Drug interactions
Mefenamic acid + Mycophenolate
Severity: Moderate
Mefenamic acid and Mycophenolate: 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
Mefenamic acid may compete with the mycophenolic acid glucuronide for renal tubular secretion, potentially raising exposure to mycophenolate metabolites. NSAIDs also add GI toxicity and renal risk in transplant patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefenamic acid and Mycophenolate 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.
Why it happens
Competition for renal tubular secretion of acidic drugs and glucuronide metabolites, with possible UGT effects.
What to do
Monitor for mycophenolate adverse effects such as GI toxicity and cytopenias, and check renal function and blood counts. Prefer alternative analgesics such as paracetamol when feasible.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefenamic acid with Mycophenolate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefenamic acid and Mycophenolate 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 may compete with the mycophenolic acid glucuronide for renal tubular secretion, potentially raising exposure to mycophenolate metabolites. NSAIDs also add GI toxicity and renal risk in transplant patients.
How serious is the interaction between Mefenamic acid and Mycophenolate?
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 for mycophenolate adverse effects such as GI toxicity and cytopenias, and check renal function and blood counts. Prefer alternative analgesics such as paracetamol when feasible.
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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