Drug interactions
Chlorothiazide + Diclofenac
Severity: Moderate
Chlorothiazide 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
Diclofenac can reduce the diuretic and antihypertensive effects of chlorothiazide and increases the risk of acute kidney injury in volume-depleted or elderly patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorothiazide 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.
Chlorothiazide belongs to Cardiovascular; Diclofenac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Inhibition of renal prostaglandins causes sodium and water retention and reduced renal perfusion, opposing thiazide action.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, fluid status and renal function, and maintain hydration. Use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest period.
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 Diclofenac
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Diclofenac Major
- Acemetacin + Diclofenac Major
- Alteplase + Diclofenac Major
- Amiloride + Diclofenac Major
Other interactions of Chlorothiazide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorothiazide with Diclofenac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorothiazide 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. Diclofenac can reduce the diuretic and antihypertensive effects of chlorothiazide and increases the risk of acute kidney injury in volume-depleted or elderly patients.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorothiazide 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: Monitor blood pressure, fluid status and renal function, and maintain hydration. Use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest period.
What other medicines interact with Diclofenac?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diclofenac with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Diclofenac page.
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