Drug interactions
Irbesartan + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Moderate
Irbesartan 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
Mefenamic acid can reduce the antihypertensive effect of irbesartan and, together, they raise the risk of acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia. The risk is highest in elderly, dehydrated or renally impaired patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Irbesartan 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.
Irbesartan belongs to Cardiovascular; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandins reduces afferent arteriolar dilation while the ARB dilates the efferent arteriole, lowering glomerular filtration and impairing potassium excretion.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, serum creatinine and potassium after starting the NSAID and periodically thereafter. Maintain hydration and avoid prolonged NSAID use.
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 Irbesartan
- Aliskiren + Irbesartan Contraindicated
- Irbesartan + Sparsentan Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Irbesartan Major
- Amiloride + Irbesartan Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Irbesartan Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Irbesartan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Irbesartan with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Irbesartan 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. Mefenamic acid can reduce the antihypertensive effect of irbesartan and, together, they raise the risk of acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia. The risk is highest in elderly, dehydrated or renally impaired patients.
How serious is the interaction between Irbesartan 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 blood pressure, serum creatinine and potassium after starting the NSAID and periodically thereafter. Maintain hydration and avoid prolonged NSAID use.
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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