![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmaexSez6hRxwMi4q9fWLBp6284eMUZV9mXqNXtTfcPEsi/_s_naproxen_from_xtal_3d_bs_17.png) [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naproxen#/media/File:(S)-naproxen-from-xtal-3D-bs-17.png) 3D Pattern of Naproxen Naproxen is a common painkiller in group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs. It can help with inflammation and pain in conditions like arthritis gout period pain and muscle and bone injuries. How naproxen made and how does it work? ![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmXA3BLixa5N8RzBpfnBVNTaWfFQvqrYM3m8bkP1WrqjQE/download.png) [Source](http://www.logobook.com/logo/syntex-pharmaceutical-corp/) Logo Syntex Corporation Naproxen was patented in 1967 by Syntex Corporation a pharmaceutical company in Mexico. The United States approved it for medical use in 1976. Naproxen is available as tablets or liquid by prescription or over the counter. ![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmQwHBJwJ3LWTNjn7hGGKSwNjFFYBgvTkxX1HBX4sha2we/prostaglandin_diels_alder_corey.png) [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostaglandin#/media/File:Prostaglandin_Diels-Alder_Corey.png) Prostaglandin Naproxen works by blocking the enzyme that makes prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are important for inflammation. The body makes them at the injured tissue and they cause swelling redness heat and pain. By stopping prostaglandins naproxen reduces inflammation symptoms and eases pain. ![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmQ76XFBgnfSsmUbVoF2mJMtkx1e2wcch2BbN1tMZPgLTK/imgsrv.png) [Source](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/6-Methoxy-2-naphthylacetic-acid#section=2D-Structure) 6-MNA Naproxen is synthetic chemical made from compound called "6-methoxy-2-naphthylacetic acid" 6-MNA. This compound comes from naphthalene a hydrocarbon in coal tar and petroleum. 6-MNA is changed into naproxen by adding a methyl group and an ethyl group to its structure. This process has several steps of chemical reactions like oxidation reduction alkylation and hydrolysis. ![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmTevXSETNfnNVr9568YThnasYD8J96sVC8dZ8PuyHujR4/naproxen2dacs.svg.png) [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naproxen#/media/File:Naproxen2DACS.svg) 2D Pattern of Naproxen Naproxen is usually taken with or after food to avoid stomach irritation. The dose and length of treatment are based on the condition and the individual response. Naproxen can cause some side effects such as headache dizziness nausea heartburn and rash. It can also raise the risk of bleeding ulcers heart problems and kidney damage especially if taken for a long time or at high doses. So it is important to follow the doctor’s advice and read the label carefully before taking naproxen. Naproxen is widely used and effective painkiller that can help many people with inflammatory conditions. It is not appropriate for everyone though and it needs care and supervision from a doctor. For any questions or worries about naproxen consult your doctor or pharmacist. Sources: 1 https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/naproxen/about-naproxen/ 2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naproxen 3 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324917