Drug interactions
Etodolac + Heparin
Severity: Major
Etodolac and Heparin: 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
Etodolac impairs platelet aggregation and can cause gastrointestinal erosions, while heparin prolongs clotting. Combined use increases the risk of bleeding, especially gastrointestinal bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etodolac and Heparin 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.
Etodolac belongs to Musculoskeletal; Heparin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effect of NSAID antiplatelet activity and mucosal injury with heparin-mediated antithrombin potentiation.
What to do
Avoid the combination if an alternative analgesic is possible; otherwise monitor for bleeding signs, hemoglobin and aPTT or anti-Xa as appropriate. Consider gastroprotection.
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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Other interactions of Etodolac
- Etodolac + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Etodolac + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Etodolac Major
- Acemetacin + Etodolac Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Etodolac Major
- Alteplase + Etodolac Major
Other interactions of Heparin
- Defibrotide + Heparin Contraindicated
- Heparin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Heparin + Oritavancin Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Heparin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Heparin Major
- Alteplase + Heparin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etodolac with Heparin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Etodolac and Heparin 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. Etodolac impairs platelet aggregation and can cause gastrointestinal erosions, while heparin prolongs clotting. Combined use increases the risk of bleeding, especially gastrointestinal bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Etodolac and Heparin?
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 the combination if an alternative analgesic is possible; otherwise monitor for bleeding signs, hemoglobin and aPTT or anti-Xa as appropriate. Consider gastroprotection.
What other medicines interact with Etodolac?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Etodolac with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Etodolac page.
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