Drug interactions
Mefenamic acid + Valsartan
Severity: Moderate
Mefenamic acid and Valsartan: 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 can weaken the antihypertensive effect of valsartan and increase the risk of acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia. Elderly, volume-depleted or renally impaired patients are most at risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefenamic acid and Valsartan 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; Valsartan belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
NSAIDs reduce vasodilatory renal prostaglandins, lowering glomerular perfusion while the ARB reduces efferent arteriolar tone and potassium excretion.
What to do
Maintain hydration and monitor blood pressure, serum creatinine and potassium after starting the NSAID. Avoid prolonged use in high-risk patients.
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 Valsartan
- Aliskiren + Valsartan Contraindicated
- Sparsentan + Valsartan Contraindicated
- Aldesleukin + Valsartan Major
- Amifostine + Valsartan Major
- Amiloride + Valsartan Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Valsartan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefenamic acid with Valsartan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefenamic acid and Valsartan 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 can weaken the antihypertensive effect of valsartan and increase the risk of acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia. Elderly, volume-depleted or renally impaired patients are most at risk.
How serious is the interaction between Mefenamic acid and Valsartan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Maintain hydration and monitor blood pressure, serum creatinine and potassium after starting the NSAID. Avoid prolonged use in high-risk patients.
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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