Aleve Dosage Calculator
This calculator gives you the recommended naproxen sodium (Aleve) dose based on your age, weight, condition, and tablet strength. It covers both over-the-counter (OTC) use for adults and children 12 and older, and prescription-level dosing for conditions like acute gout, arthritis, and migraine. Enter your details and get a complete dosing schedule, including the loading dose, maintenance dose, interval, and 24-hour maximum. Always read the label and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any new medication.
How Aleve (naproxen sodium) works
Aleve is the brand name for naproxen sodium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain, inflammation, and fever. It works by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins, the chemical signals that sensitize nerve endings to pain and trigger inflammation. Because naproxen has a relatively long half-life (12-17 hours), it needs to be taken less frequently than ibuprofen, making twice-daily or even once-daily dosing practical for ongoing conditions like arthritis.
OTC vs. prescription dosing
Over-the-counter Aleve tablets are 220 mg naproxen sodium. The OTC label allows adults and teens 12 and older to take 220 mg every 8-12 hours, with an option for a 440 mg first dose, up to a maximum of 660 mg (3 tablets) in any 24-hour period. Prescription naproxen sodium comes in 275 mg and 550 mg tablets, and prescription naproxen base comes in 375 mg and 500 mg tablets. Prescription dosing is higher because it is supervised by a clinician who can weigh benefits against individual risk factors such as stomach ulcers, kidney disease, heart disease, and drug interactions.
Safety: who should avoid or limit naproxen
Naproxen is generally not recommended for people with active peptic ulcers, significant kidney or liver impairment, a history of allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs, or severe heart failure. It should be used with caution in adults over 65, who are more sensitive to NSAID-related stomach bleeding and kidney effects. Pregnant women should avoid naproxen after 20 weeks of gestation because it may cause fetal kidney problems (oligohydramnios) and premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. Long-term NSAID use is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) and gastrointestinal bleeding. Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time.
Tips for taking Aleve safely
Take naproxen with a full glass of water and with food, milk, or an antacid to reduce stomach irritation. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking it. Do not combine Aleve with other naproxen-containing products, other NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen), or alcohol. If you are taking low-dose aspirin for heart protection, take aspirin at least 30 minutes before or 8 hours after naproxen, because naproxen can interfere with aspirin's antiplatelet effect. Stop taking naproxen and seek medical attention if you notice signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (black, tarry stools; vomiting blood), severe stomach pain, unexplained weight gain, swelling, or signs of kidney problems (decreased urination, fatigue).
Naproxen sodium dosing by indication
| Indication | Initial dose | Maintenance | Interval | Max 24 h | OTC/Rx |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild/moderate pain (adults 18+) | 440 mg | 220 mg | q8-12h | 660 mg | OTC |
| Pain/fever (teens 12-17) | 220-440 mg | 220 mg | q8-12h | 660 mg | OTC |
| Menstrual cramps | 550 mg | 275 mg | q6-8h | 1,375 mg day 1 / 1,100 mg | Rx |
| Arthritis (OA, RA, AS) | 550 mg | 275-550 mg | q12h | 1,100 mg | Rx |
| Acute gout | 825 mg | 275 mg | q8h | 1,650 mg day 1 / 1,100 mg | Rx |
| Migraine | 550 mg | +275 mg if needed | once | 825 mg | Rx |
| Juvenile arthritis (age 2-11) | 5 mg/kg | 5 mg/kg | q12h | 1,000 mg | Rx |
Based on FDA-approved labeling and standard prescribing references. OTC = over-the-counter; Rx = prescription only.
Frequently asked questions
How many Aleve tablets can I take at once?
For OTC use, the label permits 1 tablet (220 mg) every 8-12 hours. You may take 2 tablets (440 mg) as a single first dose for faster onset, but subsequent doses should be 1 tablet. Never take more than 3 tablets (660 mg) in any 24-hour period for self-treatment.
Can I give Aleve to a child under 12?
No, OTC Aleve is not labeled for children under 12. For children aged 2-11 years, prescription naproxen suspension may be used for juvenile arthritis under physician supervision, dosed at approximately 10 mg/kg per day split into two doses. Always consult a pediatrician before giving naproxen to any child.
How long does it take Aleve to work?
Most people feel pain relief within 30-60 minutes of taking naproxen sodium. Anti-inflammatory effects for conditions like arthritis may take several days of regular dosing to reach their full benefit, as the drug needs to build up a consistent effect on local prostaglandin levels.
Can I take Aleve and ibuprofen together?
No. Both are NSAIDs and combining them does not increase pain relief but significantly raises the risk of serious side effects, including stomach ulcers and kidney damage. Choose one NSAID at a time. If one is not providing adequate relief, consult a doctor rather than adding another NSAID.
Is it safe to take Aleve every day for arthritis?
Daily naproxen for a chronic condition like arthritis should only be done under medical supervision. Long-term NSAID use carries risks of stomach bleeding, kidney dysfunction, and cardiovascular events. A prescriber can monitor for these, may add a stomach-protecting medication (proton pump inhibitor), and will periodically reassess whether ongoing treatment is still needed.
What is the difference between naproxen and naproxen sodium?
Naproxen sodium is the sodium salt of naproxen. It dissolves and is absorbed slightly faster than plain naproxen, which is why OTC Aleve uses the sodium form for quicker pain relief onset. The dose equivalence is approximately 550 mg naproxen sodium to 500 mg naproxen base. Prescription forms come in both salts; the tablet strength on the label will indicate which is used.