Naproxen+pantoprazole
About
Naproxen+pantoprazole belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or pain killers used to reduce and relieve pain, redness and inflammation (swelling) in patients suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, cervical spondylitis (wear and tear of spinal discs in neck), dysmenorrhea, mild migraine and acute gout (severe pain due to an excess of uric acid) in adult and children. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the body attacks its cells and causes damage, thereby causing joint pain with inflammation.
Naproxen+pantoprazole is a combination of two drugs: Naproxen (painkiller) and Pantoprazole (antacid). Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory drug that works by blocking the action of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme in the body that is involved in the production of certain chemical substances (prostaglandins) that cause pain and swelling. This helps in reducing mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site decreasing stiffness in joints. It is also used to treat low back pain, strains, and sprains. Naproxen has been reported to cause gastric discomfort, acidity, and risk of stomach ulcers. Hence, it is combined with Pantoprazole (proton pump inhibitors) which reduces the amount of acid made by the stomach, thus preventing damage to the stomach. Thus, the combination helps alleviate pain with minimal gastric irritation caused due to Naproxen alone.
Take Naproxen+pantoprazole as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Naproxen+pantoprazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. You may experience indigestion, stomach pain, constipation, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea in some cases. Most of these side effects of Naproxen+pantoprazole do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any known allergy to naproxen, pantoprazole, other NSAIDs or other medications. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Naproxen+pantoprazole. Also, inform the doctor if you have a history of heart rhythm problems or ulcers due to painkillers. Patients with age above 65 years, with pre-existing cardiac diseases such as heart failure, hypertension or stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding (due to pain killers), gastric ulcers, respiratory diseases such as asthma, liver diseases, kidney diseases, or bleeding disorders should use Naproxen+pantoprazole only when prescribed by a doctor.
Uses of Naproxen+pantoprazole
Medicinal Benefits
Naproxen+pantoprazole is a combination of two drugs, namely: Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation) and an analgesic (reduces pain) agent, and Pantoprazole (antacid). Naproxen works by blocking the action of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme in the body that is involved in the production of certain chemical substances (prostaglandins) that cause pain and swelling. This helps in reducing mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site decreasing stiffness in joints. It is also used to treat fibrositis (muscle pain and stiffness), tenosynovitis (swelling of tendons), low back pain, strains and sprains. NSAIDs such as Naproxen have been reported to cause gastric discomfort, acidity, and risk of stomach ulcers. To reduce gastric discomfort and stomach ulceration risk, it is combined with Pantoprazole (a proton pump inhibitor that inhibits gastric acid secretion) to reduce stomach acid production during long-term treatment for people with pre-existing stomach ulcers or for people having a history of developing stomach ulcers while using NSAIDs. Thus, the combination helps alleviate pain with minimal gastric irritation caused due to Naproxen alone.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Naproxen+pantoprazole
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Kidney dysfunction
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Naproxen+pantoprazole if you are allergic to Naproxen+pantoprazole. Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (other than aspirin) such as naproxen may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke and stomach ulcers. The risk of developing ulcers is higher if you have a history of ulcers, have bleeding disorders, older in age, alcoholic or have multiple diseases. Elderly patients are at greater risk for gastrointestinal bleeding problems so the doctor can limit their dose. It should not be used by a patient who has undergone recent heart bypass surgery or going to have it. Naproxen+pantoprazole is not recommended for pregnant women especially in the third trimester as it may cause harm to the baby. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Naproxen+pantoprazole. Consult your doctor before giving Naproxen+pantoprazole to children. Do not take any other NSAIDs for pain relief along with Naproxen+pantoprazole unless prescribed. Prolonged intake of PPIs or proton pump inhibitors like pantoprazole may cause brittle bones so intake of Vitamin D and calcium can be additionally given by your doctor while using Naproxen+pantoprazole. Do not consume alcohol with Naproxen+pantoprazole as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding or ulcer.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Naproxen+pantoprazole may have interaction with pain killers (ibuprofen, diclofenac, paracetamol, aspirin), high blood pressure-lowering medicines (propranolol, enalapril, cilazapril, losartan, candesartan, eprosartan), water pills (furosemide), blood thinners (heparin, warfarin, clopidogrel), fits related medicines (phenytoin), antidiabetic drugs (glimepiride, glipizide), antibiotics (moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, rifampicin), HIV/AIDS medicines (zidovudine, atazanavir, nelfinavir), antifungal (ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole), heart medicine (digoxin) and anti-cancer drug (methotrexate).
Drug-Food Interactions: Naproxen+pantoprazole may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol intake while taking Naproxen+pantoprazole as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding and drowsiness, and dizziness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: People with diabetes, stomach ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, asthma, kidney, liver, or heart problems, and an autoimmune condition, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (joint pain, fever, and skin rashes), colitis or Crohn’s disease (conditions causing swelling of the bowel, diarrhoea, bowel pain, vomiting, and weight loss) should consult a doctor before taking Naproxen+pantoprazole.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol with Naproxen+pantoprazole as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcer.
Pregnancy
unsafeNaproxen+pantoprazole is a Category C pregnancy drug and is considered unsafe for pregnant women especially in the third trimester. However, please consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionNaproxen+pantoprazole passes into the breast milk. However, no evidence of risk has been reported. Please consult your doctor before intake of Naproxen+pantoprazole. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Driving
cautionNaproxen+pantoprazole may cause dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness or vision problems in some people. So, drive only if you are alert after taking Naproxen+pantoprazole.
Liver
cautionNaproxen+pantoprazole should be used with caution in people having liver diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary. So, it should be used only with your doctor's prescription.
Kidney
cautionNaproxen+pantoprazole is not recommended for use in patients with moderate to severe and severe renal impairment. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. So, it should be used only when prescribed by your doctor.
Children
unsafeNaproxen+pantoprazole can be used safely in children if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Follow heat or cold therapy, and apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20minutes regularly.
- Acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Foods containing flavonoids such as soy, berries, broccoli, grapes, and green tea help in reducing inflammation.
- Include high-fiber-containing foods, berries, cherries, leafy green veggies, and black peppers in your meal. These foods are full of antioxidants, calcium, and vitamin B12 that can help cope with the long-term effects of the medicine. Fermented dairy products like miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics which help in the prevention of excess stomach acid production.
- Avoid intake of acid or heartburn-triggering foods or drinks like onions, peppermint, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes, and high-fat and spicy foods.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- If you are elderly, a smoker, had stroke previously, or have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, please inform your doctor as these conditions may increase the risk of heart problems.
- Your doctor may monitor liver function and kidney function if you are taking Naproxen+pantoprazole for long-term.
- Individuals at risk for osteoporosis-related fractures should receive an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.
- Pantoprazole in Naproxen+pantoprazole may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine test for tetrahydrocannabinol-THC, and a blood test to find certain tumors), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you are using Naproxen+pantoprazole.
- Regular monitoring of vitamin B-12, rarely, Pantoprazole in Naproxen+pantoprazole have caused vitamin B-12 deficiency. The risk is increased if they are taken Naproxen+pantoprazole every day for a long time.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoarthritis: It is a degenerative joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to breakdown of a protective covering of cartilage. Due to the absence of this protective covering, the joints rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, inflammation and tenderness. The main reason for osteoarthritis is age, the older you are, the more likely you could get osteoarthritis, thus known as degenerative disease, meaning that the joints wear out as a person ages. Other reasons include a past injuries such as torn cartilage, dislocated joints, and ligament injuries.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) that leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities, and loss of joint function.
Ankylosing spondylitis: It causes pain and stiffness in the spine. The pain usually starts in the lower back and can spread to the neck, damaged joints, or other parts of the body. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include decreased flexibility which usually leads to a hunched-forward posture, pain, and back and joints.
Migraine: A headache of varying intensity, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
Gout: A form of arthritis characterized by severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints. Pain and inflammation occur when too much uric acid crystallizes and deposits in the joints.
FAQs
Naproxen+pantoprazole contains Naproxen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or pain reliever) and Pantoprazole (antacid). Naproxen works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that cause pain and inflammation (redness and swelling). Pantoprazole works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as the gastric proton pump that is responsible for the production of acid. This helps in reducing the amount of acid produced, heals the ulcers and prevents the formation of new ulcers.
No, you are not recommended to take Naproxen+pantoprazole with clopidogrel as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. However, if you notice blood in urine or stools, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, weakness or headache, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately to use safely.
Yes. Naproxen+pantoprazole can alter certain medical tests like neuroendocrine tumours (secretin stimulation test) and urine screening tests for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). So before undergoing such a diagnostics test contact your doctor.
Yes, Naproxen in Naproxen+pantoprazole may increase the risk of heart problems such as heart attack and stroke especially when used in high doses or for a prolonged duration. It is advised to inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions or have a history of heart problems or stroke before taking Naproxen+pantoprazole. However, it is recommended to take Naproxen+pantoprazole in dose and for the duration as prescribed by your doctor. It should be not used by the patient who have had recent heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft - CABG).
Arthritis is a chronic condition of joints with pain and inflammation. Naproxen+pantoprazole does not cure arthritis but relieve symptoms of arthritis-like joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
Naproxen+pantoprazole is a pregnancy Category C medicine so, it is advisable to tell your doctor before its intake. It may inhibit ovulation (release of egg from ovary) and decrease the levels of progesterone leading to infertility in women. However, this effect is temporary and ovulation returns to normal mostly after one month of stopping Naproxen+pantoprazole. However, if you are planning for pregnancy or have difficulties becoming pregnant, please inform your doctor before taking Naproxen+pantoprazole.