Drug interactions
Tolfenamic acid + Valsartan
Severity: Moderate
Tolfenamic 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 such as tolfenamic acid can blunt the antihypertensive effect of angiotensin receptor blockers. Together they raise the risk of acute kidney injury, especially in volume-depleted, elderly or renally impaired patients, and can cause hyperkalemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tolfenamic 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.
Tolfenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Valsartan belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis reduces renal perfusion and aldosterone-related potassium excretion, while the ARB removes angiotensin II-mediated efferent arteriolar tone.
What to do
Use the shortest NSAID course at the lowest dose and ensure adequate hydration. Check serum creatinine, potassium and blood pressure within the first weeks of co-therapy.
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 Valsartan
- Aliskiren + Valsartan Contraindicated
- Sparsentan + Valsartan Contraindicated
- Aldesleukin + Valsartan Major
- Amifostine + Valsartan Major
- Amiloride + Valsartan Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Valsartan Major
Other interactions of Tolfenamic acid
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Tolfenamic acid with Valsartan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Tolfenamic 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 such as tolfenamic acid can blunt the antihypertensive effect of angiotensin receptor blockers. Together they raise the risk of acute kidney injury, especially in volume-depleted, elderly or renally impaired patients, and can cause hyperkalemia.
How serious is the interaction between Tolfenamic 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: Use the shortest NSAID course at the lowest dose and ensure adequate hydration. Check serum creatinine, potassium and blood pressure within the first weeks of co-therapy.
What other medicines interact with Valsartan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Valsartan with, for example, Aliskiren, Sparsentan, Aldesleukin. The full list is on the Valsartan page.
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