Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, like aspirin. It is a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, interfering with COX-1 and COX-2 forms of that enzyme. Its effects on COX-2 give it fever reducing (antipyretic) abilities, analgesic (pain relief) functions, and anti-inflammatory functions. Its effects on COX-1 give it the undesirable effects as an anticoagulant and as an irritant of the stomach lining.
Naproxen is used to relieve fever and pain, and symptoms of arthritis, gout, bursitis, and menstrual cramping.
Naproxen has been found to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke by 50%.
naproxen: InChI=1/C14H14O3/c1-9(14(15)16)10-3-4-12-8-13(17-2)6-5-11(12)7-10/h3-9H,1-2H3,(H,15,16)/f/h15H
ibuprofen: InChI=1/C13H18O2/c1-9(2)8-11-4-6-12(7-5-11)10(3)13(14)15/h4-7,9-10H,8H2,1-3H3,(H,14,15)
ibuprofen: InChI=1/C13H18O2/c1-9(2)8-11-4-6-12(7-5-11)10(3)13(14)15/h4-7,9-10H,8H2,1-3H3,(H,14,15)/t10-/m1/s1/f/h14H
ibuprofen: InChI=1/C13H18O2/c1-9(2)8-11-4-6-12(7-5-11)10(3)13(14)15/h4-7,9-10H,8H2,1-3H3,(H,14,15)/t10-/m0/s1/f/h14H
acetylsalicylic acid: InChI=1/C9H8O4/c1-6(10)13-8-5-3-2-4-7(8)9(11)12/h2-5H,1H3,(H,11,12)/f/h11H
acetaminophen: InChI=1/C8H9NO2/c1-6(10)9-7-2-4-8(11)5-3-7/h2-5,11H,1H3,(H,9,10)