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Drug interactions

Amiloride + Mefenamic acid

Severity: Major

Amiloride and Mefenamic acid: major 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

Amiloride retains potassium and NSAIDs can further impair renal potassium excretion, so hyperkalemia may develop. NSAIDs may also blunt the diuretic effect and worsen renal function.

What this interaction means in plain words

Amiloride and Mefenamic acid can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Amiloride belongs to Cardiovascular; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

NSAIDs suppress renal prostaglandins and the renin-aldosterone axis, adding to amiloride's inhibition of potassium secretion.

What to do

Monitor serum potassium and creatinine closely, particularly in the elderly or renally impaired. Avoid the combination if possible.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Amiloride with Mefenamic acid?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiloride and Mefenamic acid can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Amiloride retains potassium and NSAIDs can further impair renal potassium excretion, so hyperkalemia may develop. NSAIDs may also blunt the diuretic effect and worsen renal function.

How serious is the interaction between Amiloride and Mefenamic acid?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum potassium and creatinine closely, particularly in the elderly or renally impaired. Avoid the combination if 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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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