Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Valproic acid
Severity: Minor
Diclofenac and Valproic acid: minor 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
Valproic acid can inhibit CYP2C9 and may modestly raise diclofenac concentrations. Both drugs can affect platelet function and bleeding tendency, which adds to the concern. The clinical effect is generally small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac and Valproic acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Diclofenac belongs to Musculoskeletal; Valproic acid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Valproate inhibits CYP2C9-mediated diclofenac metabolism, and both drugs have additive effects on platelet function.
What to do
No routine dose change is required; monitor for NSAID adverse effects such as GI upset or bleeding, particularly with long-term use.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diclofenac with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Diclofenac and Valproic acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Valproic acid can inhibit CYP2C9 and may modestly raise diclofenac concentrations. Both drugs can affect platelet function and bleeding tendency, which adds to the concern. The clinical effect is generally small.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is required; monitor for NSAID adverse effects such as GI upset or bleeding, particularly with long-term use.
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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