Drug interactions
Balsalazide + Tolfenamic acid
Severity: Minor
Balsalazide and Tolfenamic 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
Tolfenamic acid, an NSAID, may compete with mesalamine metabolites for renal tubular secretion and raise their levels slightly. NSAIDs also carry additive nephrotoxic potential with mesalamine, which has rarely been linked to interstitial nephritis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Balsalazide and Tolfenamic 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; Tolfenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Competition between organic anions for renal tubular secretion, plus possible additive renal effects.
What to do
Monitor renal function periodically when the two are used together over the long term. Avoid the combination in patients with existing renal impairment.
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 Tolfenamic acid
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Balsalazide with Tolfenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Balsalazide and Tolfenamic 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. Tolfenamic acid, an NSAID, may compete with mesalamine metabolites for renal tubular secretion and raise their levels slightly. NSAIDs also carry additive nephrotoxic potential with mesalamine, which has rarely been linked to interstitial nephritis.
How serious is the interaction between Balsalazide and Tolfenamic 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: Monitor renal function periodically when the two are used together over the long term. Avoid the combination in patients with existing renal impairment.
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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