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Flanax Pain Reliever Tablets

Generic name: naproxen sodium

Brand names: Flanax

Last updated October 5, 2026 0 views Reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm
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What is Flanax?

Flanax Pain Reliever Tablets contain naproxen sodium. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Flanax is used to treat minor aches and pains such as headache, back pain, or toothache.

Flanax Pain Reliever Tablets can also be used to treat pain associated with a common cold and certain symptoms of arthritis and menstrual cramps.

How should I take Flanax Pain Reliever Tablets?

  • For adults and children 12 years and older, take one Flanax tablet every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last. For the first dose, you may take two tablets within the first hour.
  • Do not exceed two Flanax Pain Reliever Tablets in any 8 to 12 hour period.
  • Do not exceed three tablets in 24 hours.
  • Adults over 65 years old cannot take more than one Flanax tablet every 12 hours unless directed by a doctor.
  • For using Flanax Pain Reliever with children under 12 years old, always ask a doctor first.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Flanax Pain Reliever Tablets when you:

  • Are age 65 or older
  • Have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
  • Take a blood-thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
  • Take other drugs containing an NSAID (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others)
  • Have three or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product
  • Have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer
  • Are about to receive heart surgery or recently received one
  • Have recently had a heart attack, unless your doctor tells you to
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (especially at 20 weeks or later), or are breastfeeding

Flanax side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Flanax: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking Flanax and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
  • black, bloody, or tarry stools;
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
  • swelling or rapid weight gain;
  • urinating less than usual or not at all;
  • nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
  • fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions) or
  • severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious Flanax side effects may include:

  • upset stomach, mild heartburn or stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation;
  • bloating, gas;
  • dizziness, headache, nervousness;
  • skin itching or rash;
  • blurred vision; or
  • ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Naproxen side effects (in more detail)

Active Ingredients

Each Flanax Pain Reliever Tablet contains naproxen sodium 220 mg (naproxen 200mg).

Each Flanax Pain Reliever Tablet contains: sodium 20 mg; store at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Avoid high humidity and excessive heat above 40°C (104°F).

  • FD&C blue No. 2
  • Hypromellose
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Microcrystalline cellulose
  • Polyethylene glycol
  • Povidone
  • Talc
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Polysorbate 80‎

Common questions about Flanax Pain Reliever

Naproxen vs ibuprofen: What's the difference?
Ibuprofen is short acting, while naproxen is long acting and more likely to cause an upset stomach. Naproxen also increases the risk of uncontrolled bleeding in people taking blood thinners by 4-fold, and ibuprofen increases the risk 2-fold. Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs so they are similar in many ways, but there are important differences. Continue reading
Can you take naproxen and Tylenol together safely?
Yes, naproxen and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken together safely for most healthy adults when used as directed, as they work differently to alleviate pain and have minimal direct interaction with each other. Continue reading
What cold medicine can you take with diabetes?
If you have diabetes and you catch a cold or flu, there are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that are safe for you to take to help alleviate your symptoms. Check out our suggestions for pain and fever relievers, cough and congestion medications and more. Remember to look for cold and flu medicines that are less likely to affect your blood sugar (glucose) levels, including sugar-free and alcohol-free options, or worsen any diabetes complications you may have. Continue reading
What is Caridoxen used for?
Caridoxen is a brand name of a combination medicine available in Mexico that contains naproxen (250mg) and carisoprodol (200mg) which may be used to control pain and inflammation and relieve muscle spasms. Caridoxen may be used as a muscle relaxant. Continue reading
Can you Double up on Pain Meds? Safe Painkiller Combinations
Many people wonder if they can combine over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like taking naproxen and ibuprofen together, or doubling up on painkillers for better pain relief. The answer depends on which specific pain medications you're combining and proper timing between doses. There are four main types of oral analgesics that are available without a prescription: naproxen (brand name Aleve), ibuprofen (brand names Advil and Motrin), aspirin, and acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol). Continue reading
How long does naproxen stay in your system?
It should be out of your system within approx 93.5 hours. Naproxen has an elimination half life of 12 to 17 hours. This is the time it takes for your body to reduce plasma drug levels by half. It takes approximately 5.5 x elimination half-life for a drug to be eliminated from your system. Continue reading
What is Apronax called in the USA?
In the U.S., Apronax is called naproxen sodium (brand example: Aleve). Naproxen is a common over-the-counter NSAID medicine used to treat pain, fever, and headache. Apronax is the Latin American brand name for the same medicine. Continue reading
Does Feverfew interact with any drugs?
Feverfew, an herbal supplement that is a member of the daisy family, may interact with over 40 medicines. This includes drugs used to help prevent blood clots like the anticoagulant warfarin. Continue reading

Related medicines

Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
General medicine information Consumer-friendly language Source: Drugs.com

Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer. Source page medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm on October 5, 2026.