Drug interactions
Aspirin rectal + Sulindac
Severity: Major
Aspirin rectal and Sulindac: 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
Rectal aspirin is systemically absorbed and, with sulindac, increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. The NSAID may also blunt aspirin's antiplatelet effect, and the combination offers little added benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aspirin rectal and Sulindac 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 cyclooxygenase inhibition and platelet dysfunction with gastrointestinal mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid combined use where possible and choose a non-NSAID analgesic alternative. If unavoidable, use a proton pump inhibitor and 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 Sulindac
- Ketorolac intranasal + Sulindac Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Sulindac Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Sulindac Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Sulindac Major
- Alteplase + Sulindac Major
- Amiloride + Sulindac Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aspirin rectal with Sulindac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Aspirin rectal and Sulindac 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. Rectal aspirin is systemically absorbed and, with sulindac, increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. The NSAID may also blunt aspirin's antiplatelet effect, and the combination offers little added benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Aspirin rectal and Sulindac?
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 combined use where possible and choose a non-NSAID analgesic alternative. If unavoidable, use a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for GI bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Sulindac?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sulindac with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Sulindac page.
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