What is FENOPROFEN used for?

FENOPROFEN is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Can FENOPROFEN cause heart problems?

Yes, FENOPROFEN can increase the risk of serious heart-related events like heart attack or stroke, which can be fatal.

Will FENOPROFEN hurt my stomach?

Yes, FENOPROFEN increases the risk of stomach bleeding, ulcers, and holes in the stomach or intestines.

Can I take FENOPROFEN if I am pregnant?

You should limit use between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy and avoid it after 30 weeks due to risks of fetal kidney issues and heart vessel problems.

Should I take FENOPROFEN with food?

You can take FENOPROFEN with meals or milk, though this may slow down how quickly the drug reaches its peak level in your body.

What are the common side effects of FENOPROFEN?

Common side effects include indigestion, nausea, constipation, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness.

Is FENOPROFEN safe for elderly patients?

Extra caution should be used when treating elderly patients (65 or older) with this medication.

Can FENOPROFEN be used in children?

No, the safety and effectiveness for children under 18 have not been established.

Fenoprofen | CAS 29679-58-1 | RDJGLLICXDHJDY

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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

FENOPROFEN (brand name NALFON) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild to moderate pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. It works by reducing inflammation and pain, though it carries serious risks for your heart and stomach.

How it worksIt works by inhibiting enzymes (prostaglandin synthetase) that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Brand names:NALFON

Used for

Relief of mild to moderate pain in adultsRelief of rheumatoid arthritis symptomsRelief of osteoarthritis symptoms

Conditions

PainRheumatoid arthritisOsteoarthritis

Class

NSAIDAnalgesicAnti-inflammatoryNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)Digestive SystemNervous SystemCardiovascular SystemRenal System

How to take

FormsOral tablet

RoutesOral

For pain, the dose is 200 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. For arthritis or osteoarthritis, the dose is 400 mg to 600 mg taken 3 or 4 times a day. Do not exceed 3200 mg in a single day.

You can take these tablets with meals or milk to help with absorption, though food may slow down how quickly the drug reaches peak levels in your blood.

Key warnings

FENOPROFEN can increase your risk of serious heart problems, including heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. It also increases the risk of serious stomach issues like bleeding, ulcers, and holes in the stomach or intestines, which can also be fatal.

·FENOPROFEN can increase your risk of serious heart problems, including heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. It also increases the risk of serious stomach issues like bleeding, ulcers, and holes in the stomach or intestines, which can also be fatal.
·Increased risk of cardiovascular death or stroke.
·Increased risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation.
·Do not use if you are having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
·Do not use if you have a history of significant kidney problems.

Do not use if

·People who are allergic to fenoprofen calcium.
·People who have had asthma, hives, or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
·Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
·Patients with a history of significantly impaired kidney function.

Side effects

Common

Indigestion (dyspepsia)NauseaConstipationVomitingAbdominal painDiarrheaHeadacheSleepiness (somnolence)DizzinessTremorConfusion

Serious

·Serious heart problems like heart attack or stroke
·Stomach bleeding, ulcers, or holes in the stomach/intestines
·Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
·Kidney problems
·Severe asthma or skin reactions in people sensitive to aspirin

Seek help if

·Chest pain
·Shortness of breath
·Black or bloody stools
·Severe stomach pain
·Swelling or rapid weight gain

Interactions

·ACE inhibitors: FENOPROFEN may make blood pressure medicines less effective.
·Aspirin: Taking aspirin with FENOPROFEN may increase the risk of side effects.
·Diuretics (water pills): FENOPROFEN may reduce the effect of drugs like furosemide and thiazides.

FoodTaking FENOPROFEN with meals or milk may delay how quickly it reaches peak levels in your blood.

Special populations

PregnancyUsing FENOPROFEN during pregnancy, especially between 20 and 30 weeks or after 30 weeks, can cause serious issues for the baby, such as kidney problems or premature closure of a heart vessel called the ductus arteriosus.

BreastfeedingIt is not known if FENOPROFEN passes into breast milk. Because of the potential for serious reactions in nursing infants, you should decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking the drug with your doctor.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of FENOPROFEN in children under 18 years old have not been established.

GeriatricPeople aged 65 and older should use caution when taking this medication.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Signs of stomach bleeding
·Signs of heart problems
·Kidney function
·Blood pressure

Questions to ask

·Should I avoid FENOPROFEN if I have heart disease?
·How will FENOPROFEN interact with my blood pressure medication?
·Is it safe to take FENOPROFEN if I have kidney issues?
·Can I take FENOPROFEN if I have had an allergic reaction to aspirin?

Pharmacokinetics

MetabolismIncreased metabolic clearance when taken with aspirin results in more hydroxylated fenoprofen in urine.

Practical

OverdoseSymptoms of overdose can appear within hours and include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, tremors, drowsiness, and confusion. Rare cases may involve rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, or kidney failure.

Ingredients

Allergens

FD&C colors

Inactive

colloidal silicon dioxidecroscarmellose sodiumhypromellosemagnesium stearatemicrocrystalline cellulosepolyethylene glycolpolysorbate 80pregelatinized starchsodium lauryl sulfatetitanium dioxideFD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.