Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Meclofenamate
Severity: Major
Ibuprofen and Meclofenamate: major 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 are NSAIDs, so combining them adds no therapeutic benefit and increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney injury and fluid retention. Hyperkalemia and platelet inhibition may also be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Meclofenamate 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.
Why it happens
Duplicate cyclooxygenase inhibition causing additive effects on the GI mucosa, platelets and renal prostaglandins.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two NSAIDs; use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. If analgesia is inadequate, add paracetamol (acetaminophen) instead.
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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Other interactions of Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Meclofenamate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ibuprofen and Meclofenamate 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. Both are NSAIDs, so combining them adds no therapeutic benefit and increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney injury and fluid retention. Hyperkalemia and platelet inhibition may also be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Meclofenamate?
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 concurrent use of two NSAIDs; use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. If analgesia is inadequate, add paracetamol (acetaminophen) instead.
What other medicines interact with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ibuprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Ibuprofen page.
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