Drug interactions
Mefenamic acid + Probenecid
Severity: Moderate
Mefenamic acid and Probenecid: 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
Probenecid can reduce the renal elimination of mefenamic acid, raising its plasma levels and prolonging its effect. This may increase the risk of NSAID adverse effects such as gastrointestinal irritation and renal toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefenamic acid and Probenecid 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; Probenecid belongs to Genitourinary.
Why it happens
Probenecid inhibits organic anion transporters in the renal tubule, decreasing tubular secretion of mefenamic acid and its glucuronide metabolites.
What to do
Monitor for NSAID adverse effects and consider using a lower mefenamic acid dose when starting probenecid. Switch to an alternative analgesic if toxicity appears.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Mefenamic acid and Probenecid, 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 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
Other interactions of Probenecid
- Ketorolac intranasal + Probenecid Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Probenecid Contraindicated
- Baricitinib + Probenecid Major
- Ceftazidime / avibactam + Probenecid Major
- Methotrexate + Probenecid Major
- Pralatrexate + Probenecid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefenamic acid with Probenecid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefenamic acid and Probenecid 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. Probenecid can reduce the renal elimination of mefenamic acid, raising its plasma levels and prolonging its effect. This may increase the risk of NSAID adverse effects such as gastrointestinal irritation and renal toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Mefenamic acid and Probenecid?
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 NSAID adverse effects and consider using a lower mefenamic acid dose when starting probenecid. Switch to an alternative analgesic if toxicity appears.
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.
