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Drug interactions

Ketoprofen + Meloxicam

Severity: Major

Ketoprofen and Meloxicam: 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

Taking two NSAIDs together increases gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and renal toxicity without improved analgesia.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ketoprofen and Meloxicam 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.

Ketoprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Meloxicam belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

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

What to do

Avoid combining 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 Ketoprofen with Meloxicam?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ketoprofen and Meloxicam 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. Taking two NSAIDs together increases gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and renal toxicity without improved analgesia.

How serious is the interaction between Ketoprofen and Meloxicam?

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

What other medicines interact with Ketoprofen?

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