Drug interactions
Cortisone + Diclofenac
Severity: Moderate
Cortisone 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
Combining a systemic NSAID with a corticosteroid raises the risk of gastric irritation, peptic ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding beyond that of either drug alone. The risk is greater in older patients, with higher doses or prolonged use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cortisone 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.
Why it happens
Additive gastrointestinal mucosal injury: NSAID inhibition of protective prostaglandins plus corticosteroid impairment of mucosal healing.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses for the shortest duration and consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor in at-risk patients. Counsel patients to report black stools or epigastric pain.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cortisone with Diclofenac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cortisone 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. Combining a systemic NSAID with a corticosteroid raises the risk of gastric irritation, peptic ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding beyond that of either drug alone. The risk is greater in older patients, with higher doses or prolonged use.
How serious is the interaction between Cortisone 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: Use the lowest effective doses for the shortest duration and consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor in at-risk patients. Counsel patients to report black stools or epigastric pain.
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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