Drug interactions
Naproxen + Salicylates
Severity: Moderate
Naproxen and Salicylates: 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
Combining naproxen with another salicylate or related NSAID offers no proven added benefit and increases the risk of GI irritation, bleeding and renal toxicity. Salicylate levels may also be affected.
What this interaction means in plain words
Naproxen and Salicylates 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 cyclooxygenase inhibition and prostaglandin suppression in the gastric mucosa, platelets and kidneys.
What to do
Avoid duplicate anti-inflammatory therapy. If combined, 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 Naproxen
- Ketorolac intranasal + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Naproxen Major
- Acemetacin + Naproxen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Naproxen Major
- Alteplase + Naproxen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Naproxen with Salicylates?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Naproxen and Salicylates 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. Combining naproxen with another salicylate or related NSAID offers no proven added benefit and increases the risk of GI irritation, bleeding and renal toxicity. Salicylate levels may also be affected.
How serious is the interaction between Naproxen and Salicylates?
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 duplicate anti-inflammatory therapy. If combined, monitor for GI bleeding and renal function.
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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