Drug interactions
Devil's claw + Naproxen
Severity: Minor
Devil's claw and Naproxen: minor 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
Devil's claw has been linked to antiplatelet activity and isolated reports of bleeding, and naproxen impairs platelet function and irritates the gastric mucosa. Together they may modestly raise bleeding risk, although the clinical data are sparse.
What this interaction means in plain words
Devil's claw and Naproxen have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Possible additive antiplatelet effects from COX inhibition by naproxen and the herbal constituents of devil's claw; the mechanism for the herb is not firmly established.
What to do
Ask patients about herbal supplement use and advise them to report bruising, black stools or other bleeding. Avoid combining them if the patient also takes anticoagulants or has a history of GI bleeding.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Naproxen
- Ketorolac intranasal + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Naproxen Major
- Acemetacin + Naproxen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Naproxen Major
- Alteplase + Naproxen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Devil's claw with Naproxen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Devil's claw and Naproxen have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Devil's claw has been linked to antiplatelet activity and isolated reports of bleeding, and naproxen impairs platelet function and irritates the gastric mucosa. Together they may modestly raise bleeding risk, although the clinical data are sparse.
How serious is the interaction between Devil's claw and Naproxen?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Ask patients about herbal supplement use and advise them to report bruising, black stools or other bleeding. Avoid combining them if the patient also takes anticoagulants or has a history of GI 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.
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