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Drug interactions

Diclofenac + Dong quai

Severity: Moderate

Diclofenac and Dong quai: 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

Dong quai contains coumarin-type constituents that may have anticoagulant or antiplatelet activity. Taken with diclofenac it could increase the tendency to bleed, although clinical data are limited.

What this interaction means in plain words

Diclofenac and Dong quai 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Theoretical additive antiplatelet or anticoagulant effect from coumarin constituents plus NSAID platelet inhibition.

What to do

Advise patients to avoid dong quai while taking diclofenac, or report any unusual bruising or bleeding. Review herbal use before prescribing.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Diclofenac with Dong quai?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diclofenac and Dong quai 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. Dong quai contains coumarin-type constituents that may have anticoagulant or antiplatelet activity. Taken with diclofenac it could increase the tendency to bleed, although clinical data are limited.

How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Dong quai?

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 dong quai while taking diclofenac, or report any unusual bruising or bleeding. Review herbal use before prescribing.

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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