Drug interactions
Levofloxacin + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Moderate
Levofloxacin 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 given with fluoroquinolones may increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsions. Fenamates such as mefenamic acid also lower the seizure threshold on their own. The risk is greatest in patients with epilepsy, renal impairment or higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levofloxacin 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.
Levofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive lowering of seizure threshold, probably through fluoroquinolone antagonism of GABA-A receptors that NSAIDs may potentiate.
What to do
Avoid the combination in patients with a seizure history or other predisposing factors. Otherwise monitor for CNS excitation and use an alternative analgesic where possible.
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 Levofloxacin
- Dronedarone + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Levofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levofloxacin with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Levofloxacin 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 given with fluoroquinolones may increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsions. Fenamates such as mefenamic acid also lower the seizure threshold on their own. The risk is greatest in patients with epilepsy, renal impairment or higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Levofloxacin 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: Avoid the combination in patients with a seizure history or other predisposing factors. Otherwise monitor for CNS excitation and use an alternative analgesic where possible.
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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