Drug interactions
Clopidogrel + Flurbiprofen
Severity: Major
Clopidogrel 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
Both agents impair platelet function, and flurbiprofen can also damage the gastric mucosa. Together they substantially increase the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clopidogrel 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.
Clopidogrel belongs to Cardiovascular; Flurbiprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive antiplatelet effects, with irreversible P2Y12 blockade by clopidogrel and reversible COX-1 inhibition plus GI mucosal injury from the NSAID.
What to do
Avoid regular NSAID use in patients on clopidogrel, preferring paracetamol where suitable. If an NSAID is essential, use the lowest dose briefly with a proton pump inhibitor such as pantoprazole and monitor for 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 Flurbiprofen
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Flurbiprofen Major
- Alteplase + Flurbiprofen Major
Other interactions of Clopidogrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clopidogrel with Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clopidogrel 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. Both agents impair platelet function, and flurbiprofen can also damage the gastric mucosa. Together they substantially increase the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Clopidogrel 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 regular NSAID use in patients on clopidogrel, preferring paracetamol where suitable. If an NSAID is essential, use the lowest dose briefly with a proton pump inhibitor such as pantoprazole and monitor for bleeding.
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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