Mefenamic Acid
About Mefenamic Acid
Mefenamic Acid is used to provide relief from mild to moderate pain and inflammation associated with muscular, rheumatic, and arthritic disorders, headache, trauma, dental pain, and pain after surgery or childbirth. Additionally, Mefenamic Acid is used to relieve period pain and premenstrual syndrome symptoms (PMS) and manage excessively heavy periods.
Mefenamic Acid contains 'mefenamic acid', which works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation. Thereby relieving pain and inflammation.
In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, heartburn and indigestion. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Mefenamic Acid may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol with Mefenamic Acid as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness; it might also increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and any medications you are taking to help rule out any potential side effects.
Uses of Mefenamic Acid
• Treatment of menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea): Provides effective relief from lower abdominal cramps and discomfort during menstruation.
• Management of mild to moderate pain: Used to treat headaches, joint pain, and muscular aches.
• Relief from arthritis-related pain: Mefenamic Acid helps manage pain and inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Fever reduction: Reduces body temperature in mild to moderate fevers.
• Post-operative pain management: Reduces pain and inflammation after surgical operations or childbirth.
• Support in inflammatory conditions: Reduces swelling, redness, and discomfort in various musculoskeletal disorders.
Medicinal Benefits
Mefenamic Acid belongs to a group of medicines called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) used to provide relief from mild to moderate pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal, rheumatic, arthritic disorders, headaches, trauma, dental pain, and pain after surgery or childbirth. Additionally, Mefenamic Acid is used to relieve period pain, symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and management of excessively heavy periods. Mefenamic Acid works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in your body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, which make another chemical, prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site.
Directions for Use
- Mefenamic Acid can be taken with food or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Tablet/capsule: Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Dispersible tablet: Dissolve the tablet in a glass of water and consume it immediately.
- Do not break, chew, or crush it.
Storage
Side Effects of Mefenamic Acid
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
Drug Warnings
Do not take Mefenamic Acid if you are allergic to any of its components, if you have severe heart, kidney or liver failure, have suffered bleeding problems such as bleeding from the stomach or bowels while taking any pain killers or have peptic ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease. Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol, dehydration, asthma, liver and kidney problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Mefenamic Acid may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Stop taking Mefenamic Acid and consult your doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain or any signs of intestinal or stomach bleeding, such as blood in your stools.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib, diclofenac, naproxen), anti-gout (probenecid), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin), anti-rheumatoid (methotrexate), anti-HIV (zidovudine), anti-depressant (duloxetine, lithium, fluoxetine, sertraline), or steroid medication (mifepristone).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of peptic ulcers, bleeding disorders, asthma, fluid retention, gastrointestinal toxicity, rash, renal toxicity, thrombosis, anaemia, heart failure, liver toxicity, high blood pressure, platelet aggregation inhibition, or hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Mefenamic Acid as it may increase drowsiness. It can also increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Pregnancy
cautionMefenamic Acid belongs to pregnancy category C. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionMefenamic Acid may pass into breastmilk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionMefenamic Acid may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionPlease consult your doctor. Your doctor will recommend it based on your child's condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Mild exercises such as jogging and walking are helpful for muscle stretching.
- Massages can also be helpful.
- Avoid freezing and hot temperatures.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes, instead, wear loose garments.
- Rest well, get plenty of sleep.
- To avoid developing pressure sores, change your position at least every two hours.
- Hot or cold therapy can help treat pain. Apply an ice pack or hot pack on the muscle for 15-20 minutes.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain: Pain is a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain can be dull or sharp. It can be described as a stinging, throbbing, sore, and pinching sensation. Pain can occur frequently or be consistent. The tolerance of pain can vary from person to person. Pain can be acute or occur over a longer duration; it can be localised or be overall. The common causes of pain are cramps, headaches, muscle strain, arthritis, or bone fractures.
FAQs
Mefenamic Acid is used to provide relief from mild to moderate pain and inflammation associated with muscular, rheumatic, and arthritic disorders, headache, trauma, dental pain, and pain after surgery or childbirth. Additionally, it is used to relieve period pain and premenstrual syndrome symptoms (PMS) and manage excessively heavy periods.
Mefenamic Acid works by blocking the chemical messengers that are responsible for pain and inflammation. Thereby, Mefenamic Acid provides relief from pain and inflammation.
Mefenamic Acid is generally prescribed for short-term use. Do not take Mefenamic Acid for longer durations as it might increase the risk of heart problems and stomach bleeding.
Mefenamic Acid is used to relieve menstrual (period) pain, symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and management of excessively heavy periods. Take only as prescribed by the doctor.
Avoid taking Mefenamic Acid if you have stomach ulcers. Mefenamic Acid might increase the risk of stomach ulcers, perforation of the stomach and intestinal bleeding with higher doses.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Mefenamic Acid. Drink plenty of fluids and eat food rich in fibre. Consult your doctor if you experience excessive diarrhoea or if you find blood in stools.
It is considered harmful for patients with severe kidney problems and those experiencing active intravascular clotting, which obstructs blood flow due to blood clots.
Store Mefenamic Acid at room temperature, away from sunlight. Keep the Mefenamic Acid out of reach of children.
No, Mefenamic Acid doesn’t act as a contraceptive; it is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation.
Mefenamic Acid should be taken only as it is prescribed by the doctor. Do not self-medicate and do not recommend Mefenamic Acid to others with the same condition.
Mefenamic Acid is not recommended during pregnancy unless advised by the doctor. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please consult a doctor.
If the dose of Mefenamic Acid is missed, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking the regular dose. Avoid taking a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Mefenamic Acid is used for a short time, not more than 3-5 days of your menstrual cycle. However, the duration for your use will be advised by the doctor. Do not self-medicate.
