Based on NIH | Is it safe to take naproxen on an empty stomach, and does it affect sexual activity or performance?

Taking naproxen on an empty stomach is generally possible, but there are some important nuances to consider. Nonprescription labels for naproxen sodium advise that you may take it with food or milk if stomach upset occurs, which means it does not strictly require food; however, eating can help reduce discomfort like nausea or stomach pain. ^{[1] [2]} Food can delay the peak effect (slowing onset of pain relief) without changing total absorption, so taking naproxen fasting may provide faster relief but could irritate the stomach more in some people. ^[3]

Empty stomach vs. with food

• Many over‑the‑counter naproxen products instruct users to take with food or milk if the stomach becomes upset, rather than requiring food every time. ^{[1] [2]}
• Experimental and clinical pharmacology data suggest that food often delays the time to peak levels (slower onset) while overall exposure stays similar; this is one reason some individuals prefer dosing on an empty stomach for quicker pain relief. ^[3]
• That said, fasting may increase stomach irritation in some people, and NSAIDs (including naproxen) can cause gastritis or, rarely, ulcers and bleeding, especially with higher doses, long duration, or in higher‑risk users (older age, prior ulcers, alcohol use, anticoagulants, steroids). ^[3] Product labels also warn to stop use and seek care for signs of stomach bleeding such as faintness, vomiting blood, black stools, or ongoing stomach pain. ^{[1] [2]}

Practical takeaways: If your stomach is sensitive, consider taking naproxen with a light snack or milk to lessen irritation, understanding this may slow the onset a bit. ^{[1] [2]} If you need faster pain relief and have no history of stomach problems, an empty stomach may bring quicker effect, but monitor for discomfort and switch to taking with food if you feel irritation. ^[3]

Does naproxen affect sexual activity or performance?

• Large observational studies have explored whether non‑aspirin NSAIDs are linked to erectile dysfunction (ED). One well‑controlled cohort found that after accounting for the health conditions that lead people to use NSAIDs (like arthritis and cardiovascular risk), non‑aspirin NSAID use was not independently associated with an increased risk of ED. ^[4]
• Another large population study observed an association between regular NSAID use and ED, but the relationship was substantially confounded by age and coexisting conditions; even after adjustment, a modest association remained, so results are mixed and likely influenced by underlying health issues rather than a direct drug effect. ^[5]
• Authoritative drug references for naproxen focus on risks such as gastrointestinal, kidney, heart, and ovulation/fertility concerns; they do not list sexual performance problems as a typical adverse effect. ^{[6] [7]}

Bottom line: Current evidence suggests naproxen is not clearly a direct cause of erectile dysfunction, and any observed link seems small and probably related to the conditions prompting NSAID use (e.g., chronic pain, vascular disease) rather than the medication itself. ^{[4] [5]} If you notice new sexual performance issues after starting regular naproxen, it’s reasonable to discuss with your clinician to review other causes and medications. ^{[4] [5]}

Safety pointers

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time to limit stomach and heart risks. ^{[1] [2]}
• Take with food or milk if you experience stomach upset, and stop use and seek medical advice for signs of stomach bleeding (faintness, vomiting blood, black stools, persistent stomach pain). ^{[1] [2]}
• Be cautious if you have a history of ulcers, are over 65, use blood thinners, steroids, drink alcohol regularly, or have heart/kidney disease ask a clinician about safer alternatives or protective strategies. ^{[1] [2]}
• Be aware that food may slow the onset of pain relief while not changing overall absorption; choose timing based on your stomach tolerance and need for quick relief. ^[3]