Does topical diclofenac interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical diclofenac and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical diclofenac, but both topical diclofenac and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using topical diclofenac.

A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions

A blood thinner, such as warfarin, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots

An antiplatelet medicine, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), aspirin/dipyridamole, or cilostazol, which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression

An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as enalapril or lisinopril, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems

An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), such as losartan or valsartan, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions

A beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure

A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure

Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure

Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions

Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer

Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever

Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever

A salicylate, such as diflunisal or salsalate, which is a medicine used for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

Pemetrexed (Alimta, Pemfexy), which is a medicine to treat certain cancers

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical diclofenac. Always check with your healthcare provider.