Drug interactions
Amikacin + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Moderate
Amikacin and Mefenamic acid: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
NSAIDs can reduce renal clearance of aminoglycosides, mainly documented in preterm infants given indomethacin or ibuprofen. This can raise aminoglycoside levels and increase nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity risk. Data for mefenamic acid in adults are limited, but renal effects of NSAIDs are additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amikacin and Mefenamic acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Amikacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandins lowers glomerular filtration and aminoglycoside clearance.
What to do
Monitor amikacin trough levels and serum creatinine when the combination is used, especially in neonates or renal impairment. Prefer an alternative analgesic where possible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Mefenamic acid
- Ketorolac intranasal + Mefenamic acid Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Mefenamic acid Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Mefenamic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Mefenamic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Mefenamic acid Major
- Alteplase + Mefenamic acid Major
Other interactions of Amikacin
- Amikacin + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Amikacin Major
- Amikacin + Amphotericin b Major
- Amikacin + Amphotericin b deoxycholate Major
- Amikacin + Atracurium Major
- Amikacin + Bacitracin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amikacin with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amikacin and Mefenamic acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. NSAIDs can reduce renal clearance of aminoglycosides, mainly documented in preterm infants given indomethacin or ibuprofen. This can raise aminoglycoside levels and increase nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity risk. Data for mefenamic acid in adults are limited, but renal effects of NSAIDs are additive.
How serious is the interaction between Amikacin and Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor amikacin trough levels and serum creatinine when the combination is used, especially in neonates or renal impairment. Prefer an alternative analgesic where possible.
What other medicines interact with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefenamic acid with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Mefenamic acid page.
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