Drug interactions
Diflunisal + Meloxicam
Severity: Major
Diflunisal and Meloxicam: 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 offers no added analgesic advantage but raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, kidney injury and fluid retention. Antiplatelet effects are additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diflunisal and Meloxicam 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.
Diflunisal belongs to Musculoskeletal; Meloxicam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive cyclooxygenase inhibition reducing protective gastric and renal prostaglandins and platelet thromboxane.
What to do
Avoid combining NSAIDs; use one agent at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
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 Diflunisal
- Diflunisal + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Diflunisal + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Diflunisal Major
- Acetazolamide + Diflunisal Major
- Alteplase + Diflunisal Major
- Amiloride + Diflunisal Major
Other interactions of Meloxicam
- Ketorolac intranasal + Meloxicam Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Meloxicam Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Meloxicam Major
- Acemetacin + Meloxicam Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Meloxicam Major
- Alteplase + Meloxicam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diflunisal with Meloxicam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diflunisal and Meloxicam 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 offers no added analgesic advantage but raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, kidney injury and fluid retention. Antiplatelet effects are additive.
How serious is the interaction between Diflunisal and Meloxicam?
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 combining NSAIDs; use one agent at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
What other medicines interact with Diflunisal?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diflunisal with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Diflunisal page.
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