Drug interactions
Ketoprofen + Piroxicam
Severity: Major
Ketoprofen and Piroxicam: 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
Using two NSAIDs together provides no added efficacy and increases the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal toxicity and cardiovascular events. Piroxicam's long half-life prolongs the overlap.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketoprofen and Piroxicam 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; Piroxicam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive cyclooxygenase inhibition causing platelet dysfunction and loss of protective prostaglandins.
What to do
Avoid concurrent NSAIDs and use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. Allow for piroxicam's long half-life when switching.
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?
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Other interactions of Ketoprofen
- Ketoprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ketoprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Ketoprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Ketoprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketoprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ketoprofen Major
Other interactions of Piroxicam
- Ketorolac intranasal + Piroxicam Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Piroxicam Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Piroxicam Major
- Acemetacin + Piroxicam Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Piroxicam Major
- Alteplase + Piroxicam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketoprofen with Piroxicam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ketoprofen and Piroxicam 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. Using two NSAIDs together provides no added efficacy and increases the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal toxicity and cardiovascular events. Piroxicam's long half-life prolongs the overlap.
How serious is the interaction between Ketoprofen and Piroxicam?
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 concurrent NSAIDs and use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. Allow for piroxicam's long half-life when switching.
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.
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