Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Salicylates
Severity: Moderate
Diclofenac and Salicylates: 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
Combining diclofenac with a non-acetylated salicylate adds a second NSAID-like agent, increasing the chance of gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding, and renal impairment. Salicylates may also lower diclofenac concentrations and bring no extra benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac and Salicylates 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.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, with possible protein-binding displacement and altered clearance.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two NSAID-type agents where possible. If both are used, monitor for GI bleeding symptoms and renal function and consider gastroprotection.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diclofenac with Salicylates?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diclofenac and Salicylates 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. Combining diclofenac with a non-acetylated salicylate adds a second NSAID-like agent, increasing the chance of gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding, and renal impairment. Salicylates may also lower diclofenac concentrations and bring no extra benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Salicylates?
MediHelp rates it moderate, 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 NSAID-type agents where possible. If both are used, monitor for GI bleeding symptoms and renal function and consider gastroprotection.
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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