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Drug interactions

Ibuprofen + Sulindac

Severity: Major

Ibuprofen and Sulindac: 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

Concurrent NSAIDs increase GI ulceration and bleeding, renal injury and fluid retention without additional benefit.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ibuprofen and Sulindac 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.

Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Sulindac belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Duplicate cyclooxygenase inhibition produces additive effects on gastric mucosa, platelets and renal prostaglandins.

What to do

Avoid combining two systemic NSAIDs; use one 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Ibuprofen with Sulindac?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ibuprofen and Sulindac 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. Concurrent NSAIDs increase GI ulceration and bleeding, renal injury and fluid retention without additional benefit.

How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Sulindac?

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 combining two systemic NSAIDs; use one agent at the lowest effective dose.

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

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

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