Can you take Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine together?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Can you take Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine together?
Yes, you can take Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine together. The two meds do not necessarily interact with one another. They have different mechanisms of action and cause different types of side effects, so you can take these meds together.
However, it’s best to take them at separate times to minimise even the mildest of interactions in some people. The doses of these medications should also be adjusted, as high doses have more potential for interaction and they may remain longer in your body.
As long as these two meds are taken properly, they shouldn’t cause unwanted adverse events. Cyclobenzaprine can also be taken with other NSAIDs, like Aspirin. However, people are different and they respond differently to medications. It is best to ask your doctor if you can safely use this combination or not.
What are the possible side effects of taking Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine together?
Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine may cause some side effects, mostly gastrointestinal in nature(1–2). These meds are generally well tolerated and not too many side effects are expected, but they may cause the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Upset stomach
- Acid reflux
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
The side effects are usually mild and they may get better as your treatment continues. However, a small number of people could be allergic to either one or both of these medications.
If you find yourself feeling unusual after taking either of the medications, immediately seek medical attention.
Precautions and warnings when taking Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine together
There are some important precautions and warnings before you take this combination. The important points include:
- Do not take the combination of Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist first.
- Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine can interact with other medications, including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all medications and supplements you are taking before taking Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine together.
- Do not take this combination if you are allergic to either one of these meds.
- Diclofenac can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if taken for long periods or in high doses. Cyclobenzaprine can also affect the heart, particularly in people with pre-existing heart conditions. Inform your doctor if you have any history of heart disease before taking Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine together.
- Both of these meds can cause ulceration or can exacerbate the symptoms associated with pre-existing gastric ulcers. Make sure you inform your doctor if you already have a GI illness – as this combination may not be tolerable for such people.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine together, as they can affect fetal development and milk production.
- Do not stop taking Diclofenac or Cyclobenzaprine without consulting your doctor, as sudden withdrawal can cause withdrawal symptoms or other adverse effects.
What to do if you can’t tolerate Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine?
If for some reason, you can’t tolerate taking Diclofenac and Cyclobenzaprine on the same day, talk to your healthcare provider.
Although it is quite rare, some people may still not do well on these meds. In such a case, it’s always best to discuss the use of these meds with your doctor and their alternatives if you can’t continue taking them.
There are plenty of other muscle relaxers and painkillers that may suit you better. Just make sure you don’t start taking any medication on your own.
You should always seek medical advice before switching medications, especially if you are generally sensitive to meds or have a pre-existing medical condition.
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References
1.-
PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3033, Diclofenac; [cited 2023 Mar. 04]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Diclofenac
2.-
PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 2895, Cyclobenzaprine; [cited 2023 Mar. 04]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cyclobenzaprine
