Drug interactions
Mefenamic acid + Saw palmetto
Severity: Minor
Mefenamic acid and Saw palmetto: minor 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
Saw palmetto has been associated with isolated reports of increased bleeding, and an NSAID may add to this effect. The interaction is largely theoretical and evidence is limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefenamic acid and Saw palmetto have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Saw palmetto belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Possible additive antiplatelet effect; the mechanism for saw palmetto is not well established.
What to do
Ask patients about herbal use and advise them to report unusual bruising or bleeding. No dose change is needed routinely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Saw palmetto
- Aspirin rectal + Saw palmetto Moderate
- Aspirin + Saw palmetto Moderate
- Dabigatran + Saw palmetto Moderate
- Desirudin + Saw palmetto Moderate
- Ketorolac + Saw palmetto Moderate
- Meclofenamate + Saw palmetto Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefenamic acid with Saw palmetto?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Mefenamic acid and Saw palmetto have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Saw palmetto has been associated with isolated reports of increased bleeding, and an NSAID may add to this effect. The interaction is largely theoretical and evidence is limited.
How serious is the interaction between Mefenamic acid and Saw palmetto?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Ask patients about herbal use and advise them to report unusual bruising or bleeding. No dose change is needed routinely.
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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