Drug interactions
Gentamicin + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Moderate
Gentamicin 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 can reduce renal clearance of aminoglycosides, which may raise gentamicin levels and the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Both agents can also impair kidney function.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gentamicin 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.
Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
NSAID-induced reduction in renal prostaglandin-dependent perfusion and glomerular filtration decreases aminoglycoside elimination, with additive nephrotoxicity.
What to do
Monitor serum gentamicin concentrations and creatinine, and adjust the gentamicin dose accordingly. Avoid the NSAID where renal function is already impaired.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Gentamicin and Mefenamic acid, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Gentamicin
- Cidofovir + Gentamicin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Gentamicin Major
- Amikacin + Gentamicin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b + Gentamicin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gentamicin with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Gentamicin 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 can reduce renal clearance of aminoglycosides, which may raise gentamicin levels and the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Both agents can also impair kidney function.
How serious is the interaction between Gentamicin 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: Monitor serum gentamicin concentrations and creatinine, and adjust the gentamicin dose accordingly. Avoid the NSAID where renal function is already impaired.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
