Mefenamic acid
About Mefenamic acid
Mefenamic acid is generally prescribed to women for the treatment of menstrual pain. The drug works best on moderate to mild pain. Take the drug as per the directions given by your doctor. Known to be an NSAID, the drug blocks the action of substances that cause inflammation in the body.
This drug only treats inflammation and discomfort, not the disease that results in such symptoms. Doctors do not advice the use of Mefenamic acid if you are allergic to any component present in it. It is also not safe for consumption in patients who have just had a bypass operation or suffer from kidney issues, stomach problems and ulcers.
Women who are in their late stages of pregnancy are also not prescribed this drug. Mefenamic acid is meant for oral consumption and should be taken either without food or with food in case you have stomach issues.
Some common side effects of the medicine that you may experience are pain in the stomach, nausea and diarrhea. Most people do not experience any serious side effects of the drug. In case you do develop heartburn, indigestion, itchy skin, appetite loss, rashes, pain in the lower back or see blood in your urine get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible.
Keep in mind some precautionary measures before you start using the drug. For instance, avoid driving or indulging in any risky activity so as to prevent accidents. This is primarily because Mefenamic acid can cause drowsiness as well as dizzy spells.
Excessive smoking, alcohol consumption or taking high doses of the drug for an extensive time period can worsen its side effects. Thus, it is best that you avoid drinking and smoking while taking this medicine. Take the dosage as instructed by your doctor to avoid any complications.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Mefenamic acid
Mild To Moderate Pain
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Mefenamic acid ?
Other Allergic Conditions
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (Cabg)
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Mefenamic acid ?
Rash
Heartburn
Headache
Nervousness
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Mefenamic acid
How long is the duration of effect?
The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 4-6 hours.
What is the onset of action?
The effect of this medicine can be observed within 20-30 minutes of administration.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless potential benefits outweigh the risks associated. Contact your doctor before using this medicine. It should not be used during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendencies were reported.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
Use of this medicine in breastfeeding women is not recommended as the amount passing through the milk and its effect on the infant is unknown. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative in such cases.
Is It safe with alcohol?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol while taking Mefenamic acid.
Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?
This medicine might affect the alertness of the patient. Thus patient must avoid driving while taking this medicine.
Does this affect kidney function?
Caution must be taken while using Mefenamic acid in patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Does this affect liver function?
Caution must be taken while using Mefenamic acid in patients with liver disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Missed Dose instructions
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose then the missed dose can be skipped.
Are there any overdose instructions?
Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose with this medicine is suspected. Symptoms may include rashes on the skin, confusion, pain in the chest, blurred vision etc. Immediate medical attention is needed if an overdose is confirmed.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Where is the Mefenamic acid approved?
India
United States
Japan
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Mefenamic acid
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Mefenamic acid as ingredient
- Meftal Spas Tablet
Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd
- Tamik Bc Tablet
TTK Healthcare Ltd
- PFC-MF Forte Syrup
Alde Medi Impex
- Tavera M Tablet
Leeford Healthcare Ltd
- Meftal 500Mg Tablet
Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd
- Spasmofirst Tablet
Wockhardt Ltd
- Meftal Forte Tablet
Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd
- Nimek Para Plus Suspension
J B Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Etosys-Mf Tablet
Systopic Laboratories Pvt Ltd
- Biospas Forte Tablet
Biochem Pharmaceutical Industries
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
This medicine works by blocking the action of Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) which is involved in the production of Prostaglandins. Your body produces prostaglandins as a retort to certain diseases and injury. It works by preventing the production of prostaglandins and thereby reduces pain and inflammation.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Mefenamic acid ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Interaction with Lab Test
Interaction with Medicine
Glimepiride
Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent monitoring to safely use these medicines together. Signs and symptoms like a headache, dizziness, nausea, fast heartbeat, increased hunger etc. should be reported to the doctor.Methotrexate
Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Since the risk of toxicity and adverse effects are significantly high, you may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring while using them together.Propranolol
Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent monitoring to safely use these medicines together. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.Ramipril
Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent monitoring to safely use these medicines together. Signs and symptoms like swelling, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, confusion, and weakness should be reported to the doctor.Tacrolimus
Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent monitoring to safely use them together. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.Warfarin
Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment based on the clotting time. Contact your doctor immediately if you observe the presence of blood in the urine, stools, cough etc.Furosemide
Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and certain tests to safely use these medicines together. It is recommended to drink plenty of water while taking these medicines.Aspirin
Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment based on the clotting time. Contact your doctor immediately if you observe the presence of blood in the urine, stools, cough etc.Ketorolac
These medicines are not recommended for use together as the risk of adverse effects are significantly high. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative that is safer for use.Immune globulin (intravenous)
The risk of kidney damage is significantly high if this medicine is taken with an intravenous dose of immune globulin. You may require a dose adjustment and frequent monitoring to safely use these medicines together.Spironolactone
Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and certain tests to safely use these medicines together. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.Interaction with Disease
Use of this medicine should be avoided in patients suffering from aspirin-sensitive asthma. It should be used with caution in patients suffering from other forms of asthma or broncho-obstructive disorders.Fluid Retention And Edema
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing fluid retention disorder. Fluid retention can be attributed to other conditions like hypertension, heart failure etc. Therapy with this medicine should begin only after these risk factors are ruled out.Gastrointestinal Toxicity
This medicine or other NSAIDs should be taken after consulting a doctor especially if the intended duration is longer than a month. Any symptom indicating ulceration and bleeding like chronic indigestion, appearance of coffee colored dry blood in stools or vomiting of blood should be reported immediately.This medicine can cause these fatal skin allergies without any warnings. Signs and symptoms like rashes, hives, fever or other allergic symptoms should be reported without any delay. This condition requires immediate medical intervention.Impaired Kidney Function
This medicine should be taken after consulting a doctor if you are having a kidney disease. Suitable adjustment in dosage and monitoring of kidney functions is required in such situations. It should not be used if the impairment is severe.Impaired Liver Function
This medicine should be used with caution in patients having an impairment of liver function. Suitable dose adjustments and monitoring of liver function are recommended in such cases.Interaction with Food
FAQs about Mefenamic acid
Ques : What is Mefenamic acid?
Ans : Mefenamic acid is generally prescribed to women for the treatment of menstrual pain. The drug works best on moderate to mild pain.
Ques : What are the uses of Mefenamic acid?
Ans : Mefenamic acid used for the treatment of -
- Acute Pain: This medicine is used to relieve mild to moderate pain associated with sprains, gout, arthritis etc.
- Dysmenorrhea: This medicine is used to relieve pain and cramps associated with menstrual disorders.
Ques : What are the side effects of this Mefenamic acid?
Ans : Some common side effects of the medicine that you may experience are pain in the stomach, nausea and diarrhea.
Ques : How long do I need to use Mefenamic acid before I see improvement in my condition?
Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.
Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Mefenamic acid?
Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.
Ques : Should I use Mefenamic acid empty stomach, before food or after food?
Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.
Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Mefenamic acid?
Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.
Ques : How is this Mefenamic acid administered?
Ans : This medication is administered orally.
References
Mefenamic Acid-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/mefenamic%20acid
Mefenamic Acid-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00784
MEFENAMIC ACID tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=MEFENAMIC+ACID
Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.
Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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