Table 1

Potential drug interactions with OTC analgesics[5,42,43]

Drug combinations
Effect
Management options/considerations

Aspirin and NSAIDs or multiple NSAIDs
Increased risk of serious GI complications. Risk increases with increased dose and number of agents
Avoid concurrent use of more than one NSAID, if possible. Consider adding gastroprotective agents
Anticoagulants and NSAIDs
Increased risk of bleeding (especially GI) and increased oral warfarin activity
Avoid concurrent use of NSAID; monitor prothrombin time and occult blood in urine and stool
Corticosteroids and NSAIDs
Increased GI side effects, including ulceration and hemorrhage
Avoid concurrent use of NSAID and consider adding a gastroprotective agent
SSRIs and NSAIDs
Increased risk of GI bleeding
Avoid concurrent use of NSAID
Aspirin and ibuprofen or naproxen
Reduced antiplatelet effects of aspirin
Not seen with other NSAIDs or acetaminophen
Antihypertensive agents and NSAIDs
Use of NSAIDs may increase blood pressure
Monitor blood pressure and cardiac function
Antidiabetic agents (eg, sulfonylureas) and aspirin
Increased hypoglycemic effect
Avoid concurrent use and monitor blood glucose concentration
Lithium and NSAIDs
Increased steady-state lithium concentration and lithium toxicity
Monitor lithium concentrations. Interactions are less likely with aspirin than with naproxen or ibuprofen
Methotrexate and NSAIDs
Reduced renal clearance. Increased plasma methotrexate concentration
Avoid NSAIDs with high-dose methotrexate

GI = gastrointestinal; NSAID = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; OTC = over the counter; SSRI = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Fendrick et al. Osteopathic Medicine and Primary Care 2008 2:2   doi:10.1186/1750-4732-2-2