Drug interactions
Diflunisal + Willow bark
Severity: Moderate
Diflunisal 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 salicylic acid, so it adds to the salicylate load from diflunisal. This may increase the risk of GI irritation, bleeding and salicylate-related adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diflunisal 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 salicylate pharmacology, including prostaglandin and platelet inhibition, with shared anionic renal elimination.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of willow bark with diflunisal, and monitor for GI bleeding or tinnitus if combined.
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 Diflunisal
- Diflunisal + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Diflunisal + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Diflunisal Major
- Acetazolamide + Diflunisal Major
- Alteplase + Diflunisal Major
- Amiloride + Diflunisal Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diflunisal with Willow bark?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diflunisal 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 salicylic acid, so it adds to the salicylate load from diflunisal. This may increase the risk of GI irritation, bleeding and salicylate-related adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Diflunisal 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 concurrent use of willow bark with diflunisal, and monitor for GI bleeding or tinnitus if combined.
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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