Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Naproxen
Severity: Major
Diclofenac and Naproxen: 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
Using two NSAIDs together provides no added benefit and increases gastrointestinal bleeding, renal injury and cardiovascular risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac and Naproxen 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; Naproxen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Duplicate COX inhibition with additive antiplatelet effects, mucosal injury and reduced renal prostaglandin synthesis.
What to do
Avoid concurrent systemic NSAIDs; use a single agent at the lowest effective dose and add paracetamol if needed.
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 Naproxen
- Ketorolac intranasal + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Naproxen Major
- Acemetacin + Naproxen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Naproxen Major
- Alteplase + Naproxen 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 Naproxen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diclofenac and Naproxen 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. Using two NSAIDs together provides no added benefit and increases gastrointestinal bleeding, renal injury and cardiovascular risk.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Naproxen?
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 systemic NSAIDs; use a single agent at the lowest effective dose and add paracetamol if needed.
What other medicines interact with Naproxen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Naproxen with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Naproxen page.
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