Drug interactions
Mefenamic acid + Mesalamine
Severity: Moderate
Mefenamic acid and Mesalamine: 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
Mesalamine can itself cause interstitial nephritis, and NSAIDs reduce renal prostaglandin-dependent perfusion. Taken together they may raise the risk of renal impairment, especially in patients who are dehydrated or already have kidney disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefenamic acid and Mesalamine 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 belongs to Musculoskeletal; Mesalamine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity through mesalamine-related interstitial nephritis and NSAID-induced reduction of renal prostaglandin synthesis.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and urine output at baseline and periodically during combined use. Stop the NSAID and reassess if renal function declines.
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 Mesalamine
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefenamic acid with Mesalamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefenamic acid and Mesalamine 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. Mesalamine can itself cause interstitial nephritis, and NSAIDs reduce renal prostaglandin-dependent perfusion. Taken together they may raise the risk of renal impairment, especially in patients who are dehydrated or already have kidney disease.
How serious is the interaction between Mefenamic acid and Mesalamine?
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 serum creatinine and urine output at baseline and periodically during combined use. Stop the NSAID and reassess if renal function declines.
What other medicines interact with Mesalamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mesalamine with, for example, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live, Varicella virus vaccine live, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Mesalamine page.
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