Drug interactions
Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketoprofen
Severity: Major
Acetylsalicylic acid and Ketoprofen: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Combining aspirin with ketoprofen increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Ketoprofen may also compete with low-dose aspirin for platelet COX-1 binding and reduce its antiplatelet cardioprotection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Acetylsalicylic acid and Ketoprofen can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Acetylsalicylic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Ketoprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive COX inhibition and platelet dysfunction cause mucosal injury and bleeding, and the NSAID can competitively block aspirin's access to the platelet COX-1 site.
What to do
Avoid routine co-use; if an NSAID is needed in a patient on cardioprotective aspirin, consider a gastroprotective proton pump inhibitor and take aspirin at least 30 minutes before or 8 hours after the NSAID. Monitor for GI bleeding.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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 Ketoprofen
- Ketoprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ketoprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Ketoprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Ketoprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ketoprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ketoprofen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Acetylsalicylic acid with Ketoprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Acetylsalicylic acid and Ketoprofen can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Combining aspirin with ketoprofen increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Ketoprofen may also compete with low-dose aspirin for platelet COX-1 binding and reduce its antiplatelet cardioprotection.
How serious is the interaction between Acetylsalicylic acid and Ketoprofen?
MediHelp rates it major, 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 an NSAID is needed in a patient on cardioprotective aspirin, consider a gastroprotective proton pump inhibitor and take aspirin at least 30 minutes before or 8 hours after the NSAID. Monitor for GI bleeding.
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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