Drug interactions
Duloxetine + Sulfasalazine
Severity: Minor
Duloxetine and Sulfasalazine: minor 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
Duloxetine impairs platelet function, and sulfasalazine, through its salicylate component and GI irritation, can cause mucosal injury. Together they may modestly raise the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The clinical significance is uncertain, but is greater in older patients or those on other bleeding-risk drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Duloxetine and Sulfasalazine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Duloxetine reduces platelet serotonin uptake and aggregation, adding to GI mucosal irritation, which increases bleeding tendency.
What to do
Be alert for signs of GI bleeding such as melena or anemia, particularly with additional NSAIDs or anticoagulants. Consider gastroprotection in high-risk patients.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Duloxetine
- Duloxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Duloxetine with Sulfasalazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Duloxetine and Sulfasalazine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Duloxetine impairs platelet function, and sulfasalazine, through its salicylate component and GI irritation, can cause mucosal injury. Together they may modestly raise the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The clinical significance is uncertain, but is greater in older patients or those on other bleeding-risk drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Duloxetine and Sulfasalazine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Be alert for signs of GI bleeding such as melena or anemia, particularly with additional NSAIDs or anticoagulants. Consider gastroprotection in high-risk patients.
What other medicines interact with Duloxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Duloxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Duloxetine page.
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