Drug interactions
Indomethacin + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Major
Indomethacin and Mefenamic acid: 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
Combining two NSAIDs adds no analgesic benefit and increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and kidney injury.
What this interaction means in plain words
Indomethacin and Mefenamic acid 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.
Indomethacin belongs to Musculoskeletal; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive COX inhibition causing mucosal injury, platelet inhibition, and reduced renal prostaglandin synthesis.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two NSAIDs; use a single agent at the lowest effective dose.
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 Indomethacin
- Indomethacin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Indomethacin + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Indomethacin Major
- Acemetacin + Indomethacin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Indomethacin Major
- Alteplase + Indomethacin Major
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 Indomethacin with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Indomethacin and Mefenamic acid 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. Combining two NSAIDs adds no analgesic benefit and increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and kidney injury.
How serious is the interaction between Indomethacin and Mefenamic acid?
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.
What other medicines interact with Indomethacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Indomethacin with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Indomethacin page.
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