Drug interactions
Indomethacin + Willow bark
Severity: Moderate
Indomethacin and Willow bark: 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
Willow bark contains salicin, which is converted to salicylic acid, so combining it with indomethacin gives additive NSAID-type effects including GI irritation, bleeding tendency and renal effects. Renal competition is a minor additional factor.
What this interaction means in plain words
Indomethacin and Willow bark 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 salicylate-related cyclooxygenase inhibition and possible competition for renal tubular anionic secretion.
What to do
Avoid using willow bark together with indomethacin. If both are used, monitor for GI bleeding and renal function.
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 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 Indomethacin with Willow bark?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Indomethacin and Willow bark 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. Willow bark contains salicin, which is converted to salicylic acid, so combining it with indomethacin gives additive NSAID-type effects including GI irritation, bleeding tendency and renal effects. Renal competition is a minor additional factor.
How serious is the interaction between Indomethacin and Willow bark?
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 willow bark together with indomethacin. If both are used, monitor for GI bleeding and renal function.
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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