Drug interactions
Imatinib + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Moderate
Imatinib 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
Imatinib may cause thrombocytopenia and GI bleeding, and NSAIDs add antiplatelet effect and mucosal injury, so bleeding risk is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib 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.
Imatinib belongs to Oncology; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic bleeding risk from imatinib-related thrombocytopenia and NSAID platelet inhibition.
What to do
Monitor platelet counts and signs of bleeding, and prefer paracetamol for analgesia.
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
Other interactions of Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imatinib with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imatinib 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. Imatinib may cause thrombocytopenia and GI bleeding, and NSAIDs add antiplatelet effect and mucosal injury, so bleeding risk is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib 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 platelet counts and signs of bleeding, and prefer paracetamol for analgesia.
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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