Drug interactions
Fenoprofen + Lithium
Severity: Major
Fenoprofen and Lithium: 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
Fenoprofen can raise serum lithium concentrations, potentially leading to lithium toxicity with tremor, confusion, vomiting, ataxia and in severe cases seizures. Because lithium has a narrow therapeutic index this is clinically important.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fenoprofen and Lithium 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.
Fenoprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandins reduces renal blood flow and lithium excretion, increasing its reabsorption.
What to do
Avoid if possible, or measure lithium levels at baseline and within about a week of starting the NSAID, reducing the lithium dose as needed. Counsel patients on signs of toxicity.
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 Fenoprofen
- Fenoprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Fenoprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Fenoprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Fenoprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Fenoprofen Major
- Alteplase + Fenoprofen Major
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fenoprofen with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fenoprofen and Lithium 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. Fenoprofen can raise serum lithium concentrations, potentially leading to lithium toxicity with tremor, confusion, vomiting, ataxia and in severe cases seizures. Because lithium has a narrow therapeutic index this is clinically important.
How serious is the interaction between Fenoprofen and Lithium?
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 if possible, or measure lithium levels at baseline and within about a week of starting the NSAID, reducing the lithium dose as needed. Counsel patients on signs of toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Fenoprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fenoprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Fenoprofen page.
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