Can Lisinopril and Diclofenac Be Taken Together?

Answer

Thanks for your question! You're absolutely right to be cautious here.

Lisinopril and diclofenac can interact in a way that may affect both blood pressure control and kidney function.

The issue isn’t that they can’t be taken together...in fact, it's fairly common for NSAIDs like diclofenac to be used alongside lisinopril on an as-needed basis. The key is being aware of the risks when they are taken at the same time, especially in older adults. The length of use is also a major factor here.

As always, it's important that your wife's doctor is aware of all the medications she has been prescribed so she can be appropriately managed and monitored.

Interaction Details

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that helps lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys. Diclofenac is an NSAID, and this class of medications can reduce the effectiveness of drugs like lisinopril. Even more importantly, combining an NSAID with an ACE inhibitor can reduce kidney blood flow. This can lead to a drop in kidney function, particularly in people who are older or who are also taking a diuretic.

This interaction builds over time. It's not just about what happens when you take them on the same day. So even if you space them out by a few hours, that doesn't fully eliminate the concern.

What Should You Do?

If your wife truly needs both medications, it’s important to keep a close eye on her blood pressure and kidney function. That means regular labs and follow-up with her provider. If she’s using diclofenac for short-term pain relief, the risk is lower, but still worth being cautious.

If she needs diclofenac long term, her doctor might consider alternatives like:

• Topical diclofenac gel instead of oral tablets
• Using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible
• Switching to a different pain reliever that doesn’t have this same interaction

Final Words

Overall, lisinopril and NSAIDs can be used together in some cases, but not without some planning and monitoring. How long they’re taken matters too.

Spacing the doses out doesn’t hurt, but it’s not a full solution either. Keep monitoring her blood pressure like you’re doing, and make sure her provider knows she’s taking both so they can monitor things properly.

Thanks again for contacting us!