What Is the Relationship between Naproxen and Blood Pressure?

The relationship between naproxen and blood pressure is that naproxen interferes with blood pressure medication and causes blood pressure to rise. In other words, a person who takes both naproxen and blood pressure medication might find that their blood pressure remains high, or goes even higher, because the blood pressure medication is not working properly. A variety of other medications also have the same connection with blood pressure, as the relationship between naproxen and blood pressure is not particularly unique. For example, naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and other NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, also affect blood pressure in the same way. Additional medications that mirror the relationship between naproxen and blood pressure include corticosteroids, oral contraceptives and pseudoephedrine.

Naproxen itself is a medication used to treat fever, inflammation and pain. Essentially, naproxen relieves a person of these symptoms by reducing the levels of certain chemicals in the body that produce them. A few examples of medical conditions that naproxen might be useful in relieving these symptoms for include arthritis, menstrual periods and toothaches. The medication is available as both a prescription and through over-the-counter, or non-prescription, means. In addition, naproxen comes in a variety of tablets, as well as in a liquid form.

Blood pressure is the measurement of the amount and force of blood pumping through the arteries. Also important in measuring blood pressure is the flexibility and size of the arteries. In general, some people do not need treatment for high blood pressure, if their condition is mild. Others might need to make lifestyle changes or take medications to get their blood pressure at a healthy level. If left untreated, or if treatment is negatively affected by medications such as naproxen, high blood pressure can worsen, leading to a variety of medical conditions, which can then cause death.

In addition to having an effect on blood pressure, naproxen can also interfere with other medical conditions as well. Taking naproxen involves taking the risk of acquiring certain health problems including heart attack, stomach or intestinal damage and stroke. In general, the longer a person takes this medication, the higher the risk of experiencing any of these problems. As with many medications, naproxen prescription varies from person to person, depending on individual health. Specific medical conditions that definitely do affect a person’s prescription of naproxen include blood clot disorders, heart problems and stomach ulcers.