Drug interactions
Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate + Flurbiprofen
Severity: Major
Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate and Flurbiprofen: 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
The aspirin component adds to flurbiprofen's effects on gastric mucosa and platelets, raising the risk of GI bleeding. Flurbiprofen may also interfere with aspirin's antiplatelet effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate and Flurbiprofen 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.
Why it happens
Additive COX inhibition and platelet impairment, with NSAID competition for the aspirin binding site on COX-1.
What to do
Avoid concurrent analgesic use of both. If low-dose aspirin is needed for cardioprotection, separate dosing from flurbiprofen and consider a proton pump inhibitor.
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 Flurbiprofen
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Flurbiprofen Major
- Alteplase + Flurbiprofen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate with Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate and Flurbiprofen 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. The aspirin component adds to flurbiprofen's effects on gastric mucosa and platelets, raising the risk of GI bleeding. Flurbiprofen may also interfere with aspirin's antiplatelet effect.
How serious is the interaction between Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate and Flurbiprofen?
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 concurrent analgesic use of both. If low-dose aspirin is needed for cardioprotection, separate dosing from flurbiprofen and consider a proton pump inhibitor.
What other medicines interact with Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Flurbiprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Flurbiprofen page.
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