Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Diclofenac
Severity: Moderate
Ciprofloxacin 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
NSAIDs may enhance the seizure-provoking effects of fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin. The risk is highest in patients with epilepsy, prior seizures, renal impairment or high fluoroquinolone doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin 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.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Diclofenac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Fluoroquinolone antagonism of GABA-A receptors, which NSAIDs may potentiate; the exact mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Avoid in patients with seizure disorders or other risk factors; otherwise use the lowest effective doses and stop treatment if neurological symptoms appear.
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 Ciprofloxacin
- Agomelatine + Ciprofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Ciprofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ciprofloxacin with Diclofenac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ciprofloxacin 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. NSAIDs may enhance the seizure-provoking effects of fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin. The risk is highest in patients with epilepsy, prior seizures, renal impairment or high fluoroquinolone doses.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin 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 in patients with seizure disorders or other risk factors; otherwise use the lowest effective doses and stop treatment if neurological symptoms appear.
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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