Based on NIH | Does naproxen contain any peanut or tree nut derivatives that could increase the risk of side effects in people with nut allergies?

Most naproxen products do not contain peanut or tree‑nut derivatives, and common over‑the‑counter formulations list excipients such as cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, colorants, and gelatin none of which are peanut or tree‑nut ingredients. ^{[1] [2] [3]} That said, excipients can vary by brand and dosage form, so it’s still wise to check the specific product label or ask the pharmacist to verify the inactive ingredients for your exact product. ^{[2] [1]}

What’s in naproxen products?

Product labels for popular naproxen sodium tablets (including branded and store brands) typically list the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, colorants such as FD&C Blue No. 2, and tablet coating components; none of these are peanut or tree‑nut derivatives. ^{[1] [2]} Gelcap or coated forms may also include gelatin, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, povidone, stearic acid, talc, and titanium dioxide, still without any nut‑derived excipients listed. ^{[4] [5]} Individual retailer‑labeled naproxen tablets show similar inactive ingredient lists without nuts. ^[3]

Allergy considerations

• Naproxen itself can cause allergic reactions, especially in people with aspirin (salicylate) sensitivity, which is separate from food allergies. ^{[6] [7]} Labels consistently warn about potential serious allergic reactions (hives, facial swelling, wheezing, rash, blisters) related to the drug class (NSAIDs), not to nut excipients. ^{[6] [7]}
• While peanut or tree‑nut oils are not standard in naproxen products, the broader medical literature notes that some pharmaceuticals can contain food‑derived excipients and, rarely, trace proteins may persist in such materials. ^{[8] [9]} In practice, clinically significant reactions to food‑derived excipients are uncommon because protein content is typically very low, but they can occur in highly sensitized individuals or with contaminated lots. ^{[8] [9]}

Practical guidance for nut allergies

• Check the exact product’s inactive ingredient list on the Drug Facts or professional label; manufacturers are required to disclose excipients, and available naproxen labels show no peanut or tree‑nut ingredients. ^{[2] [1]}
• If you have a history of severe anaphylaxis to peanut or tree nuts and remain concerned, you can choose a product with a transparent excipient list that you have reviewed with a pharmacist, or contact the manufacturer for confirmation about nut‑derived materials and shared‑facility risks. ^{[2] [1]}
• If you’ve previously reacted to a particular naproxen brand, discuss evaluation with an allergist, as reactions may be due to the active drug (NSAID hypersensitivity) rather than a food‑derived excipient. ^{[6] [10]}

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Example inactive ingredients in naproxen products

Product example	Dosage form	Selected inactive ingredients (non‑exhaustive)	Any peanut/tree‑nut derivatives listed?
Aleve (naproxen sodium 220 mg)	Tablet	Microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, FD&C Blue No. 2	No peanut/tree‑nut ingredients listed. [1]
Store‑brand naproxen 220 mg	Tablet	Colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, PEG, povidone, titanium dioxide	No peanut/tree‑nut ingredients listed. [3]
Aleve Gelcaps	Coated tablet/gelcap	Gelatin, glycerin, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, stearic acid, talc, titanium dioxide, colorants	No peanut/tree‑nut ingredients listed. [4] [5]

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Bottom line

Based on widely available product labels, naproxen and naproxen sodium products do not list peanut or tree‑nut derivatives among their inactive ingredients, and the main allergy concern is the medication itself (an NSAID), particularly in those with aspirin sensitivity. ^{[1] [2] [6]} Nonetheless, because excipients can differ by manufacturer and lot, reviewing the specific product’s label or consulting a pharmacist offers the most reliable, individualized confirmation. ^{[2] [1]}