Based on NIH | Is it safe to drink alcohol after taking naproxen, and how long should I wait before having a drink?

It’s generally best to avoid alcohol while taking naproxen because combining the two can raise the chance of stomach irritation, ulcers, and bleeding, and the risk can be higher if you drink heavily or use naproxen for longer than directed. ^[1] Drinking alcohol regularly (about three or more drinks daily) while using naproxen is specifically warned against due to stomach bleeding risk. ^[1]

Why alcohol and naproxen don’t mix

• Stomach bleeding risk: Naproxen is a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can irritate the stomach lining and increase bleeding risk; alcohol independently irritates the stomach and can compound this risk. ^[2] This risk increases with factors like longer NSAID use, smoking, older age, poor general health, advanced liver disease, and drinking alcohol. ^[3]
• Serious GI events can occur without warning: Ulcers or bleeding may happen suddenly and can be life‑threatening, so using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time is advised. ^[4] Using alcohol is listed among the risk amplifiers. ^[4]
• Label warnings apply to all OTC NSAIDs: Consumer drug facts for naproxen (Aleve) consistently caution against having three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using the product. ^[5] Similar warnings are repeated across naproxen products. ^[6]

How long should you wait before drinking?

• Naproxen stays in your system for about a day: The average elimination half‑life of naproxen is about 13–14 hours, meaning it takes roughly 24–36 hours for most of a single dose to clear. ^{[7] [8]}
• Practical guidance: Because the bleeding risk is tied to overlapping exposure, a cautious approach is to wait at least one full day (about 24 hours) after your last dose before having alcohol, and longer if you are taking naproxen regularly or at higher doses. If you are on a multi‑day course, it’s safer to avoid alcohol until you’re off naproxen. ^{[3] [7]}

If you choose to drink

• Keep it light and infrequent: Avoid daily or heavy drinking (three or more drinks per day) while using naproxen, as this is specifically flagged as unsafe. ^[1]
• Use the lowest naproxen dose for the shortest time: This helps minimize GI risk, especially when other risk factors (like occasional alcohol use) are present. ^[2]
• Separate timing: Allow at least 24 hours after the last dose before alcohol to reduce overlap and risk, given naproxen’s half‑life. ^{[7] [8]}

Who should be extra careful

• History of ulcers or GI bleeding: Prior peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding raises risk more than ten-fold when using NSAIDs; adding alcohol further increases risk. ^[9]
• Older adults or poor overall health: Serious GI events and fatalities are reported more often in these groups, so avoiding alcohol during NSAID therapy is prudent. ^[2]
• Liver disease or bleeding disorders: Advanced liver disease and bleeding problems increase risk with NSAIDs and alcohol; alcohol should be avoided during naproxen use. ^[3]

Warning signs to watch for

• Seek urgent care if you notice black or bloody stools, vomiting blood or coffee‑ground material, severe stomach pain, dizziness, or fainting these can indicate GI bleeding. GI bleeding can occur without warning symptoms. ^[4]

Bottom line

• Safest option: Do not drink alcohol while taking naproxen, especially if you might have more than one drink, or if you’ll be using naproxen for several days. ^[1]
• If you plan a single light drink: Consider waiting at least 24 hours after your last naproxen dose to minimize overlapping risk, and keep the amount small; avoid if you have any GI risk factors. ^{[7] [3]}

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Frequently asked questions

Is any amount of alcohol safe with naproxen?

Product labels advise against having three or more drinks daily while using naproxen, reflecting higher bleeding risk; even smaller amounts can add risk, particularly in those with other risk factors. ^{[1] [3]}

Why do I see this warning on multiple naproxen labels?

All OTC naproxen products carry similar consumer warnings because the stomach bleeding risk is a class effect of NSAIDs and is enhanced by alcohol use. ^{[5] [6] [10]}

What makes the 24-hour wait reasonable?

Naproxen’s half‑life averages 13–14 hours, so a day allows significant decline in drug levels and reduces overlapping effects with alcohol on the stomach lining. ^{[7] [8]}