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Drug interactions

Ibuprofen + Phenindione

Severity: Major

Ibuprofen and Phenindione: 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

Phenindione is a vitamin K antagonist, and ibuprofen impairs platelet function and can cause GI ulceration. Together they substantially raise the risk of serious bleeding.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ibuprofen and Phenindione 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive hemostatic impairment from vitamin K antagonism and NSAID platelet inhibition with mucosal injury.

What to do

Avoid ibuprofen and use paracetamol where possible; if unavoidable, monitor INR and bleeding signs and consider gastroprotection.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Ibuprofen with Phenindione?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ibuprofen and Phenindione 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. Phenindione is a vitamin K antagonist, and ibuprofen impairs platelet function and can cause GI ulceration. Together they substantially raise the risk of serious bleeding.

How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Phenindione?

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 ibuprofen and use paracetamol where possible; if unavoidable, monitor INR and bleeding signs and consider gastroprotection.

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.

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

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