Small molecule
PubChem CID 156391
Naproxen
Aleve
- Mechanism of action
- COX-1 / COX-2 inhibitor
- In plain language
- Blocks the enzymes that produce pain-, fever-, and inflammation-triggering chemicals in the body, with effects that last longer than similar drugs like ibuprofen.
- How it works
- Naproxen is a propionic acid derivative NSAID that non-selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the enzymes responsible for converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins and thromboxane. By suppressing prostaglandin synthesis, naproxen reduces the inflammatory cascade, sensitization of peripheral pain receptors, and hypothalamic fever response. Because COX-1 inhibition also reduces protective gastric prostaglandins and platelet thromboxane, GI and bleeding-related effects are mechanistically linked to its therapeutic action.
- Therapeutic applications
- Indicated for relief of mild to moderate pain, including minor arthritis pain, musculoskeletal aches, and dysmenorrhea, and for temporary reduction of fever. Prescription-strength formulations are additionally indicated for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, and acute conditions such as tendinitis, bursitis, and acute gout.
- Class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Analgesic / Anti-inflammatory
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