Drug interactions
Naproxen + Salsalate
Severity: Moderate
Naproxen and Salsalate: 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
Taking naproxen with salsalate duplicates NSAID therapy and increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding and renal impairment without clear added benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Naproxen and Salsalate 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 inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis affecting gastric mucosa, renal perfusion and platelet function.
What to do
Avoid using both together and choose a single agent at the lowest effective dose. If overlap is unavoidable, 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 Salsalate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Naproxen and Salsalate 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. Taking naproxen with salsalate duplicates NSAID therapy and increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding and renal impairment without clear added benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Naproxen and Salsalate?
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 both together and choose a single agent at the lowest effective dose. If overlap is unavoidable, 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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