Drug interactions
Ganciclovir + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Minor
Ganciclovir and Mefenamic acid: 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
Both drugs undergo renal elimination, and NSAIDs may reduce renal function and compete for tubular secretion. This could raise ganciclovir exposure and its hematologic and renal toxicity. Seizures have been reported with imipenem and ganciclovir, but a specific clinical effect with mefenamic acid is poorly documented.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ganciclovir and Mefenamic acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ganciclovir belongs to Anti Virals; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Possible competition for renal tubular secretion and NSAID-induced decline in renal perfusion reduce ganciclovir clearance.
What to do
Monitor renal function and blood counts during combined use. Adjust ganciclovir dose to creatinine clearance.
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?
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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 Ganciclovir
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ganciclovir with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ganciclovir and Mefenamic acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Both drugs undergo renal elimination, and NSAIDs may reduce renal function and compete for tubular secretion. This could raise ganciclovir exposure and its hematologic and renal toxicity. Seizures have been reported with imipenem and ganciclovir, but a specific clinical effect with mefenamic acid is poorly documented.
How serious is the interaction between Ganciclovir and Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor renal function and blood counts during combined use. Adjust ganciclovir dose to creatinine clearance.
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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