Taking Diclofenac With Other Medicines And Herbal Supplements

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines affect the way diclofenac works and increase the chances of you having side effects. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before starting to take diclofenac if you take any of these medicines:

• antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin or ofloxacin
• anticoagulants (medicines that help to prevent blood clots) such as warfarin
• medicines for heart problems, such as digoxin
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines to lower cholesterol, such as colestipol or cholestyramine
• medicines to treat seizures, such as phenytoin
• medicines that reduce the activity of your immune system (immunosuppressants), such as ciclosporin or tacrolimus
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants like citalopram or sertraline
• steroid medicines, such as hydrocortisone or prednisolone
• medicines that remove extra fluid from your body (diuretics), such as furosemide or bumetanide
• lithium, which is used to treat mental health problems
• methotrexate, which is used to treat some inflammatory diseases and cancers
• mifepristone, which is used for ending a pregnancy (abortion)
• zidovudine, which is used to treat HIV

Taking diclofenac with other painkillers

It's safe to take diclofenac with paracetamol or codeine.

Do not take diclofenac with similar painkillers, like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, without talking to a doctor.

Diclofenac, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen all belong to the same group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking diclofenac together with other NSAIDs may increase your chances of getting side effects like a stomach ache.

NSAIDs are also used in medicines you can buy from pharmacies, such as cough and cold remedies.

Important

Before taking any other medicines together with diclofenac, check the label to see if they contain ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Mixing diclofenac with herbal remedies and supplements

There's not enough information to say that complementary medicines, herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with diclofenac. They are not tested in the same way as pharmacy or prescription medicines. They are generally not tested for the effect they can have on other medicines.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

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