Drug interactions
Naproxen + Piroxicam
Severity: Major
Naproxen 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
Taking two NSAIDs together raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding and renal injury without added benefit. Fluid retention and hyperkalemia may also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Naproxen 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.
Naproxen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Piroxicam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive cyclooxygenase inhibition duplicates gastric, platelet and renal effects.
What to do
Avoid combining; use a single NSAID at the lowest effective dose with gastroprotection if needed.
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 Naproxen
- Ketorolac intranasal + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Naproxen Major
- Acemetacin + Naproxen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Naproxen Major
- Alteplase + Naproxen 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 Naproxen with Piroxicam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Naproxen 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. Taking two NSAIDs together raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding and renal injury without added benefit. Fluid retention and hyperkalemia may also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Naproxen 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 combining; use a single NSAID at the lowest effective dose with gastroprotection if needed.
What other medicines interact with Naproxen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Naproxen with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Naproxen page.
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