Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Salsalate
Severity: Moderate
Diclofenac and Salsalate: 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
Salsalate is metabolized to salicylic acid and has NSAID-type activity, so combining it with diclofenac duplicates therapy. This increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding and of renal toxicity without clear added benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac and Salsalate 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 cyclooxygenase inhibition and prostaglandin suppression, with salicylate possibly altering diclofenac disposition.
What to do
Avoid using both together and choose a single NSAID. If unavoidable, add gastroprotection and monitor renal function and for signs of GI bleeding.
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 Salsalate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diclofenac and Salsalate 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. Salsalate is metabolized to salicylic acid and has NSAID-type activity, so combining it with diclofenac duplicates therapy. This increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding and of renal toxicity without clear added benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Salsalate?
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 using both together and choose a single NSAID. If unavoidable, add gastroprotection and monitor renal function and for signs of GI bleeding.
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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