Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Willow bark
Severity: Moderate
Diclofenac and Willow bark: 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
Willow bark contains salicin, which is converted to salicylates. Combining it with diclofenac adds NSAID-like effects, with additive risk of GI irritation, bleeding and renal effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac and Willow bark 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 pharmacodynamic NSAID-type effects from salicylate content, with possible competition for renal tubular secretion.
What to do
Avoid using willow bark together with diclofenac where possible; if both are used, monitor for GI bleeding and renal function.
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 Willow bark?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diclofenac and Willow bark 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. Willow bark contains salicin, which is converted to salicylates. Combining it with diclofenac adds NSAID-like effects, with additive risk of GI irritation, bleeding and renal effects.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Willow bark?
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 willow bark together with diclofenac where possible; if both are used, monitor for GI bleeding and renal function.
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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