Drug interactions
Mefenamic acid + Propranolol
Severity: Moderate
Mefenamic acid and Propranolol: 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 such as mefenamic acid can blunt the blood pressure lowering effect of beta-blockers, especially with prolonged use. Fluid retention and reduced renal prostaglandins contribute to this loss of control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefenamic acid and Propranolol 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; Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by the NSAID causes sodium and water retention and reduced vasodilation, opposing the antihypertensive effect of propranolol.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure when an NSAID is used for more than a few days and adjust antihypertensive therapy if needed. Use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest time.
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
Other interactions of Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Albuterol + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefenamic acid with Propranolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefenamic acid and Propranolol 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 such as mefenamic acid can blunt the blood pressure lowering effect of beta-blockers, especially with prolonged use. Fluid retention and reduced renal prostaglandins contribute to this loss of control.
How serious is the interaction between Mefenamic acid and Propranolol?
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. Use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest time.
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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