Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Gemfibrozil
Severity: Moderate
Diclofenac and Gemfibrozil: 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
Gemfibrozil inhibits CYP2C9 and UGT enzymes and may raise diclofenac exposure. This increases the potential for NSAID-related gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac and Gemfibrozil 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; Gemfibrozil belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP2C9 and glucuronidation pathways of diclofenac metabolism by gemfibrozil.
What to do
Use the lowest effective diclofenac dose and monitor for NSAID adverse effects and renal function. Consider an alternative analgesic if long-term use is needed.
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 Gemfibrozil
- Daprodustat + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Elagolix + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Metformin-repaglinide Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Repaglinide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diclofenac with Gemfibrozil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diclofenac and Gemfibrozil 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. Gemfibrozil inhibits CYP2C9 and UGT enzymes and may raise diclofenac exposure. This increases the potential for NSAID-related gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Gemfibrozil?
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 and monitor for NSAID adverse effects and renal function. Consider an alternative analgesic if long-term use is needed.
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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