What is Mefenamic Acid?
Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) that is utilized for short-term (7 more than 7 days) management of mild to moderate pain in children and adults that are between 14 and 15 years old. Mefenamic acid can also be used to treat pain in the menstrual cycle.
Mefenamic acid can also be used to treat conditions not covered in this medication guideline.
Side effects of Mefenamic acid
See a doctor immediately when you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy (sneezing or running nose, wheezing, hives or difficulties breathing, swelling on your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and sore throat, burnt eyes, irritation, and red or purple skin itching that blisters and peels).
Take immediate medical care. If you're experiencing indications of an attack on your heart or stroke: chest pain spreading into your shoulder or jaw A sudden feeling of weakness or numbness in one area of your body; slurred speech; feeling breathless
Stop using mefenamic acids and seek medical attention when you experience a severe drug reaction that could affect various parts of your body. Symptoms may include an itch or fever, swollen glands, muscle pains, abnormal bruising, severe weakness, or yellowing of your eye or skin.
Mefenamic acid can cause serious adverse side effects. Stop taking mefenamic acid and consult your physician immediately if you experience:
- Breathlessness (even at moderate exertion);
- Weight gain or swelling;
- Nausea, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness);
- An itch on the skin, however mild;
- Symptoms of stomach bleeding—bloody or tarry stool—and the spouting of blood or vomiting that appears like coffee grounds
- Liver problems: loss of appetite; stomach discomfort (upper right side); tiredness; itching; the dark color of urine; clay-colored stool; jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
- Kidney problems: no or little urine output, swelling of your ankles and feet, feeling fatigued or lacking breath,
- Red blood cells are low (anemia)—pale skin, uncharacteristically tired, lightheaded or breathless, cold hands and feet.
Common adverse effects of mefenamic acid can include:
- Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, gas, vomiting;
- Constipation, diarrhea constipation, or
This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Other side effects could be present. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Mefenamic acid may increase the risk of fatal coronary heart attacks and strokes. Avoid using mefenamic acid prior to or following coronary bypass surgery (coronary bypass grafts for arteries, or CABG). Mefenamic acid can also trigger diarrhea or stomach bleeding, which can be fatal.
Prior to use this drug
Mefenamic acid may increase your chance of suffering a fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you do not pose any risks. Avoid using this medication immediately prior to or after coronary bypass surgeries (coronary bypass grafts, also known as CABG).
Mefenamic acid can also trigger stomach or intestinal bleeding, which could lead to death. These problems can develop at any time while taking mefenamic acid, particularly for older people.
It is not recommended to use mefenamic acid if you have an allergy to mefenamic acid or suffer from:
- An active ulcer or stomach bleeding
- An intestinal disorder, such as ulcerative colitis or inflammatory colon disease;
- Kidney disease or
- A background or a history of an asthma attack or a severe allergic reaction following an allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an nsaid
Speak to your doctor if you ever have:
- Coronary disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking ;
- A heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
- Bleeding stomach ulcers or stomach ulcers
- Asthma;
- Fluid retention; or
- Liver disease.
If you're pregnant and you are taking mefenamic acid, unless your physician recommends it, Taking an NSAID in the final 20 weeks before birth may result in serious kidney or heart issues in the baby and may cause complications during the pregnancy. Mefenamic acid has not been a product that has been approved for use by anyone less than 14 years of age.
How to take Mefenamic acid?
Follow the instructions on the prescription label and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. The doctor could modify your dosage. Make sure you take the dosage that is effective in treating your illness. Mefenamic acid shouldn't be used for more than seven consecutive days. Follow your physician's dosage instructions carefully. If you are using mefenamic acid for a long time, you might require regular medical tests. This medicine may affect the outcomes of certain medical tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating patients that you are taking mefenamic acid. Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed when not being used.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Pain:
Initial dose: 500 mg taken orally at once.
Following the first dosage: 250 mg orally every 6 hours as required
Time of therapy: Typically, it is not to exceed one week.
Use: To relieve acute pain
Usual Adult Dose for Dysmenorrhea:
Initial dosage: 500 mg taken orally, once
Following the first dosage: 250 mg orally every 6 hours, if needed.
The duration of treatment The duration of therapy is 2 to 3 days.
Comments:
The treatment should start at the beginning of symptoms and bleeding.
Use: In the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain:
Age 14 or over:
Initial dosage: 500 mg orally once
Following the first dosage: 250 mg taken orally every 6 hours, as required
Therapy duration: usually not more than 1 week
Use: To ease the pain of acute pain
Usual Pediatric Dose for Dysmenorrhea:
Age 14 or over:
Initial dosage: 500 mg orally once
Following the first dosage: 250 mg orally every 6 hours as required
The duration of treatment Duration of therapy: between 2 and 3 days
Comments:
The treatment should start at the first sign of symptoms and bleeding.
Use: To treat dysmenorrhea primary
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but do not take any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Beware of drinking alcohol. This can increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist prior to using any other medications to treat swelling, pain, fever, or other cold- or flu-like symptoms. They may contain ingredients that are similar to mefenamic acid (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).
Interaction with other drugs
Consult your physician before taking mefenamic acid when you are taking any antidepressants. Taking certain antidepressants together with an NSAID can cause bleeding or bruises easily.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, particularly:
- Lithium;
- Methotrexate;
- Antacids like milk from magnesia, maalox, and mylanta, as well as rolaids;
- A bleeding thinner (warfarin, coumadin, jantoven)
- Blood pressure medication or heart medication, such as diuretics or "water pills"; o
- Steroid medicine (such as prednisone).
This list isn't complete. Other medications can affect mefenamic acids, including medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are included here.
