Drug interactions
Clopidogrel + Ketoprofen
Severity: Major
Clopidogrel and Ketoprofen: major 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
Ketoprofen with clopidogrel raises the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding because both impair platelet function and NSAIDs damage gastric mucosa. The risk is higher in older patients and those with prior ulcers.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clopidogrel and Ketoprofen 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; Ketoprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive antiplatelet effects, with irreversible P2Y12 blockade by clopidogrel and reversible COX-1 inhibition by ketoprofen, plus NSAID mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid regular NSAID use; if unavoidable, use the shortest course with a proton pump inhibitor (avoiding omeprazole/esomeprazole) 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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Other interactions of Ketoprofen
- Ketoprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ketoprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Ketoprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Ketoprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketoprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ketoprofen Major
Other interactions of Clopidogrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clopidogrel with Ketoprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clopidogrel and Ketoprofen 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. Ketoprofen with clopidogrel raises the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding because both impair platelet function and NSAIDs damage gastric mucosa. The risk is higher in older patients and those with prior ulcers.
How serious is the interaction between Clopidogrel and Ketoprofen?
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; if unavoidable, use the shortest course with a proton pump inhibitor (avoiding omeprazole/esomeprazole) and monitor for bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Ketoprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ketoprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Ketoprofen page.
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