Drug interactions
Mefenamic acid + Penbutolol
Severity: Moderate
Mefenamic acid and Penbutolol: 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
NSAIDs can blunt the antihypertensive effect of beta-blockers, particularly with sustained use, and may raise blood pressure. Renal effects and potassium retention can add to this.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefenamic acid and Penbutolol 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
NSAID inhibition of vasodilatory prostaglandins and renal sodium and water retention opposes the beta-blocker's blood pressure lowering.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure when an NSAID is used for more than a few days and adjust antihypertensive therapy if needed. Prefer the shortest NSAID course at the lowest dose.
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 Penbutolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefenamic acid and Penbutolol 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. NSAIDs can blunt the antihypertensive effect of beta-blockers, particularly with sustained use, and may raise blood pressure. Renal effects and potassium retention can add to this.
How serious is the interaction between Mefenamic acid and Penbutolol?
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 blood pressure when an NSAID is used for more than a few days and adjust antihypertensive therapy if needed. Prefer the shortest NSAID course at the lowest 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.
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