs should not be used right before or after heart bypass surgery.

This warning is for all NSAIDs including aspirin:

NSAIDs may increase the chance of serious stomach and bowel side effects like ulcers and bleeding. These side effects can occur without warning signs. This risk may be greater in people who:

  • Are older.
  • Are on multiple prescription or over-the-counter NSAIDs.
  • Drink three or more alcoholic beverages per day.

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Can You Overdose On Aleve

Do not take more Aleve than the maximum dosage specified by the manufacturer. In fact, its best to use the lowest possible dose of Aleve for the shortest period to minimize side effects. A moderate overdose increases the risk and severity of side effects such as stomach bleeding, abdominal pain, constipation, and edema . A large overdose can cause symptoms such as nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, drowsiness, and possibly seizures. If you have taken too much Aleve, contact a poison control helpline and get emergency medical attention.

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How Does This Medication Work What Will It Do For Me

Naproxen sodium belongs to a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . It is used to treat fever and pain caused by inflammation, including pain due to arthritis, muscle aches, sprains, strains, backache, headache, migraine, minor aches, menstrual cramps, minor surgery, toothache, dental extractions, and the common cold. It can also be used to reduce fever.

Naproxen sodium works at the site of pain and in the central nervous system . It is believed to work by stopping the production of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor or pharmacist has not recommended it.

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What Are The Dosages Of Naproxen

Dosages of Naproxen:

  • 220 mg
  • 250 mg

Dosage Considerations Should be Given as Follows:

Adult Dosage Considerations

Pain

  • 500 mg orally initially, then 250 mg orally every 6-8 hours or 500 mg orally every 12 hours as needed, not to exceed 1250 mg/day naproxen base on day 1, subsequent daily doses should not exceed 1000 mg naproxen base.
  • Extended-release 750-1000 mg orally every day, may temporarily increase to 1500 mg/day if tolerated well and clinically indicated.
  • 500-1000 mg/day orally divided every 12 hours, may increase to 1500 mg/day if tolerated well for a limited time.

Dysmenorrhea

  • 500 mg orally initially, then 250 mg orally every 6-8 every hour or 500 mg orally every 12 hours , not to exceed 1250 mg/day on the first day, subsequently does should not exceed 1000 mg/day naproxen base.

Gout, Acute

  • 750 mg orally initially, followed by 250 mg every 8 hours until attach subsides
  • Extended-release 1000-1500 mg every day, followed by 1000 mg every day until the attack subsides
  • 750 mg orally initially, may give additional 250-500 mg if necessary, not to exceed 1250 mg in 24 hours

Pediatric Dosage Considerations

Pain

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

  • Over 2 years

Other Complications And Risks

ALEVE® Back &  Body Pain Reliever

The most common complication from ibuprofen overdoses is metabolic acidosis, in which the body cannot eliminate acidic compounds from its blood and tissues.

The body breaks ibuprofen down into acidic compounds. When a person overdoses on it, the acidic compounds accumulate and can reduce the pH of the blood and body tissues. This makes the body more acidic.

Ibuprofen overdose can cause sudden kidney failure and seizures, which can affect the production and elimination of acidic compounds.

Metabolic acidosis can cause:

  • a higher risk of irregular heartbeat
  • altered delivery of oxygen through the bloodstream
  • immune system impairment

A blood test can reveal a low platelet count following an overdose. Prothrombin time, which is the time it takes for the blood to clot, will also rise. This means that the bodys ability to form blood clots may be reduced.

It is vital for people to seek medical attention immediately if they believe they have ingested too much ibuprofen. In most cases, doctors can reverse the consequences of an ibuprofen overdose.

The emergency doctor will take a complete history of how much ibuprofen the person took and at what time.

It is also vital for the person to mention whether they took other substances with the ibuprofen. Knowing this will help the doctor determine the best treatment and how best to manage the overdose.

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Drug Interactions And Overdose

Many OTC medications contain NSAIDs. For this reason, it’s crucial to read all medication labels before using them. Also, be sure you’re getting only one dose of an NSAID at a time.

Nutritional supplements, herbs, recreational drugs, and caffeine can interact with naproxen and change the way it works in your body. Speak with your doctor about all medications and supplements you take before taking Aleve.

Medications that may interact with naproxen in a harmful way include:

  • Alendronate, taken to prevent bone loss
  • Other NSAIDs, including aspirin
  • Herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or Ginkgo biloba
  • Lithium medication such as Eskalith and Lithobid

If you think you may have overdosed, call 911 or your local poison control center.

What Is Aleve Used To Treat

Aleve is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, tendonitis, gout attacks, strains, sprains, muscle aches, headache, menstrual cramps, dental pain, and fever.

Naproxen is also available in combination products. For example, Aleve PM is a sleep aid that contains naproxen and diphenhydramine to treat minor aches and pains and insomnia, and Treximet contains naproxen and sumatriptan to treat headaches.

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How Long Do Nsaids Take To Work

That depends on the NSAID and the condition being treated. Some NSAIDs may work within a few hours, while others may take a week or two.

Generally, for acute muscle injuries, we recommend NSAIDs that work quickly. However, these may need to be taken as often as every four to six hours because of their short action time.

For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis that need long-term treatment, doctors usually recommend NSAIDs that are taken only once or twice a day. However, it generally takes longer for these drugs to have a therapeutic effect.

Understand Your Back & Muscle Pain

Where to Turn for Pain Relief or Inflammation (Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Tylenol) Dr. Mandell

Chances are your active lifestyle will occasionally be interrupted by back and muscle pain. In fact, the unexpected burden of back pain is perhaps more common than you might think. While our backs are generally strong and supportive, theyre also one of the body parts most vulnerable to pain. The good news is that more often than not, relief for minor back pain can be found within the comfort of home using simple self-care.

YOU CAN RELAX KNOWING RELIEF FOR MINOR BACK PAIN CAN MOST OFTEN BE FOUND IN THE COMFORT OF HOME.

THE BASICS OF BACK AND MUSCLE PAIN

Whats going on back there?

Your search for relief from back and muscle-related pain is a common one. Truth is that as much as 80% of us will experience back pain during our lifetime. Its one of the most common reasons for doctor visits and work absences, and is one of the leading causes of disability around the world.

Thankfully, if the pain is minor there are steps you can take on your own to remedy the discomfort and even help prevent future episodes from interrupting your life. With simple home treatment and proper body mechanics, your acute back pain should resolve within a few days to a few weeks. If your pain is severe, gets worse, lasts longer than 10 days, or you have any questions about your condition, please consult your doctor right away.

As many as 80% of us will experience back pain, but most of the time you can put it behind you.

WHATS BEHIND IT?

Common symptoms of back and muscle pain

  • Aching muscles

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What Are The Side Effects Of Aleve Back And Muscle Pain

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reactionor a severe skin reaction .

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Stop using naproxen and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • shortness of breath
  • swelling or rapid weight gain
  • the first sign of any skin rash or blister, no matter how mild
  • signs of stomach bleedingbloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • liver problemsnausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
  • kidney problemslittle or no urination, painful urination, swelling in your feet or ankles or
  • low red blood cells pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects may include:

  • headache
  • indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain or
  • flu symptoms

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Adult Nsaid Dosage Chart

NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are a common type of pain reliever. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen sodium,and aspirin. They each have different dosages, directions, and daily limits. for the correct OTC ibuprofen dosage, naproxen sodium dosage, and aspirin dosages to help ensure you are taking these pain relievers safely.

IBUPROFEN for example Motrin® IB and Advil®200 mg per pill
DOSE & FREQUENCY 1 pills every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms last
DAILY LIMIT Do not take more than 10 pills in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor

Ibuprofendaily limit1,200 mg

NAPROXEN SODIUM for example Aleve®220 mg per pill
DOSE & FREQUENCY 1 pill every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last
DAILY LIMIT Do not take more than 2 pills in any 8 to 12 hour period. Do not take more than 3 pills in 24 hours

Naproxen sodiumdaily limit660 mg

ASPIRIN REGULAR STRENGTH for example Bayer® Regular Strength325 mg per pill
DOSE & 1 or 2 pills every 4 hours, or 3 pills every 6 hours
DAILY LIMIT Do not take more than 12 pills in 24 hours
ASPIRIN EXTRA STRENGTH for example Bayer® Extra Strength500 mg per pill
DOSE & 1 or 2 pills every 4 to 6 hours
DAILY LIMIT Do not take more than 8 pills in 24 hours

Aspirindaily limit4,000 mg

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