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Drug interactions

Diflunisal + Reteplase

Severity: Major

Diflunisal and Reteplase: major 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

Diflunisal inhibits platelet function and can irritate the gastric mucosa, while reteplase dissolves fibrin clots. Taken together, the risk of serious bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal or intracranial, is higher than with either drug alone.

What this interaction means in plain words

Diflunisal and Reteplase 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive hemostatic impairment: NSAID-mediated reversible platelet inhibition plus thrombolytic-induced fibrinolysis.

What to do

Review the need for the NSAID before and after thrombolysis and avoid it where possible. If both are used, monitor closely for bleeding and hemoglobin changes.

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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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Diflunisal with Reteplase?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diflunisal and Reteplase 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 inhibits platelet function and can irritate the gastric mucosa, while reteplase dissolves fibrin clots. Taken together, the risk of serious bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal or intracranial, is higher than with either drug alone.

How serious is the interaction between Diflunisal and Reteplase?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Review the need for the NSAID before and after thrombolysis and avoid it where possible. If both are used, monitor closely for bleeding and hemoglobin changes.

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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