Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Duloxetine
Severity: Moderate
Diclofenac and Duloxetine: 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
Duloxetine reduces platelet serotonin uptake and impairs aggregation, and diclofenac adds mucosal injury and platelet inhibition. The combination raises the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac and Duloxetine 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.
Diclofenac belongs to Musculoskeletal; Duloxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effect on platelet function and gastric mucosal integrity.
What to do
Use the lowest effective diclofenac dose for the shortest duration and consider a proton pump inhibitor in at-risk patients. Counsel patients to report signs of 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
Other interactions of Duloxetine
- Duloxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diclofenac with Duloxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diclofenac and Duloxetine 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. Duloxetine reduces platelet serotonin uptake and impairs aggregation, and diclofenac adds mucosal injury and platelet inhibition. The combination raises the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Duloxetine?
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 diclofenac dose for the shortest duration and consider a proton pump inhibitor in at-risk patients. Counsel patients to report signs of 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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