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Drug interactions

Indomethacin + Prasugrel

Severity: Major

Indomethacin and Prasugrel: 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

Combining indomethacin with prasugrel increases the risk of bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding. Prasugrel labeling advises caution with chronic NSAID use for this reason.

What this interaction means in plain words

Indomethacin and Prasugrel 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.

Indomethacin belongs to Musculoskeletal; Prasugrel belongs to Cardiovascular.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Prasugrel irreversibly blocks platelet P2Y12 receptors while indomethacin inhibits platelet COX-1 and damages the gastric mucosa, producing additive bleeding risk.

What to do

Avoid chronic NSAID use where possible and choose paracetamol for analgesia. If an NSAID is unavoidable, consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for bleeding.

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 Indomethacin with Prasugrel?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Indomethacin and Prasugrel 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 indomethacin with prasugrel increases the risk of bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding. Prasugrel labeling advises caution with chronic NSAID use for this reason.

How serious is the interaction between Indomethacin and Prasugrel?

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 chronic NSAID use where possible and choose paracetamol for analgesia. If an NSAID is unavoidable, consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for bleeding.

What other medicines interact with Indomethacin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Indomethacin with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Indomethacin page.

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