Drug interactions
Flurbiprofen + Salsalate
Severity: Moderate
Flurbiprofen and Salsalate: moderate 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
Salsalate is hydrolyzed to salicylic acid and has NSAID-like effects, so combining it with flurbiprofen duplicates therapy. This raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, renal injury and hyperkalemia without added benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Flurbiprofen and Salsalate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive prostaglandin synthesis inhibition affecting gastric mucosa, platelet function and renal blood flow.
What to do
Avoid using both and select one NSAID at the lowest effective dose; if combined, monitor for bleeding and check renal function and potassium.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Flurbiprofen
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Flurbiprofen Major
- Alteplase + Flurbiprofen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Flurbiprofen with Salsalate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Flurbiprofen and Salsalate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Salsalate is hydrolyzed to salicylic acid and has NSAID-like effects, so combining it with flurbiprofen duplicates therapy. This raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, renal injury and hyperkalemia without added benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Flurbiprofen and Salsalate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid using both and select one NSAID at the lowest effective dose; if combined, monitor for bleeding and check renal function and potassium.
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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