Naproxen: pharmacology and dental therapeutics.

Naproxen and naproxen sodium are very commonly used and effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics. In this paper, they are described and compared, and their pharmacokinetics and indications are discussed. Adverse reactions to these drugs and the mechanism of action of these effects on the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, kidneys, liver, and blood are described. A discussion of the effects of the drugs on the elderly and during pregnancy and lactation is included. Also, the allergenicity, miscellaneous rare complications and acute toxicity of the naproxen anion are described, followed by a description of the more common drug interactions. The results of several recent studies that may call into question the current recommendations on using these pharmaceuticals are cited. Until this controversy can be resolved, the practitioner should rely on the principle of "first do no harm" in choosing a course of drug treatment.