Drug interactions
Acetylsalicylic acid + Diclofenac
Severity: Moderate
Acetylsalicylic acid and Diclofenac: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Taking diclofenac with aspirin increases the risk of GI ulceration and bleeding without added anti-inflammatory benefit. Some NSAIDs can also interfere with aspirin's cardioprotective effect, and both can impair renal function.
What this interaction means in plain words
Acetylsalicylic acid and Diclofenac can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Acetylsalicylic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Diclofenac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of cyclooxygenase-dependent mucosal protection and platelet function, with possible competition at the COX-1 site.
What to do
Avoid routine co-use; if both are necessary, give the lowest NSAID dose for the shortest time with a proton pump inhibitor. Monitor for GI bleeding and renal function.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetazolamide + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Alteplase Major
Other interactions of Diclofenac
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Diclofenac Major
- Acemetacin + Diclofenac Major
- Alteplase + Diclofenac Major
- Amiloride + Diclofenac Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Acetylsalicylic acid with Diclofenac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Acetylsalicylic acid and Diclofenac can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Taking diclofenac with aspirin increases the risk of GI ulceration and bleeding without added anti-inflammatory benefit. Some NSAIDs can also interfere with aspirin's cardioprotective effect, and both can impair renal function.
How serious is the interaction between Acetylsalicylic acid and Diclofenac?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid routine co-use; if both are necessary, give the lowest NSAID dose for the shortest time with a proton pump inhibitor. Monitor for GI bleeding and renal function.
What other medicines interact with Acetylsalicylic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Abciximab. The full list is on the Acetylsalicylic acid page.
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