Aleve, a brand of over-the-counter pain reliever, contains naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain relief and fever reduction. Aleve-D, formulated for temporarily relief of cold, sinus and flu symptoms, also has pseudoephedrine HCl, an extended-release nasal decongestant. Both products are manufactured by Bayer.
Uses
Aleve contains 220 mg of naproxen sodium (200 mg of naproxen) in each tablet. The recommended dosage is one tablet every 8 to 12 hours. Aleve can be used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains resulting from arthritis, backache, headache, the common cold, muscle soreness, menstrual cramps and toothache. It also temporarily reduces fever.
Aleve-D is a sinus and cold medication kept behind the pharmacy counter, but it is available without a prescription. Active ingredients in each caplet are 220 mg of naproxen sodium (200 mg of naproxen) and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine HCl. Aleve-D is used to temporarily relieve cold, sinus and flu symptoms including sinus pressure, minor body aches and pains, headache, nasal and sinus congestion and fever, according to Bayer. Aleve-D is formulated to promote sinus drainage and restore freer breathing through the nose.
Naproxen
Naproxen and other NSAIDs are used to manage mild to moderate pain, fever and inflammation. Other drugs that belong to this class include aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin and nabumetone. According to MedlinePlus, NSAIDs work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are responsible for pain, fever and inflammation. Naproxen blocks cyclooxygenase, the enzyme that makes prostaglandins. As a result of the lower concentrations of prostaglandins produced, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of naproxen in December 1991.
NSAID Risks
Taking NSAIDs other than aspirin may increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke, according to MedlinePlus. The risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs long term. Consult with your doctor before you take NSAIDs if you smoke, have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, diabetes, or if you or anyone in your family has ever had heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. Do not take naproxen immediately before or after a coronary artery bypass graft. In April 2009, the FDA approved changes to Aleve-D's label. The previous cardiovascular warning, "When using this product...long term continuous use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke,” was changed to “When using this product...the risk of heart attack or stroke may increase if you use more than directed or for longer than directed.” These warning statements also were added: "Ask a doctor before use if you have asthma" and “Do not use in children under 12 years of age.”
Bleeding Risks
Drugs such as Aleve and Aleve-D which contain NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding. Your risk is higher is you are age 60 or older, have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, take a blood thinner or anticoagulant, take other NSAID drugs, consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily, and take more than directed or use for a longer period than directed, according to the Aleve-D website. Take the lowest effective dose of Aleve and Aleve-D. Adults and children 12 and older should not exceed one Aleve-D caplet every 12 hours or two caplets in 24 hours.
