Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Moderate
Ciprofloxacin 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
NSAIDs may add to the seizure-threshold lowering of fluoroquinolones, raising the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsions. Risk is highest in patients with epilepsy, prior seizures or renal impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin 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.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Fluoroquinolone antagonism of GABA-A receptors, possibly potentiated by NSAIDs; mechanism not firmly established.
What to do
Avoid the combination in patients with seizure history, and monitor for neurologic symptoms. Consider an alternative analgesic.
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 Ciprofloxacin
- Agomelatine + Ciprofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Ciprofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ciprofloxacin with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ciprofloxacin 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. NSAIDs may add to the seizure-threshold lowering of fluoroquinolones, raising the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsions. Risk is highest in patients with epilepsy, prior seizures or renal impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin 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: Avoid the combination in patients with seizure history, and monitor for neurologic symptoms. Consider an alternative analgesic.
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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