Drug interactions
Clopidogrel + Naproxen
Severity: Major
Clopidogrel and Naproxen: 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
Naproxen with clopidogrel increases the risk of bleeding, especially gastrointestinal. Gastric mucosal injury combines with impaired platelet function.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clopidogrel and Naproxen 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; Naproxen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive platelet inhibition (P2Y12 blockade plus reversible COX-1 inhibition) and NSAID-induced mucosal damage.
What to do
Avoid regular NSAID use if possible and use paracetamol instead. If needed, add a proton pump inhibitor (avoiding omeprazole or 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Clopidogrel and Naproxen, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Naproxen
- Ketorolac intranasal + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Naproxen Major
- Acemetacin + Naproxen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Naproxen Major
- Alteplase + Naproxen Major
Other interactions of Clopidogrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clopidogrel with Naproxen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clopidogrel and Naproxen 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. Naproxen with clopidogrel increases the risk of bleeding, especially gastrointestinal. Gastric mucosal injury combines with impaired platelet function.
How serious is the interaction between Clopidogrel and Naproxen?
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 possible and use paracetamol instead. If needed, add a proton pump inhibitor (avoiding omeprazole or esomeprazole) and monitor for bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Naproxen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Naproxen with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Naproxen page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
