Drug interactions
Atenolol + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Moderate
Atenolol 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
Sustained NSAID use can reduce the blood pressure lowering effect of beta-blockers such as atenolol. The effect varies between patients but may be important in hypertensive patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol 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.
Atenolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
NSAIDs inhibit vasodilatory prostaglandins and cause sodium and water retention, opposing antihypertensive action.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure during prolonged NSAID use and adjust antihypertensive therapy if needed. Use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest time.
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 Atenolol
- Amifostine + Atenolol Major
- Amiodarone + Atenolol Major
- Atenolol + Atenolol-chlorthalidone Major
- Atenolol + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol + Bisoprolol Major
- Atenolol + Carvedilol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atenolol with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atenolol 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. Sustained NSAID use can reduce the blood pressure lowering effect of beta-blockers such as atenolol. The effect varies between patients but may be important in hypertensive patients.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol 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 blood pressure during prolonged NSAID use and adjust antihypertensive therapy if needed. Use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest time.
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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