Drug interactions
Meclofenamic acid + Tacrolimus
Severity: Major
Meclofenamic acid and Tacrolimus: 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
NSAIDs constrict the afferent renal arterioles by blocking prostaglandin synthesis, and tacrolimus does the same through its own vasoconstrictive effect. Together they can cause additive acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia, especially in transplant recipients with a limited renal reserve.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meclofenamic acid and Tacrolimus 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 belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tacrolimus belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Additive renal vasoconstriction from prostaglandin inhibition (NSAID) and calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and use paracetamol or another alternative. If it is unavoidable, use the shortest course and monitor serum creatinine, potassium and tacrolimus trough levels.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Meclofenamic acid and Tacrolimus, 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.
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 Tacrolimus
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meclofenamic acid with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Meclofenamic acid and Tacrolimus 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. NSAIDs constrict the afferent renal arterioles by blocking prostaglandin synthesis, and tacrolimus does the same through its own vasoconstrictive effect. Together they can cause additive acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia, especially in transplant recipients with a limited renal reserve.
How serious is the interaction between Meclofenamic acid and Tacrolimus?
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 and use paracetamol or another alternative. If it is unavoidable, use the shortest course and monitor serum creatinine, potassium and tacrolimus trough levels.
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.
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.
