Naproxen
Also known as: Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox, EC-Naprosyn, Midol Extended Relief, Naprelan, Equiproxen
> **DANGER**: Never give human over-the-counter pain relievers like Aleve® to your pets without explicit veterinary instructions. Naproxen is highly toxic to dogs and cats. * If your pet is prescribed naproxen, strictly adhere to the dosing schedule (which may be as infrequent as every other day for dogs). * **Stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately** if you notice: * Loss of appetite or lethargy/depression * Vomiting (especially if it contains blood or looks like coffee grounds) * Diarrhea or black, tarry stools * Changes in drinking or urination habits
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Myositis and soft tissue diseases of the musculoskeletal system
- Systemic therapies for joint disease
- Septic arthritis pain; inflammation (Rabbits)
- Osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal inflammatory diseases (Last resort)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- GI distress (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Gastrointestinal ulcers and perforation
- Melena and bloody vomitus
- Renal effects (nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, fluid retention)
- Hepatic effects (increased liver enzymes)
- Hematologic effects (hypoproteinemia, decreased hematocrit, anemia)
- CNS effects (neuropathies, lethargy, depression)
Cautions & contraindications
- Active GI ulcers
- History of hypersensitivity to naproxen or other NSAIDs
- Pre-existing hematologic, renal, or hepatic disease
- > **WARNING**: Extremely narrow therapeutic index in dogs. Use is generally discouraged unless all FDA-approved, safer NSAIDs have failed. * **Relatively Contraindicated**: Patients with a history of or pre-existing hematologic, renal, or hepatic disease. * **Caution**: Use cautiously in patients with a history of GI ulcers or heart failure (may cause fluid retention). * **Infection**: Animals suffering from inflammation secondary to concomitant infection should receive appropriate antimicrobial therapy alongside NSAID treatment.
Drug interactions
- Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, amikacin): Increased risk for nephrotoxicity
- Anticoagulants (heparin, LMWH, warfarin): Increased risk for bleeding
- Aspirin: Decreased plasma levels of naproxen and increased likelihood of GI adverse effects (blood loss). Concomitant use is not recommended.
- Bisphosphonates (alendronate): May increase risk for GI ulceration
- Corticosteroids: Concomitant administration significantly increases the risks for GI adverse effects and ulceration
- Furosemide: Naproxen may reduce the saluretic and diuretic effects of furosemide
- Highly protein bound drugs (phenytoin, valproic acid, sulfonamides): Potential displacement leading to increased serum levels and duration of action of the displaced drug
- Methotrexate: Serious toxicity has occurred; use together with extreme caution
- Probenecid: May cause a significant increase in serum levels and half-life of naproxen
Frequently asked questions
What is Naproxen used for in pets?
> **DANGER**: Never give human over-the-counter pain relievers like Aleve® to your pets without explicit veterinary instructions. Naproxen is highly toxic to dogs and cats. * If your pet is prescribed naproxen, strictly adhere to the dosing schedule (which may be as infrequent as every other day for dogs). * **Stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately** if you notice: * Loss of appetite or lethargy/depression * Vomiting (especially if it contains blood or looks like coffee grounds) * Diarrhea or black, tarry stools * Changes in drinking or urination habits
Is Naproxen safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app