Drug interactions
Flurbiprofen + Indomethacin
Severity: Major
Flurbiprofen and Indomethacin: 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
Combining two NSAIDs gives no additional therapeutic benefit and increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, renal injury, and fluid retention.
What this interaction means in plain words
Flurbiprofen and Indomethacin 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.
Flurbiprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Indomethacin belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive cyclooxygenase inhibition leading to cumulative gastrointestinal, platelet and renal prostaglandin effects.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two systemic NSAIDs and use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. Switch to paracetamol or another non-NSAID approach if more analgesia is 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
Other interactions of Flurbiprofen
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Flurbiprofen Major
- Alteplase + Flurbiprofen Major
Other interactions of Indomethacin
- Indomethacin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Indomethacin + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Indomethacin Major
- Acemetacin + Indomethacin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Indomethacin Major
- Alteplase + Indomethacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Flurbiprofen with Indomethacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Flurbiprofen and Indomethacin 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. Combining two NSAIDs gives no additional therapeutic benefit and increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, renal injury, and fluid retention.
How serious is the interaction between Flurbiprofen and Indomethacin?
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 and use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. Switch to paracetamol or another non-NSAID approach if more analgesia is needed.
What other medicines interact with Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Flurbiprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Flurbiprofen page.
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