Aleve Arthritis®: Ingredients, Uses & What It Is

Aleve® is an analgesic from the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family. Aleve Arthritis® differs from regular Aleve® only in that it comes in an easy-to-open container.

Active Ingredients

• The active ingredient in both Aleve® and Aleve Arthritis® is naproxen sodium, which is present in doses of 220 mg per pill.

Inactive Ingredients

• Inactive ingredients are those that have no specific healing properties and are added as a binder, preservative or for other secondary purposes. Inactive ingredients in Aleve Arthritis® include magnesium stearate, talc, titanium dioxide and polyethylene glycol.

Pharmacology

• Prostaglandins are chemicals responsible for causing inflammation, fever and pain throughout the body. Naproxen sodium stops the production of the enzymes (cyclooxygenase-1 and -2) that create prostaglandins, thereby relieving these symptoms.

Special Features

• Because it is often used to treat arthritis pain, Aleve Arthritis® comes in a container with a special cap designed for patients with the condition. According to Aleve.com, the Aleve Easy-Open Arthritis Cap® has received recognition by the Arthritis Foundation for its easy-to-use design.

Warning

• Like all NSAIDs, Aleve® increases the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding, heart attack and other serious health problems. To reduce these risks, talk to your doctor before taking Aleve® if you suffer from cardiovascular or gastrointestinal disorders.