Drug interactions
Danshen + Diclofenac
Severity: Moderate
Danshen 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
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) has antiplatelet activity and has been reported to potentiate warfarin. Combined with diclofenac, which also impairs platelet function and can injure the gastric mucosa, bleeding risk may rise.
What this interaction means in plain words
Danshen 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 antiplatelet effects of danshen constituents and NSAID COX-1 inhibition.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid danshen while taking regular diclofenac, especially if they also use anticoagulants. Monitor for bruising and GI 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 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 Danshen with Diclofenac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Danshen 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. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) has antiplatelet activity and has been reported to potentiate warfarin. Combined with diclofenac, which also impairs platelet function and can injure the gastric mucosa, bleeding risk may rise.
How serious is the interaction between Danshen 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: Advise patients to avoid danshen while taking regular diclofenac, especially if they also use anticoagulants. Monitor for bruising and GI bleeding.
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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