Drug interactions
Dabigatran etexilate + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Moderate
Dabigatran etexilate 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
Mefenamic acid inhibits platelet function and can cause gastrointestinal injury, increasing bleeding risk when given with dabigatran. Older patients and those with renal impairment are most vulnerable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dabigatran etexilate 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.
Dabigatran etexilate belongs to Cardiovascular; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive effect on hemostasis: NSAID platelet inhibition and mucosal injury with thrombin inhibition.
What to do
Prefer paracetamol or another non-NSAID analgesic. If unavoidable, give briefly at the lowest dose and monitor for bleeding.
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 Dabigatran etexilate
- Dabigatran etexilate + Defibrotide Contraindicated
- Dabigatran etexilate + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Dabigatran etexilate + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Dabigatran etexilate Major
- Alteplase + Dabigatran etexilate Major
- Amiodarone + Dabigatran etexilate Major
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 Dabigatran etexilate with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dabigatran etexilate 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. Mefenamic acid inhibits platelet function and can cause gastrointestinal injury, increasing bleeding risk when given with dabigatran. Older patients and those with renal impairment are most vulnerable.
How serious is the interaction between Dabigatran etexilate 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: Prefer paracetamol or another non-NSAID analgesic. If unavoidable, give briefly at the lowest dose and monitor for bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Dabigatran etexilate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dabigatran etexilate with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Dabigatran etexilate page.
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