Drug interactions
Mefenamic acid + Succinylcholine
Severity: Minor
Mefenamic acid and Succinylcholine: 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
No clinically meaningful interaction is established; the hyperkalemia from succinylcholine arises from muscle depolarization, and NSAIDs only rarely affect potassium in at-risk patients such as those with renal impairment. The additive effect is theoretical.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefenamic acid and Succinylcholine 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; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Theoretical additive potassium elevation: succinylcholine releases potassium from muscle, and NSAIDs can reduce renal potassium excretion via suppressed renin-aldosterone activity.
What to do
No routine action is needed; check serum potassium before and after anesthesia in patients with renal impairment or other hyperkalemia risk.
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 Succinylcholine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefenamic acid with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Mefenamic acid and Succinylcholine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. No clinically meaningful interaction is established; the hyperkalemia from succinylcholine arises from muscle depolarization, and NSAIDs only rarely affect potassium in at-risk patients such as those with renal impairment. The additive effect is theoretical.
How serious is the interaction between Mefenamic acid and Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine action is needed; check serum potassium before and after anesthesia in patients with renal impairment or other hyperkalemia risk.
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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