Based on NIH | Can I take naproxen on an empty stomach, and is there any issue with eating pork while using it?

You can take naproxen on an empty stomach, but many people find it gentler to take it with food or milk if they feel stomach upset. ^[1] Over‑the‑counter naproxen products commonly advise that you may take the dose with a full glass of water, and to take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. ^{[2] [3]} This guidance is meant to reduce irritation symptoms rather than change how much medicine your body absorbs. ^[1]

Taking with or without food

• Official consumer directions allow naproxen to be taken as needed every 8–12 hours, with a full glass of water, and suggest taking with food or milk specifically if you experience nausea or stomach upset. ^{[1] [2]}
• Across multiple naproxen labels, the phrasing is consistent: “take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs,” which means food is not required for everyone, but may help if your stomach is sensitive. ^{[3] [4]}
• Food can delay the peak levels of many NSAIDs, which may slightly delay pain relief onset, while not typically changing the total amount absorbed; this is one reason some people prefer faster relief on an empty stomach, provided they tolerate it well. ^[5]

Stomach safety considerations

• Naproxen, like other NSAIDs, can irritate the stomach and in rare cases cause bleeding; labels list warning signs such as feeling faint, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, or stomach pain that does not get better. ^[4]
• If you notice stomach upset, switching to taking your dose with food or milk is a reasonable step, and you should stop use and speak with a clinician if any bleeding warning signs occur. ^{[3] [4]}

Pork and diet considerations

• There is no specific interaction between naproxen and pork; eating pork while using naproxen is generally acceptable. ^[1]
• Standard advice focuses on medication combinations and pre‑existing conditions rather than specific foods, and does not list pork or red meat as a contraindication with naproxen. ^[1]

Practical tips

• Drink a full glass of water with each dose. ^[2]
• If your stomach is comfortable, you may take naproxen without food; if you feel queasy or have heartburn, taking it with food or milk can help. ^{[1] [3]}
• Use the smallest effective dose for the shortest time needed and follow the over‑the‑counter dosing limits. ^[2]

When to seek help

• If you develop signs of stomach bleeding (faintness, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, persistent stomach pain), stop naproxen and contact a healthcare professional. ^{[4] [3]}
• If you have a history of ulcers or significant stomach problems, ask a clinician before using naproxen, as individual risk can vary. ^[1]

In summary, you may take naproxen on an empty stomach if you tolerate it, but taking it with food or milk is commonly recommended when stomach upset occurs; eating pork while using naproxen is not a problem. ^{[1] [3] [4] [2]}