Drug interactions
Lithium + Meclofenamic acid
Severity: Major
Lithium and Meclofenamic 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
Meclofenamic acid can raise serum lithium concentrations, potentially leading to lithium toxicity with tremor, confusion, ataxia and gastrointestinal symptoms. The risk is greater in patients who are elderly, dehydrated or have kidney disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Meclofenamic 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.
Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System; Meclofenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandins reduces renal blood flow and tubular lithium excretion, increasing lithium reabsorption.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if used, measure lithium levels at baseline and within about a week of starting, and reduce the lithium dose as needed. Educate patients on signs of toxicity.
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 Meclofenamic acid
- Ketorolac intranasal + Meclofenamic acid Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Meclofenamic acid Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Meclofenamic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Meclofenamic acid Major
- Alteplase + Meclofenamic acid Major
- Amiloride + Meclofenamic acid Major
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Meclofenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lithium and Meclofenamic 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. Meclofenamic acid can raise serum lithium concentrations, potentially leading to lithium toxicity with tremor, confusion, ataxia and gastrointestinal symptoms. The risk is greater in patients who are elderly, dehydrated or have kidney disease.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Meclofenamic 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 the combination where possible; if used, measure lithium levels at baseline and within about a week of starting, and reduce the lithium dose as needed. Educate patients on signs of toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Meclofenamic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meclofenamic acid with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Meclofenamic acid page.
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