Patient was educated on the side effects of using Naproxen as follows:
- Renal damage and hypertension
- Renal prostaglandins help dilation of blood vessels in the kidneys and thereby, reduce the blood pressure.
- Naproxen inhibits the production of prostaglandins in all the tissues, including the renal. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the kidneys, result in vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure.
- Constriction of the blood vessels in the kidney can contribute to reduced blood flow to the renal tissue.
- Reduced blood flow to the renal tissue can contribute to renal failure overtime.
- Also, renal prostaglandins help with elimination of sodium in the urine. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the kidneys by Naproxen leads to sodium retention in the body.
- Increased levels of sodium in the body contribute to elevated blood pressure.
- Chest pain and myocardial infarction
- Naproxen can cause vasoconstriction in the coronary blood vessels, thereby, resulting in chest pain and myocardial infarction.
- Asthma and shortness of breath
- In some individuals, use of Naproxen can lead to exacerbation of SOB with episodes of asthma and growth of nasal polyps.
- The reason for this response is unknown.
- Central nervous system findings
- Naproxen use can sometimes result in severe dizziness, confusion, and hallucinations.
