Drug interactions
Clopidogrel + Diflunisal
Severity: Moderate
Clopidogrel and Diflunisal: 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
Both drugs impair platelet function, and diflunisal also irritates the gastric mucosa, so combined use increases the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding. The risk is higher in older patients and those with prior ulcer disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clopidogrel and Diflunisal 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.
Clopidogrel belongs to Cardiovascular; Diflunisal belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive antiplatelet effects (P2Y12 blockade plus reversible cyclooxygenase inhibition) together with NSAID-induced mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid routine concurrent use where possible; if needed, use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest time, consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor, and monitor for bleeding.
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 Diflunisal
- Diflunisal + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Diflunisal + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Diflunisal Major
- Acetazolamide + Diflunisal Major
- Alteplase + Diflunisal Major
- Amiloride + Diflunisal Major
Other interactions of Clopidogrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clopidogrel with Diflunisal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clopidogrel and Diflunisal 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. Both drugs impair platelet function, and diflunisal also irritates the gastric mucosa, so combined use increases the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding. The risk is higher in older patients and those with prior ulcer disease.
How serious is the interaction between Clopidogrel and Diflunisal?
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 routine concurrent use where possible; if needed, use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest time, consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor, and monitor for bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Diflunisal?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diflunisal with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Diflunisal page.
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