Drug Interactions

DICLOFENAC SODIUM Drug Interactions

Also known as: Diclofenac Sodium

DICLOFENAC SODIUM (brand name: Diclofenac Sodium) is a NSAIDs. 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Diclofenac sodium topical solution, USP is indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee(s) (1). Diclofenac sodium topical solution is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis…DICLOFENAC SODIUM has 17 documented drug interactions in our database, including 0 contraindicated, 17 major, 0 moderate, and 0 minor interactions.

0

Contraindicated

17

Major

0

Moderate

0

Minor

ASPIRIN 81 MG(Aspirin Enteric Coated)
Major

Combining diclofenac with low-dose aspirin significantly increases your risk of serious bleeding, especially from the stomach or intestines. This combination should generally be avoided.

Mechanism

Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which can impair gastric mucosal protection and inhibit platelet aggregation. Aspirin 81 mg, an antiplatelet agent, irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), leading to reduced thromboxane A2 production and prolonged platelet inhibition. The concurrent use of these drugs results in additive antiplatelet effects and increased gastrointestinal toxicity.

Clinical Management

The primary clinical effect is a significantly increased risk of bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., ulcers, hemorrhage) and other serious bleeding events. The risk of major gastrointestinal bleeding can be 3-15 times higher when NSAIDs are combined with antiplatelets compared to either drug alone, with a reported incidence of 2-4% per year for serious GI events. This combination should be avoided if possible. If concomitant therapy is unavoidable and the cardiovascular benefit outweighs the bleeding risk, consider prescribing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for gastroprotection. Closely monitor for signs of bleeding (e.g., black/tarry stools, unusual bruising, fatigue) and anemia. Alternative pain management strategies or NSAIDs with lower GI risk (e.g., celecoxib with PPI) may be considered, but still require caution.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
APIXABAN(ELIQUIS)
Major

Combining diclofenac, an NSAID, with apixaban, a blood thinner, significantly increases your risk of serious bleeding, especially in the stomach or intestines. Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding this combination.

Mechanism

Diclofenac inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, which impairs platelet aggregation and damages the gastrointestinal mucosa. Apixaban directly inhibits Factor Xa, preventing thrombin generation and clot formation. The combination results in additive antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects, alongside increased gastrointestinal vulnerability.

Clinical Management

This combination significantly elevates the risk of major bleeding events, including gastrointestinal hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, and other serious bleeding. Studies show a 2-4 fold increased risk of major bleeding compared to apixaban alone, with GI bleeding being the most common. Symptoms may include black, tarry stools, vomiting blood, or unusual bruising. This combination should generally be avoided due to the high risk of severe bleeding. If an NSAID is absolutely necessary, consider alternatives like acetaminophen for pain relief. If NSAID use is unavoidable, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, and monitor closely for signs of bleeding. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be considered to reduce GI bleeding risk, but do not eliminate it.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
RIVAROXABAN(rivaroxaban)
Major

Combining diclofenac with rivaroxaban significantly increases your risk of bleeding, especially from the stomach or intestines. This combination should generally be avoided due to the serious bleeding potential.

Mechanism

Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which can impair gastric mucosal protection and inhibit platelet aggregation. Rivaroxaban is a direct oral anticoagulant that inhibits Factor Xa, preventing thrombin generation and clot formation. The concurrent use of these agents results in additive antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects, leading to a heightened risk of hemorrhage.

Clinical Management

The primary clinical effect is a substantially increased risk of bleeding, which can manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., melena, hematemesis), epistaxis, hematuria, bruising, or more severe internal hemorrhages. Studies suggest that the risk of major bleeding can be several-fold higher when NSAIDs are combined with DOACs compared to DOACs alone. This combination should be avoided if possible. If concomitant use is unavoidable, the patient must be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding, and the lowest effective dose of diclofenac for the shortest duration should be used. Consider alternative pain management strategies that do not increase bleeding risk, such as acetaminophen. Proton pump inhibitor prophylaxis may be considered if NSAID use is essential, but it does not eliminate the systemic bleeding risk.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
ARGATROBAN(Argatroban)
Major

Combining diclofenac with argatroban significantly increases your risk of bleeding, particularly from the stomach or intestines. This combination should generally be avoided.

Mechanism

Diclofenac, an NSAID, inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which can impair gastric mucosal protection and inhibit platelet aggregation. Argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor, directly preventing clot formation. The combined effect of impaired platelet function and direct anticoagulation leads to a substantial increase in bleeding risk.

Clinical Management

Patients are at a significantly increased risk for serious bleeding events, including gastrointestinal hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, and other major bleeding. The risk of GI bleeding can be 3-15 times higher when NSAIDs are co-administered with anticoagulants compared to anticoagulants alone. This combination should generally be avoided due to the high risk of serious bleeding. If co-administration is absolutely necessary, patients must be closely monitored for signs of bleeding, and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) should be considered for GI protection. Alternative pain management strategies that do not involve NSAIDs should be explored.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
BIVALIRUDIN(BIVALIRUDIN)
Major

Taking diclofenac with bivalirudin significantly increases your risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach or intestines. You should generally avoid this combination.

Mechanism

Diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which can impair gastric mucosal protection and inhibit platelet aggregation. Bivalirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor, preventing clot formation. The combined antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects, along with gastrointestinal mucosal damage from diclofenac, lead to an additive increase in bleeding risk.

Clinical Management

The primary clinical effect is a substantially increased risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., ulcers, hemorrhage), intracranial hemorrhage, and other systemic bleeding events. This combination can increase the risk of serious bleeding events by 3 to 15 times compared to anticoagulant monotherapy, depending on the specific NSAID and patient risk factors. This combination should generally be avoided. If an NSAID is absolutely necessary, consider alternative pain management strategies or a short course of a COX-2 selective inhibitor with proton pump inhibitor co-therapy, under strict monitoring. Closely monitor for any signs of bleeding (e.g., black stools, unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts) and hemoglobin levels. Reassess the need for both medications frequently.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
WARFARIN SODIUM(Warfarin Sodium)
Major

Concomitant use of warfarin and diclofenac significantly increases the risk of serious bleeding, including gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Patients may experience bruising, epistaxis, hematuria, or more severe internal bleeding events, which can be life-threatening.

Mechanism

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Diclofenac, an NSAID, inhibits platelet aggregation and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding when combined with warfarin.

Clinical Management

Avoid concomitant use if possible. If co-administration is unavoidable, closely monitor the patient for signs of bleeding and frequently check INR levels, adjusting warfarin dose as needed. Consider gastroprotective agents and alternative pain management strategies.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: llm-generatedCompare these drugs
WARFARIN(Warfarin Sodium)
Major

Taking diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, with warfarin, a blood thinner, significantly increases your risk of serious bleeding, including stomach bleeding. Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding this combination.

Mechanism

Diclofenac inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, which impairs platelet function and can damage the gastrointestinal mucosa. Warfarin works by blocking vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, leading to a decreased ability of blood to clot. The combination results in additive antiplatelet effects and increased gastrointestinal toxicity, potentiating the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

Clinical Management

This combination significantly increases the risk of major bleeding, especially gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. The risk of GI bleeding is estimated to be 3 to 15 times higher when NSAIDs are co-administered with warfarin. Other potential effects include increased bruising, nosebleeds, and hematuria. This combination should generally be avoided. If an NSAID is absolutely necessary, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) should be co-prescribed to reduce GI bleeding risk, and the patient's INR should be monitored very closely and frequently. Alternatives to NSAIDs for pain, such as acetaminophen or opioids, should be considered. If unavoidable, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs

Combining diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, with dabigatran, a blood thinner, significantly increases your risk of serious bleeding, including stomach bleeding. Your doctor will likely avoid this combination.

Mechanism

Diclofenac inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, reducing gastric mucosal protection and impairing platelet function. Dabigatran directly inhibits thrombin, preventing clot formation. The combination leads to additive antiplatelet effects and increased gastrointestinal mucosal damage, synergistically elevating bleeding risk.

Clinical Management

The primary clinical effect is a substantially increased risk of bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding, which can manifest as melena, hematemesis, or severe anemia. Other bleeding events like intracranial hemorrhage or hematuria are also elevated. The risk of serious GI bleeding with NSAIDs and anticoagulants can be 3-15 times higher than with anticoagulants alone. This combination should generally be avoided due to the high risk of serious bleeding. If an NSAID is absolutely necessary, consider alternatives with lower GI risk (e.g., acetaminophen) or a COX-2 selective NSAID with concomitant proton pump inhibitor therapy, under close medical supervision. Monitor for signs and symptoms of bleeding.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
Major

Combining diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, with edoxaban, a blood thinner, significantly increases your risk of serious bleeding, including internal bleeding. This combination should generally be avoided.

Mechanism

Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which can impair gastric mucosal protection and inhibit platelet aggregation. Edoxaban is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that inhibits Factor Xa, reducing thrombin generation and fibrin clot formation. The concomitant use of an NSAID with an anticoagulant results in an additive antiplatelet and anticoagulant effect, significantly increasing the risk of bleeding.

Clinical Management

Patients are at a substantially increased risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., stomach ulcers, melena, hematemesis), intracranial hemorrhage, and other serious bleeding events. The risk of major bleeding can be several-fold higher compared to anticoagulant monotherapy, with gastrointestinal bleeding being the most common serious adverse event. Concomitant use of diclofenac and edoxaban should generally be avoided due to the high risk of serious bleeding. If pain management is necessary, consider alternative analgesics such as acetaminophen. If an NSAID is absolutely essential and no other options exist, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, and monitor closely for signs of bleeding. Consider gastroprotective agents (e.g., proton pump inhibitors) if NSAID use is unavoidable.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
HEPARIN SODIUM(Heparin Sodium)
Major

Combining diclofenac with heparin significantly increases your risk of bleeding, particularly in the stomach or intestines. This combination should generally be avoided due to the serious potential for harm.

Mechanism

Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. This leads to impaired platelet aggregation and can damage the gastrointestinal mucosa. Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits various coagulation factors, preventing clot formation. The concurrent use results in additive antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects, severely compromising hemostasis.

Clinical Management

The primary clinical effect is a substantially increased risk of serious bleeding, including gastrointestinal hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, and other major bleeding events. Patients may experience symptoms like black tarry stools, blood in vomit, easy bruising, or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts. The risk of major gastrointestinal bleeding can be several-fold higher compared to either drug alone. This combination should generally be avoided. If both agents are absolutely necessary, use the lowest effective dose of diclofenac for the shortest possible duration, and consider a gastroprotective agent (e.g., proton pump inhibitor). Closely monitor for signs of bleeding, and regularly assess coagulation parameters (e.g., aPTT for unfractionated heparin). Explore alternative pain management strategies that do not increase bleeding risk.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
ENOXAPARIN SODIUM(Enoxaparin Sodium)
Major

Combining diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, with enoxaparin, a blood thinner, significantly increases your risk of serious bleeding. This combination should generally be avoided due to the heightened bleeding potential.

Mechanism

Diclofenac inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, leading to reduced platelet aggregation and impaired gastrointestinal mucosal protection. Enoxaparin exerts its anticoagulant effect by inhibiting Factor Xa. The concurrent use of these agents results in additive antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects, compounded by the NSAID's direct irritant effect on the GI mucosa.

Clinical Management

The primary risk is a significantly increased chance of major bleeding, including gastrointestinal hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, and other site-specific bleeding. The risk of GI bleeding with NSAID plus anticoagulant is estimated to be 3 to 15 times higher than with anticoagulant alone. Symptoms may include black, tarry stools, blood in vomit, severe abdominal pain, or unusual bruising. This combination should generally be avoided. If concurrent use is absolutely necessary, it should be done with extreme caution, close monitoring for signs of bleeding, and only under strict medical supervision. Consider alternative pain management strategies that do not increase bleeding risk, such as acetaminophen or opioids. If an NSAID is unavoidable, a COX-2 selective agent might offer a slightly lower GI bleeding risk, but the overall bleeding risk with enoxaparin remains high.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
FONDAPARINUX SODIUM(fondaparinux sodium)
Major

Combining diclofenac (an NSAID) with fondaparinux (a blood thinner) significantly increases your risk of serious bleeding, including stomach bleeding. Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding this combination.

Mechanism

Diclofenac inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces platelet aggregation and impairs the integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Fondaparinux is a selective factor Xa inhibitor, which directly reduces thrombin generation and inhibits clot formation. The concurrent use of these agents results in an additive antiplatelet and anticoagulant effect, profoundly increasing the risk of hemorrhage.

Clinical Management

The primary clinical effect is a substantially increased risk of bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding, but also bleeding from other sites. This can manifest as melena, hematemesis, hematuria, or excessive bruising. The risk of major gastrointestinal bleeding with NSAID plus anticoagulant therapy can be 3 to 15 times higher than with anticoagulant monotherapy. This combination should generally be avoided due to the high risk of bleeding. If an NSAID is absolutely necessary, consider alternative pain management strategies or a short course of a COX-2 selective NSAID, though the bleeding risk remains significant. Close monitoring for signs and symptoms of bleeding is essential, and patients should be educated on what to watch for. Gastric protection with a proton pump inhibitor should be considered if the combination is unavoidable.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
DIPYRIDAMOLE(Dipyridamole)
Major

Combining diclofenac (an NSAID) with dipyridamole (an antiplatelet) significantly increases your risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach or intestines. This combination should generally be avoided.

Mechanism

Diclofenac inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis, which can impair gastric mucosal protection and inhibit platelet aggregation. Dipyridamole inhibits phosphodiesterase, leading to increased cyclic AMP and reduced platelet aggregation. The combination results in additive antiplatelet effects and increased gastrointestinal toxicity.

Clinical Management

The primary clinical effect is a significantly increased risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., ulcers, hemorrhage), bruising, nosebleeds, and prolonged bleeding from cuts. The risk of serious GI bleeding can be several-fold higher compared to either drug alone, potentially leading to anemia or requiring hospitalization. This combination should generally be avoided due to the high bleeding risk. If concurrent use is unavoidable, patients must be closely monitored for signs of bleeding (e.g., black/tarry stools, unusual bruising, weakness). Consider alternative pain relief not affecting platelets or gastric mucosa, such as acetaminophen. If an NSAID is absolutely necessary, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, and consider a proton pump inhibitor for gastroprotection.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
TICAGRELOR(Ticagrelor)
Major

Combining diclofenac with ticagrelor significantly increases your risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach and intestines. This combination should generally be avoided due to the heightened risk of serious bleeding events.

Mechanism

Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which can impair gastric mucosal protection and prolong bleeding time. Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet agent that prevents platelet aggregation. The concurrent use of these two drugs leads to additive antiplatelet effects and increased gastrointestinal toxicity, thereby substantially raising the risk of bleeding.

Clinical Management

The primary clinical effect is a significantly increased risk of bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., ulcers, hemorrhage), but also other forms of bleeding such as epistaxis, hematuria, and bruising. The risk of major bleeding can be several-fold higher compared to ticagrelor alone, potentially leading to hospitalization, transfusions, or even fatal outcomes. This combination should be avoided if possible. If an NSAID is absolutely necessary, consider alternative pain management strategies or a short course of a COX-2 selective NSAID with careful monitoring and gastric protection (e.g., proton pump inhibitor). Closely monitor for any signs of bleeding (e.g., black/tarry stools, coffee-ground vomit, unusual bruising).

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
CLOPIDOGREL(Clopidogrel)
Major

Combining diclofenac with clopidogrel significantly increases your risk of bleeding, especially from the stomach or intestines. This combination should generally be avoided.

Mechanism

Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis which protects the gastrointestinal lining and also impairs platelet aggregation. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent that irreversibly inhibits the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelets, preventing platelet activation and aggregation. The concurrent use of these agents results in additive antiplatelet effects and increased gastrointestinal mucosal damage, leading to a synergistic increase in bleeding risk.

Clinical Management

The primary clinical effect is a substantially increased risk of serious bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., ulcers, hemorrhage), intracranial hemorrhage, and other systemic bleeding events. Studies indicate that the combination of NSAIDs and antiplatelets can increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding by several-fold compared to either drug alone. This combination should generally be avoided due to the high bleeding risk. If concurrent use is unavoidable, patients must be closely monitored for signs of bleeding (e.g., black/tarry stools, unusual bruising, blood in urine/stools). Consider alternative pain management strategies that do not involve NSAIDs, or use the lowest effective dose of diclofenac for the shortest duration possible, along with gastroprotective agents like proton pump inhibitors.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
PRASUGREL(PRASUGREL)
Major

Combining diclofenac with prasugrel significantly increases your risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach or intestines. This combination should generally be avoided.

Mechanism

Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and impairing platelet aggregation. Prasugrel is an antiplatelet agent that irreversibly inhibits the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelets, preventing platelet activation and aggregation. The concurrent use of these agents results in additive antiplatelet effects and increased gastrointestinal mucosal damage, leading to a substantially elevated bleeding risk.

Clinical Management

Patients taking diclofenac and prasugrel concurrently face a significantly elevated risk of major bleeding events, including gastrointestinal hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, and other site-specific bleeding. The risk of GI bleeding can be several times higher compared to taking either drug alone, potentially leading to anemia, hospitalization, or life-threatening complications. This combination should generally be avoided due to the high risk of major bleeding. If an NSAID is absolutely necessary, consider alternative pain management strategies or a COX-2 selective NSAID for the shortest duration possible, along with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for gastroprotection. Closely monitor for any signs of bleeding (e.g., black stools, easy bruising, nosebleeds) and hemoglobin levels. Discuss with the prescribing physician to assess the risk-benefit and explore safer alternatives.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs
CILOSTAZOL(Cilostazol)
Major

Combining diclofenac with cilostazol significantly increases your risk of bleeding, especially from the stomach or intestines. Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding this combination due to the heightened risk of serious bleeding events.

Mechanism

Diclofenac, an NSAID, inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, leading to reduced prostaglandin synthesis and impaired platelet aggregation. Cilostazol is a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor that also directly inhibits platelet aggregation and causes vasodilation. The co-administration results in additive antiplatelet effects, significantly increasing the risk of hemorrhage.

Clinical Management

This combination substantially increases the risk of serious bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., ulcers, hemorrhage), intracranial hemorrhage, and other systemic bleeding. Symptoms may include black, tarry stools, vomiting blood, unusual bruising, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. The risk of GI bleeding with NSAIDs alone is increased 2-4 fold, and this risk is further amplified when combined with antiplatelets. This combination should generally be avoided due to the high risk of bleeding. If concurrent use is absolutely necessary, patients must be closely monitored for signs of bleeding, and the lowest effective doses for the shortest duration should be used. Consider alternative pain management strategies or antiplatelet agents with lower interaction potential if possible, or a proton pump inhibitor for GI protection.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: LLM-generatedCompare these drugs

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