What is naproxen and pseudoephedrine?
Naproxen is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Naproxen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
The combination of naproxen and pseudoephedrine is used to treat stuffy nose, sinus congestion, cough, and pain or fever caused by the common cold or flu.
Naproxen and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about naproxen and pseudoephedrine?
Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Do not use naproxen and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.
Naproxen can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.
Naproxen can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning at any time while you are taking naproxen.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of naproxen can cause damage to your stomach or intestines.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking naproxen and pseudoephedrine?
Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take a cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking an NSAID. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to naproxen and pseudoephedrine, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Before taking naproxen and pseudoephedrine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
liver or kidney disease;
asthma;
diabetes;
a thyroid disorder;
polyps in your nose;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
if you smoke.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use naproxen and pseudoephedrine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Taking naproxen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects. Do not take naproxen and pseudoephedrine during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to.
Naproxen and pseudoephedrine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.