Aleve 220 mg (Naproxen Sodium): Uses, Safety and Interactions

What Aleve 220 mg contains

Aleve 220 mg tablets contain naproxen sodium, equivalent to 200 mg naproxen. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. This summary concerns the single-ingredient oral tablet and the US product information. Aleve PM adds a sedating ingredient, while prescription naproxen products can have different strengths and instructions.

The US label describes temporary relief of minor arthritis pain, muscle aches, backache, menstrual cramps, headache, toothache and aches associated with a cold, together with fever reduction. It is symptom relief rather than a treatment for every cause of pain. A recurrent need for the medicine or symptoms that are worsening should prompt assessment.

Side effects and urgent symptoms

Oral naproxen can cause stomach discomfort, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea, dizziness, tiredness and ringing in the ears. Avoid driving if dizziness or visual problems occur. People with a previous ulcer, heart or kidney disease, bleeding problems, asthma related to painkillers or other serious conditions need a suitability check before using it.

The US product carries warnings for stomach bleeding, heart attack, heart failure and stroke; risk rises with excessive amounts or longer use. Black tar-like stools, vomiting blood, faintness, persistent severe abdominal pain, chest pain, breathing difficulty, one-sided weakness or speech changes require urgent medical attention. Swelling of the face or throat and a blistering rash may signal a serious allergic reaction.

Other medicines and pregnancy

Anticoagulants, steroids, some antidepressants, diuretics, blood-pressure medicines and methotrexate merit particular attention. Combining naproxen with ibuprofen or another NSAID can increase harm. The Aleve label also warns that naproxen may reduce the heart-protective benefit of aspirin; people prescribed aspirin should ask for advice rather than change it themselves. Heavy alcohol use increases bleeding risk.

The US label cautions against use from 20 weeks of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a doctor. Breastfeeding also needs advice: NHS guidance generally prefers other options but allows individual assessment. Do not transfer these product instructions to children, prescription formulations or another country without checking the corresponding leaflet.

Sources

• Aleve 220 mg tablets — US Drug Facts and product warnings — Current manufacturer Drug Facts; checked 30 October 2026
• Naproxen — NHS medicine guidance — Page reviewed 25 June 2026
• Aleve 220 mg tablets — DailyMed product identity — Bayer SPL version 19; updated 4 December 2025

Source check: 30 October 2026. This records verification of the cited sources, not a clinical review by a doctor or pharmacist. Product instructions and availability can differ between countries.