Drug interactions
Balsalazide + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Minor
Balsalazide and Mefenamic acid: minor 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
Mefenamic acid is an acidic NSAID that may compete with balsalazide metabolites for renal tubular secretion. Mesalamine-type drugs are also rarely nephrotoxic, and mefenamic acid can cause diarrhea, which may be confused with colitis flares.
What this interaction means in plain words
Balsalazide and Mefenamic acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Balsalazide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Possible competition for renal tubular anionic secretion; this is largely theoretical.
What to do
No dose change is needed; monitor renal function and bowel symptoms if the combination continues.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Balsalazide
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Balsalazide with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Balsalazide and Mefenamic acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Mefenamic acid is an acidic NSAID that may compete with balsalazide metabolites for renal tubular secretion. Mesalamine-type drugs are also rarely nephrotoxic, and mefenamic acid can cause diarrhea, which may be confused with colitis flares.
How serious is the interaction between Balsalazide and Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is needed; monitor renal function and bowel symptoms if the combination continues.
What other medicines interact with Balsalazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Balsalazide with, for example, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live, Varicella virus vaccine live, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Balsalazide page.
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