Mefenamic Acid
Molecule Description
Mefenamic Acid is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). It is used fo
r treating mild to moderate pain.
Uses of Mefenamic Acid
- Post-operative and post-partum pain
- Painful menstrual periods
- Joint pain
- Dental pain
- Headache
Contraindications of Mefenamic Acid
When should one not use Mefenamic Acid
Do not take if you are allergic to Mefenamic Acid or any ingredient of this medicine.
Side effects of Mefenamic Acid
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Bleeding in stomach/ ulcer
- Ringing in the ears
- Rise in blood pressure
- Constipation
- Itching and rash
- Breathlessness
- Kidney disorder - swelling of legs and decreased urination
- Liver disorder – nausea, stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark colored urine, loss of appetite, etc.
- Heart disease - swelling of feet, unusual tiredness, unusual weight gain
Precautions and Warnings of Mefenamic Acid
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Mefenamic Acid during pregnancy?
A:
You should not take this medicine during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Mefenamic Acid while breastfeeding?
A:
It is probably unsafe to take this medicine while breastfeeding. Trace amounts of this medicine may be present in breast milk and may be transmitted to the baby.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Mefenamic Acid?
A:
Drive only if you feel stable and alert after taking this medicine.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Mefenamic Acid?
A:
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with this medicine as it increases the risk of bleeding from the stomach.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- If you have high cholesterol
- If you have liver, kidney or heart disease
- If you have any heart-related problems
- If you have diabetes
- If you have asthma
- If you have a history of epilepsy
- If you have galactose intolerance
- If you have recovery time immediately after coronary bypass surgery
- High blood pressure
Mode of Action of Mefenamic Acid
How Does It Work?
This medicine inhibits the release of specific chemical mediators that are responsible to cause pain, fever and inflammation.
Interactions of Mefenamic Acid
Interactions with other medicines
- Warfarin
- Medicines for treatment of high blood pressure such as Diuretics (water pills)
- Antiplatelet medicines such as Acetylsalicylic Acid
- Antidepressant medicines
- Aminoglycosides
- Immunosuppressants such as Tacrolimus, Cyclosporine, Corticosteroids, Methotrexate, Mifepristone, Zidovudine. Do not take this without physician’s advice.
Interactions with food items
This medicine has food interactions with tobacco.
Dietary Restrictions of Mefenamic Acid
No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking Mefenamic Acid, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
Dosage of Mefenamic Acid
Overdose
Overdose symptoms may include kidney damage indicated by decreased urination, loss of consciousness, seizures, severe drowsiness or dizziness, severe nausea or stomach pain, trouble to breathe, unusual bleeding or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. If this happens, please consult your doctor immediately....
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as early as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for a missed one....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD CCEBDM Diabetology
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking this medicine?
- Tell your doctor-
- If you have high cholesterol
- If you have liver, kidney or heart disease
- If you have any heart-related problems
- If you have diabetes
- If you have asthma
- If you have a history of epilepsy
- If you have galactose intolerance
References
View All
- Ema. Mefenamic Acid . [Accessed 09 Sep.2019] :
- Webmd. Mefenamic Acid. [Accessed 09 Sep.2019] (online):
- DrugBank. Mefenamic Acid. [Accessed 09 Sep.2019] (online):
- mayoclinic. mefennamic acid . [accessed on 24.Aug.2019]:
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Mefenamic Acid. [Updated 2019 Feb 7]:
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