Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Mefenamic acid: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 can impair renal prostaglandin-mediated perfusion and worsen cyclosporine-related renal toxicity. The combination may reduce glomerular filtration and cause fluid retention.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Mefenamic acid can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Cyclosporin belongs to Miscellaneous; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive renal vasoconstriction from NSAID prostaglandin inhibition and calcineurin inhibition.
What to do
Avoid if possible and use an alternative analgesic; if combined, monitor serum creatinine and blood pressure and stop the NSAID if renal function declines.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Cyclosporin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Aliskiren + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Bosentan + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Dengue vaccine Contraindicated
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 Cyclosporin with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Mefenamic acid can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Mefenamic acid can impair renal prostaglandin-mediated perfusion and worsen cyclosporine-related renal toxicity. The combination may reduce glomerular filtration and cause fluid retention.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible and use an alternative analgesic; if combined, monitor serum creatinine and blood pressure and stop the NSAID if renal function declines.
What other medicines interact with Cyclosporin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclosporin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Aliskiren, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Cyclosporin page.
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