Naproxen is a pain medication that relieves inflammation and joint stiffness. It is a propionic acid derivative. Naproxen works by blocking the enzyme that produces prostaglandins. Naproxen is a painkiller that helps relieve pain and reduce swelling (inflammation). You can buy some types from pharmacies, but others are only available with a prescription. Naproxen is a type of painkiller called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Naproxen is used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions and symptoms that are due to excessive inflammation, such as pain and fever (naproxen has fever-reducing, or antipyretic, properties in addition to its anti-inflammatory activity). [10] Naproxen is used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with various conditions. Naproxen works by blocking the effects of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. This prevents prostaglandin synthesis (prostaglandins elevate body temperature and make nerve endings more sensitive to pain transmission). Prescription-strength naproxen (Naprosyn) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can be taken by adults and children to relieve pain and symptoms of certain conditions that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve symptoms of arthritis (eg, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile arthritis) such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Overview: Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and lower fever. Common side effects include belly pain, upset stomach, heartburn, or. Learn about side effects, dosage, uses, and more for naproxen, which is a generic prescription oral tablet that treats many conditions, such as arthritis. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Naproxen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps. Nonprescription naproxen is used to reduce fever and to relieve mild pain from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches, and backaches.