Naproxen dosage
Aleve is over-the-counter, so the Drug Facts DIRECTIONS on the package are exactly what to follow — you do not need a separate prescription dose. Each caplet is "Naproxen sodium 220 mg (naproxen 200 mg) (NSAID)." The single most important number: for adults and children 12 and over, take "1 caplet every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last," and "Do not exceed 3 caplets in a 24-hour period." Naproxen lasts longer than ibuprofen, which is why the interval is 8 to 12 hours, not every 4 to 6. Naproxen is an NSAID like ibuprofen and aspirin — do not stack it with other NSAIDs, but it is a different drug class from acetaminophen (Tylenol).
These are the doses from the FDA Drug Factslabel — what the product itself directs. Follow your specific product’s label, don’t exceed the stated daily limit, and check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a health condition.
Approved for: The OTC Aleve (naproxen sodium 220 mg) Drug Facts label lists it as a "Pain reliever/fever reducer." It "temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: minor pain of arthritis, muscular aches, backache, menstrual cramps, headache, toothache, the common cold," and "temporarily reduces fever."
Available as: OTC: naproxen sodium 220 mg (naproxen 200 mg) tablets, caplets, gelcaps, and liquid gels (Aleve and store-brand equivalents). 220 mg naproxen sodium ≈ 200 mg naproxen base. Higher strengths (naproxen 250, 375, 500 mg tablets; naproxen sodium 275 and 550 mg) are prescription-only.
| Use | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Adults and children 12 years and older (standard dose) | "Adults and children 12 years and older: take 1 caplet every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last." The label adds: "The smallest effective dose should be used" and "Drink a full glass of water with each dose." |
| First dose (if you need more relief up front) | "For the first dose you may take 2 caplets within the first hour." This is only for the first dose — after that, return to 1 caplet per 8–12 hour period. |
| Children under 12 years | "Children under 12 years: ask a doctor." Do not use OTC Aleve in children under 12 without a clinician; younger children need weight-based dosing a doctor determines, not this adult caplet. |
Maximum dose
OTC ceiling, quoted from the Aleve Drug Facts: "Do not exceed 2 caplets in any 8- to 12-hour period" and "Do not exceed 3 caplets in a 24-hour period" — that is a maximum of 3 caplets (660 mg naproxen sodium / 600 mg naproxen) in 24 hours for self-care. The label also states "Do not take more than directed" and "The smallest effective dose should be used." Higher totals exist only under prescription naproxen (e.g., 1,000–1,500 mg naproxen/day), which is prescription-only and must not be reached by taking extra OTC caplets.
Dose adjustments
Age: "Children under 12 years: ask a doctor." Stomach-bleeding risk rises with age — the label flags "age 60 or older" as a higher-risk group. Pregnancy: "If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use naproxen sodium at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery." Ask a doctor before use if "you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease," or "you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn."
Dosing safety — read before you rely on any number
Stomach bleeding: "This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding." Risk is higher if you "are age 60 or older," "have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems," "take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug," "take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others)," "have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product," or "take more or for a longer time than directed." Heart attack and stroke: "the risk of heart attack or stroke may increase if you use more than directed or for longer than directed." Do not use "right before or after heart surgery," or "if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer." Allergy alert: "Naproxen sodium may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin." Duration limits: stop and ask a doctor if "pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days" or "fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days." Because naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs, never take them together.
Bottom line
For OTC Aleve (naproxen sodium 220 mg), adults and 12+ take 1 caplet every 8 to 12 hours with a full glass of water; you may take 2 caplets in the first hour for the first dose only. Never exceed 2 caplets per 8–12 hour period or 3 caplets in 24 hours. Take with food, stop at 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever, and do not combine with any other NSAID (ibuprofen, aspirin). You CAN pair it with acetaminophen (Tylenol) — a different drug class — but check for hidden NSAIDs in combination cold and pain products.
Frequently asked questions
How much naproxen (Aleve) can I take?
Per the Drug Facts, each caplet is naproxen sodium 220 mg. Take 1 caplet per dose; "For the first dose you may take 2 caplets within the first hour." The ceiling: "Do not exceed 2 caplets in any 8- to 12-hour period" and "Do not exceed 3 caplets in a 24-hour period" — a maximum of 3 caplets (660 mg) in 24 hours for OTC use.
How often can you take naproxen?
"Take 1 caplet every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last." That 8-to-12-hour spacing is the key difference from ibuprofen (every 4–6 hours) — naproxen is longer-acting, so you take it less often. Do not take more than 2 caplets in any 8- to 12-hour period.
Can you take Tylenol and Aleve together?
Yes. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and naproxen (Aleve) are different drug classes and are not the same ingredient, so they can generally be taken together or alternated — a common approach for stronger pain relief. Follow each label's own limits (Aleve: max 3 caplets/24 h). Do NOT combine Aleve with another NSAID (ibuprofen/Advil, aspirin), which is the actual overlap risk.
How long can I take Aleve?
Stop use and ask a doctor if "pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days" or "fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days." OTC naproxen is for short-term self-care, not ongoing daily use without a clinician.
Should I take Aleve with food?
The label directs "Drink a full glass of water with each dose," and taking NSAIDs with food or milk can reduce stomach upset. This matters because the product "may cause severe stomach bleeding," with higher risk if you are 60 or older, use a blood thinner or steroid, or have 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day.
Who should not take Aleve?
"Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer" or "right before or after heart surgery." Ask a doctor first if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, or a history of stomach problems, and don't use at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless a doctor directs it.
Sources
More guides for Naproxen
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Doses are transcribed from the FDA-approved label and are general reference information, not medical advice or a personal dose. Follow your product's Drug Facts label. If you think you took too much, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911.