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Drug interactions

Balsalazide + Tolmetin

Severity: Minor

Balsalazide and Tolmetin: 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

Tolmetin, an NSAID, may compete with mesalamine metabolites for renal tubular secretion. Both drugs can affect the kidney, so combined use adds a small nephrotoxic concern.

What this interaction means in plain words

Balsalazide and Tolmetin 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; Tolmetin belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Competition between organic anions for renal tubular secretion, plus possible additive renal effects.

What to do

Check renal function periodically during long-term combined use. Avoid the combination if kidney function is reduced.

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?

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 Balsalazide with Tolmetin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Balsalazide and Tolmetin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Tolmetin, an NSAID, may compete with mesalamine metabolites for renal tubular secretion. Both drugs can affect the kidney, so combined use adds a small nephrotoxic concern.

How serious is the interaction between Balsalazide and Tolmetin?

MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check renal function periodically during long-term combined use. Avoid the combination if kidney function is reduced.

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.

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

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