Based on PubMed | Can I eat rice right after taking naproxen, or will it affect its absorption or increase the risk of stomach irritation?

You can eat rice after taking naproxen, and it generally will not meaningfully reduce how much of the drug your body absorbs. In fact, eating a simple meal like rice may help lessen stomach upset, which is a common issue with naproxen and other NSAIDs. ^{[1] [2]}

Food and naproxen absorption

• Eating food usually delays how fast naproxen is absorbed, but the total amount absorbed stays about the same. ^{[2] [1]}
• Studies with controlled‑release naproxen found that food caused only small changes in peak levels and timing, while overall exposure remained essentially equivalent between fasting and fed conditions. ^{[2] [1]}
• In practical terms, having rice with or soon after your dose may slightly delay the onset of pain relief, but it should not reduce the overall effectiveness of the dose. ^{[2] [1]}

Stomach protection and irritation risk

• Naproxen can irritate the stomach and, in rare cases, cause bleeding, especially with higher doses or prolonged use. Product labels commonly advise taking it with food or milk if stomach upset occurs to reduce irritation. ^{[3] [4]}
• Eating a bland, low‑fat food like rice is a reasonable way to buffer the stomach and may make the medicine easier to tolerate. ^{[3] [4]}
• Watch for warning signs of bleeding such as black stools, vomiting blood, feeling faint, or persistent stomach pain, and seek medical advice if these occur. ^{[3] [4]}

Practical tips for taking naproxen with food

• A light meal or snack (e.g., rice, toast, crackers, or yogurt) can be taken at the same time or right after your naproxen dose to help reduce irritation. ^{[3] [4]}
• If you need faster onset of relief, taking naproxen on an empty stomach may bring the peak a bit sooner, but this could increase the chance of stomach discomfort; many people find a small snack a good balance. ^[5]
• Avoid alcohol and limit other NSAIDs while using naproxen to minimize stomach risk. ^[3]

Who should be extra careful

• If you have a history of stomach ulcers, GI bleeding, are over age 60, take blood thinners, steroids, or have heart/kidney disease, you may face higher risk and should discuss protective strategies (like adding a stomach‑protecting medicine) with a clinician. ^[3]

Bottom line

• Yes you can eat rice right after taking naproxen. Food may slightly delay how fast the medicine works but does not meaningfully reduce total absorption, and eating can help reduce stomach irritation. ^{[2] [1] [3] [4]}