Skip to content

Drug interactions

Meclofenamate + Mefenamic acid

Severity: Major

Meclofenamate 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

Both are fenamate NSAIDs, so combining them provides no added benefit and increases the risk of GI bleeding, renal injury, fluid retention and hyperkalemia. This is therapeutic duplication.

What this interaction means in plain words

Meclofenamate 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Duplicate COX inhibition leading to additive adverse effects on gastric mucosa, platelets and renal prostaglandin-dependent function.

What to do

Avoid using two NSAIDs together; choose one 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Meclofenamate and Mefenamic acid, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Meclofenamate with Mefenamic acid?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Meclofenamate 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. Both are fenamate NSAIDs, so combining them provides no added benefit and increases the risk of GI bleeding, renal injury, fluid retention and hyperkalemia. This is therapeutic duplication.

How serious is the interaction between Meclofenamate 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 using two NSAIDs together; choose one agent at the lowest effective dose.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in