Aleve Dosage Calculator

What Is Aleve? What Is Naproxen?

Aleve is the brand name for naproxen sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Naproxen works by blocking the production of prostaglandins — chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever. It does this by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes.

Naproxen was first approved for prescription use in the United States in 1976 and became available over-the-counter (as Aleve) in 1994. It is one of the most widely used NSAIDs worldwide, valued for its relatively long duration of action (8–12 hours), which means fewer doses are needed per day compared to ibuprofen (4–6 hours).

Naproxen is available in several forms:

• OTC (Aleve): 220 mg naproxen sodium tablets (equivalent to 200 mg naproxen base)
• Prescription: 250 mg, 375 mg, and 500 mg tablets
• Extended-release: 375 mg and 500 mg controlled-release tablets
• Suspension: 125 mg/5 mL (for pediatric use)

How Many mg Is Aleve?

Each OTC Aleve tablet contains 220 mg of naproxen sodium, which is equivalent to 200 mg of naproxen (the sodium salt adds approximately 20 mg). The distinction is important when comparing OTC Aleve to prescription naproxen, which is dosed as plain naproxen (not the sodium salt).

What Is the Dosage for Aleve?

OTC Dosage (Adults and Adolescents 12+ years)

Timing	Dosage	Notes
First dose	220–440 mg (1–2 tablets)	Take with a full glass of water
Subsequent doses	220 mg (1 tablet)	Every 8–12 hours as needed
Maximum daily	660 mg (3 tablets)	Do not exceed in 24 hours
Duration limit	10 days (pain) / 3 days (fever)	See doctor if symptoms persist

OTC Dosage for Older Adults (65+ years)

Older adults should take the lowest effective dose. The recommended maximum for adults over 65 is typically 220 mg every 12 hours, with careful monitoring for side effects.

Prescription Dosage (Adults)

Condition	Initial Dose	Maintenance	Max Daily
Mild to Moderate Pain	500 mg	250 mg every 6–8 hours	1,250 mg (day 1), then 1,000 mg
Rheumatoid Arthritis / OA	250–500 mg	250–500 mg twice daily	1,000–1,500 mg
Dysmenorrhea	500 mg	250 mg every 6–8 hours	1,250 mg (day 1), then 1,000 mg
Acute Gout	750 mg	250 mg every 8 hours	1,250 mg (day 1), then 1,000 mg

Pediatric Dosage (Prescription only, children 2+ years)

Aleve Side Effects

Like all NSAIDs, naproxen carries risks of side effects. The most common include:

Common Side Effects

• Stomach pain, heartburn, nausea
• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness
• Bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea
• Mild rash or itching

Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention)

• Gastrointestinal: Stomach ulcers, GI bleeding (black/tarry stools, vomiting blood) — risk increases with age, alcohol use, and concurrent corticosteroid or anticoagulant use
• Cardiovascular: Increased risk of heart attack and stroke, especially with long-term use or in people with existing heart disease
• Renal: Kidney damage, fluid retention, elevated blood pressure
• Hepatic: Liver damage (jaundice, dark urine) — rare but possible
• Allergic reactions: Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), anaphylaxis

Contraindications and Warnings

• Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs (asthma, hives, swelling)
• Avoid in the third trimester of pregnancy — may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus
• Not recommended for patients with active GI bleeding or peptic ulcer disease
• Use with caution in patients with heart failure, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease
• Drug interactions: Warfarin, lithium, methotrexate, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, other NSAIDs/aspirin
• Alcohol: Avoid drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day while taking naproxen (increased GI bleeding risk)

Naproxen vs. Ibuprofen

Feature	Naproxen (Aleve)	Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin)
OTC Dose	220 mg per tablet	200 mg per tablet
Dosing Frequency	Every 8–12 hours	Every 4–6 hours
Duration of Action	8–12 hours	4–6 hours
Doses per Day	2–3 tablets	3–6 tablets
Cardiovascular Risk	Slightly lower	Moderate (dose-dependent)
GI Risk	Similar	Similar

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Aleve on an empty stomach?

Aleve can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food or milk may reduce stomach upset. Always take it with a full glass of water.

How long does Aleve take to work?

Naproxen sodium (Aleve) typically begins to relieve pain within 30 to 60 minutes. Peak effects occur at about 2–4 hours, and pain relief lasts 8–12 hours.

Can I take Aleve with other pain medications?

Do not combine Aleve with other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin for pain). You may alternate naproxen with acetaminophen (Tylenol) under medical guidance, as they work by different mechanisms. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining medications.