Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Flurbiprofen
Severity: Major
Diclofenac and Flurbiprofen: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Two systemic NSAIDs given together provide no added analgesic benefit but add up the risks of GI bleeding, renal impairment, cardiovascular events and hyperkalemia. This duplication is generally avoidable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac and Flurbiprofen can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Diclofenac belongs to Musculoskeletal; Flurbiprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Duplicate COX inhibition producing additive gastrointestinal, renal and antiplatelet toxicity.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two oral NSAIDs and use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. If analgesia is inadequate, add paracetamol or change therapy rather than adding a second NSAID.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Flurbiprofen
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Flurbiprofen Major
- Alteplase + Flurbiprofen Major
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 Diclofenac with Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diclofenac and Flurbiprofen can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Two systemic NSAIDs given together provide no added analgesic benefit but add up the risks of GI bleeding, renal impairment, cardiovascular events and hyperkalemia. This duplication is generally avoidable.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use of two oral NSAIDs and use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. If analgesia is inadequate, add paracetamol or change therapy rather than adding a second NSAID.
What other medicines interact with Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Flurbiprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Flurbiprofen page.
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