Does naproxen contain peanut oil or any nut-derived excipients, and is it safe for someone with a peanut or tree nut allergy?

Short Answer

Most common naproxen and naproxen sodium tablets and gelcaps do not list peanut oil or nut‑derived excipients in their inactive ingredient lists, and they are generally considered acceptable for people with peanut or tree‑nut allergy. ^{[1] [2]} However, excipients can vary by brand and formulation, so it’s wise to check the specific product label or consult a pharmacist for confirmation. ^[3]

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What naproxen products contain

Publicly available drug labels for over‑the‑counter naproxen sodium (e.g., “Aleve” tablets/caplets/gelcaps and store brands) list inactive ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, polyethylene glycol/macrogol, povidone, talc, titanium dioxide, colorants (FD&C Blue No. 2, Yellow No. 6), gelatin (in gelcaps), and glycerin. None of these lists include peanut oil or nut‑derived oils. ^{[1] [4] [5] [3] [2] [6] [7] [8] [9]}

• Aleve standard tablets (220 mg) list microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and FD&C Blue No. 2, without any nut oils. ^{[1] [10] [11]}
• Aleve caplets list hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, and titanium dioxide; again no nut oils. ^{[4] [5]}
• Aleve gelcaps list gelatin and glycerin in the shell along with colorants and standard tablet excipients; no peanut or tree‑nut oils are listed. ^{[7] [8] [9]}
• Multiple generic/store‑brand naproxen sodium tablets show similar excipients (cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, colorants) without nut oils. ^{[3] [6]}

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Peanut/nut oils as excipients: allergy considerations

Pharmaceutical excipients can sometimes be sourced from allergenic foods (e.g., milk, egg, soy, peanut, sesame), and trace proteins may remain even after refining. Studies measuring proteins in excipient oils (soybean, peanut, sesame) found low but detectable protein levels, suggesting a theoretical risk for highly sensitive individuals. ^[12] This is a general excipient principle and not specific to naproxen, but it explains why people with severe food allergies should verify inactive ingredients for each product. ^[12]

On the other hand, clinical challenge data show that refined food oils (e.g., soybean oil) did not provoke reactions in sensitized subjects, indicating that refined pharmaceutical oils are often tolerated; nevertheless, individual sensitivity can vary and caution is reasonable. ^[13]

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Practical safety guidance for people with peanut or tree‑nut allergy

• Check the exact product label for inactive ingredients; formulations differ between brands, strengths, and dosage forms (tablet vs gelcap vs extended‑release). ^{[1] [2] [3]}
• Prefer tablet/caplet formulations of naproxen sodium that list standard tablet excipients (cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, etc.) and do not list nut‑derived oils. ^{[1] [4] [5]}
• Gelcaps typically use gelatin and glycerin, not nut oils, based on listed ingredients. ^{[7] [8]}
• If in doubt, ask a pharmacist or contact the manufacturer with the product’s NDC/lot number for current excipient details, since inactive ingredients can change. ^{[1] [2]}
• Avoid formulations that do list peanut, tree‑nut, soybean, or sesame oils if your allergy is severe, even though refined oils often contain minimal protein. ^[12]

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Summary Table: Inactive ingredients in common naproxen sodium products

Product/formulation	Notable inactive ingredients listed	Peanut/nut oils listed?
Aleve 220 mg tablet	Microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, FD&C Blue No. 2	No [1]
Aleve caplets	Hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, titanium dioxide	No [4] [5]
Aleve gelcaps	Gelatin, glycerin, hypromellose, magnesium stearate; colorants (FD&C Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 6)	No [7] [8] [9]
Store‑brand naproxen 220 mg	Microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 2	No [3] [6]

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Bottom line

Based on multiple current labels, standard naproxen sodium tablets, caplets, and gelcaps do not contain peanut oil or nut‑derived excipients, and are commonly used safely by people with peanut or tree‑nut allergy. ^{[1] [3] [2]} Because excipients can vary, confirm the specific product’s inactive ingredients and consider consulting a pharmacist if you have a history of severe reactions. ^{[6] [4] [5]}