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Drug interactions

Diflunisal + Naproxen

Severity: Major

Diflunisal and Naproxen: 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

Taking two NSAIDs together increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding, kidney injury and cardiovascular events without added analgesic benefit.

What this interaction means in plain words

Diflunisal and Naproxen 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; Naproxen belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Additive cyclooxygenase inhibition reducing gastric, platelet and renal prostaglandin-mediated protection.

What to do

Avoid combining NSAIDs; use one agent at the lowest effective dose and 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Diflunisal with Naproxen?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diflunisal and Naproxen 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. Taking two NSAIDs together increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding, kidney injury and cardiovascular events without added analgesic benefit.

How serious is the interaction between Diflunisal and Naproxen?

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 and 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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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