Drug interactions
Mefenamic acid + Willow bark
Severity: Moderate
Mefenamic acid and Willow bark: 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
Willow bark contains salicin, which is converted to salicylates, so using it with an NSAID amounts to duplicate therapy. This increases the risk of GI irritation, bleeding and renal effects without added benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefenamic acid and Willow bark 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.
Why it happens
Additive cyclooxygenase inhibition from salicylate-like compounds, plus possible competition for renal tubular secretion.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use; if combined, monitor for GI bleeding and renal function.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefenamic acid with Willow bark?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefenamic acid and Willow bark 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. Willow bark contains salicin, which is converted to salicylates, so using it with an NSAID amounts to duplicate therapy. This increases the risk of GI irritation, bleeding and renal effects without added benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Mefenamic acid and Willow bark?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use; if combined, monitor for GI bleeding and renal function.
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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