Drug interactions
Danshen + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Moderate
Danshen 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
Danshen has antiplatelet and anticoagulant-like activity and has been reported to potentiate warfarin. Combined with an NSAID that inhibits platelet function and irritates the GI mucosa, bleeding risk may be increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Danshen 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.
Why it happens
Additive antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects, with NSAID-related GI mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, especially in patients taking anticoagulants; counsel patients to report bruising, black stools or other 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 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 Danshen with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Danshen 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. Danshen has antiplatelet and anticoagulant-like activity and has been reported to potentiate warfarin. Combined with an NSAID that inhibits platelet function and irritates the GI mucosa, bleeding risk may be increased.
How serious is the interaction between Danshen 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 where possible, especially in patients taking anticoagulants; counsel patients to report bruising, black stools or other bleeding.
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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