Drug interactions
Mefenamic acid + Rivastigmine
Severity: Moderate
Mefenamic acid and Rivastigmine: 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
Cholinesterase inhibitors increase gastric acid secretion and may raise the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, which NSAIDs also cause. Using both together may therefore increase GI toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefenamic acid and Rivastigmine 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; Rivastigmine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive gastrointestinal effects: cholinergic stimulation of gastric acid secretion from rivastigmine plus NSAID-mediated loss of mucosal prostaglandin protection.
What to do
Monitor for dyspepsia, melena or other signs of GI bleeding, and consider gastroprotection in at-risk patients. Prefer paracetamol when analgesia is needed.
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 Rivastigmine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefenamic acid with Rivastigmine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefenamic acid and Rivastigmine 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. Cholinesterase inhibitors increase gastric acid secretion and may raise the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, which NSAIDs also cause. Using both together may therefore increase GI toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Mefenamic acid and Rivastigmine?
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 dyspepsia, melena or other signs of GI bleeding, and consider gastroprotection in at-risk patients. Prefer paracetamol when analgesia is needed.
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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