Skip to content

Drug interactions

Etodolac + Naproxen

Severity: Major

Etodolac and Naproxen: major interaction.

Last updated Sources: US FDA label

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

Two NSAIDs given together offer no added analgesic benefit but increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal injury and cardiovascular events. This is therapeutic duplication.

What this interaction means in plain words

Etodolac and Naproxen 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; Naproxen belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Additive inhibition of cyclooxygenase leading to additive gastrointestinal, renal and platelet effects.

What to do

Avoid concurrent use of two systemic NSAIDs; use a single agent at the lowest effective dose.

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.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Etodolac and Naproxen, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.

References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Etodolac with Naproxen?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Etodolac and Naproxen 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. Two NSAIDs given together offer no added analgesic benefit but increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal injury and cardiovascular events. This is therapeutic duplication.

How serious is the interaction between Etodolac and Naproxen?

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 systemic NSAIDs; use a single agent at the lowest effective dose.

What other medicines interact with Naproxen?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Naproxen with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Naproxen page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in