Based on NIH | Is it true that you should eat rice before taking naproxen to prevent stomach upset?

You don’t need to eat rice specifically before taking naproxen, but taking naproxen with food or milk can help if it causes stomach upset. Over‑the‑counter naproxen products advise that you may take the dose with food or milk if your stomach gets irritated. ^[1] Similar guidance appears consistently across naproxen labels, which note “take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.” ^[2] These labels also warn about signs of stomach bleeding (like black stools or vomiting blood) and advise stopping the medicine and seeking medical advice if these occur. ^[3]

Why food may help

• Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can irritate the stomach lining, which is why some people feel heartburn, nausea, or stomach pain. Taking it with a small meal or milk can be gentler on the stomach and may reduce irritation for some users. ^[4] This is a practical comfort measure rather than a strict requirement. ^[5]

Is rice better than other foods?

• There’s no evidence that rice is superior to other foods for preventing naproxen‑related stomach upset. Any light food (for example, toast, crackers, yogurt, or a small meal) or milk can be reasonable if you tend to get an upset stomach. Product directions broadly say “with food or milk if stomach upset occurs,” without naming a specific food like rice. ^{[6] [7]}

Effect on absorption and pain relief

• Eating can slow the rate at which some medicines are absorbed, but typical meals do not meaningfully reduce the total amount of naproxen your body absorbs; the main purpose of food here is comfort. Studies on NSAIDs show that co‑administered agents like sucralfate can slow naproxen’s absorption rate without changing total bioavailability, suggesting the overall exposure remains similar even if timing of peak levels shifts. ^[8] In practical terms, if food helps your stomach, it’s reasonable to take naproxen with a light meal while understanding the onset of relief might be slightly slower for some people. ^[8]

Who should be extra careful

• People at higher risk of stomach bleeding or ulcers (age over 60, history of ulcers/bleeding, use of blood thinners, steroids, or heavy alcohol use) should be especially cautious with naproxen, because labels emphasize the risk of serious stomach bleeding and cardiovascular events. ^[9] If you fall into a higher‑risk group or need naproxen regularly, discussing protective strategies (such as using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, or considering stomach‑protective prescriptions like proton pump inhibitors or misoprostol under medical guidance) can be helpful. ^[10] Randomized trials have shown that prostaglandin analogs like misoprostol can reduce NSAID‑related mucosal injury, although these are prescription strategies reserved for those who need them. ^{[11] [12]}

Practical tips

• If naproxen upsets your stomach, try taking it with a small meal or milk; there’s no need for rice specifically. ^[13]
• Avoid taking multiple NSAIDs together (for example, ibuprofen and naproxen at the same time), and avoid alcohol when possible to lower stomach risk. ^[2]
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration to reduce risks, as labels caution that longer or higher‑dose use can increase serious side effects. ^[3]
• Seek medical care urgently if you notice warning signs like fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, or stomach pain that doesn’t improve. ^[1]

Would you like to share whether naproxen has bothered your stomach before so we can tailor a plan that’s more comfortable for you?