NutriStack
Alcohol and Diclofenac, a caution.
Alcohol can increase diclofenac-related gastrointestinal bleeding risk. Diclofenac reduces protective gastric prostaglandins, and alcohol can directly damage the stomach lining. The combination is more concerning with scheduled diclofenac use, ulcer history, older age, or additional bleeding-risk medicines.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- Alcohol and Diclofenac
- Pair type
- Caution
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Strong
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Caution · Strong evidence
Caution
What is happening. Alcohol can increase diclofenac-related gastrointestinal bleeding risk. Diclofenac reduces protective gastric prostaglandins, and alcohol can directly damage the stomach lining. The combination is more concerning with scheduled diclofenac use, ulcer history, older age, or additional bleeding-risk medicines.
Mechanism. Diclofenac inhibits COX-mediated prostaglandin synthesis, weakening gastric mucosal defense. Ethanol adds mucosal irritation and can worsen bleeding from NSAID-associated erosions or ulcers.
Recommendation. Avoid heavy alcohol use while taking diclofenac. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time and seek care promptly for black stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, or faintness.
Sources (2)
- Castellsague J, Riera-Guardia N, Calingaert B, Varas-Lorenzo C, Fourrier-Reglat A, Nicotra F, et al. Individual NSAIDs and upper gastrointestinal complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (the SOS project). Drug Saf. 2012;35(12):1127-1146. PMID 23137151
- Strate LL, Singh P, Boylan MR, Piawah S, Cao Y, Chan AT. A Prospective Study of Alcohol Consumption and Smoking and the Risk of Major Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Men. PLoS One. 2016;11(11):e0165278. PMID 27824864
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Alcohol and Diclofenac are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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