Drug interactions
Tolmetin + Willow bark
Severity: Moderate
Tolmetin and Willow bark: 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
Willow bark contains salicin, which is converted to salicylic acid, so combining it with an NSAID duplicates NSAID-type effects. This may increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding and renal effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tolmetin and Willow bark 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 from salicylate formed from willow bark plus tolmetin, with possible renal tubular competition.
What to do
Avoid combining willow bark with NSAIDs. If both are used, 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 Tolmetin
- Ketorolac intranasal + Tolmetin Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Tolmetin Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Tolmetin Major
- Acemetacin + Tolmetin Major
- Alteplase + Tolmetin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Tolmetin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Tolmetin with Willow bark?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Tolmetin and Willow bark 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. Willow bark contains salicin, which is converted to salicylic acid, so combining it with an NSAID duplicates NSAID-type effects. This may increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding and renal effects.
How serious is the interaction between Tolmetin and Willow bark?
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 combining willow bark with NSAIDs. If both are used, monitor for GI bleeding and renal function.
What other medicines interact with Tolmetin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tolmetin with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Tolmetin page.
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