Drug interactions
Etodolac + Ibuprofen
Severity: Major
Etodolac and Ibuprofen: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Using two NSAIDs together provides no added benefit and increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, and renal injury.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etodolac and Ibuprofen 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; Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive cyclooxygenase inhibition reducing protective prostaglandins and platelet function.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two NSAIDs; use a single agent at the lowest effective dose and add paracetamol if needed.
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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References
- Etopan XL 600 mg Film-coated prolonged release tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (names the partner; ". There is a evidence of an increased risk of haemarthroses and haematoma in HIV (+) haemophiliacs receiving concurrent treatment with zidovudine and ibuprofen.") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen Major
Other interactions of Etodolac
- Etodolac + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Etodolac + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Etodolac Major
- Acemetacin + Etodolac Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Etodolac Major
- Alteplase + Etodolac Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etodolac with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Etodolac and Ibuprofen 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. Using two NSAIDs together provides no added benefit and increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, and renal injury.
How serious is the interaction between Etodolac and Ibuprofen?
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 concurrent use of two NSAIDs; use a single agent at the lowest effective dose and add paracetamol if needed.
What other medicines interact with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ibuprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Ibuprofen page.
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