Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Hydrochlorothiazide
Severity: Moderate
Diclofenac and Hydrochlorothiazide: 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
Diclofenac may reduce the diuretic and antihypertensive effect of hydrochlorothiazide. The combination also raises the risk of acute kidney injury, particularly in elderly or volume-depleted patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac and Hydrochlorothiazide 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; Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandins causes sodium and water retention and reduced renal perfusion, counteracting thiazide natriuresis.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, fluid status, serum creatinine and electrolytes, and ensure adequate hydration. Use the lowest effective diclofenac dose for the shortest duration.
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 Hydrochlorothiazide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diclofenac with Hydrochlorothiazide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diclofenac and Hydrochlorothiazide 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 may reduce the diuretic and antihypertensive effect of hydrochlorothiazide. The combination also raises the risk of acute kidney injury, particularly in elderly or volume-depleted patients.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Hydrochlorothiazide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure, fluid status, serum creatinine and electrolytes, and ensure adequate hydration. Use the lowest effective diclofenac dose for the shortest duration.
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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