Mefenamic Acid
Description
Mefenamic Acid is a type of pain-relief medicine that belongs to the group of d
rugs called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, making it useful for conditions such as headaches, toothaches, period pain, muscle pain, and joint pain. It works by blocking certain chemicals in the body that cause discomfort and inflammation. Your doctor will advise the right dose and duration depending on your condition. It is usually recommended to take it after food to reduce the chance of stomach upset. If you experience symptoms like stomach pain, acidity, or any unusual reactions, inform your doctor. Taking Mefenamic Acid only when needed and as prescribed helps ensure safe and effective relief.
Uses
- Post-operative and post-partum pain
- Painful menstrual periods
- Joint pain
- Dental pain
- Headache
Contraindications
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
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
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
- You have high cholesterol
- You have liver, kidney or heart disease
- You have any heart-related problems
- You have diabetes
- You have asthma
- You have a history of epilepsy
- You have galactose intolerance
- You have recovery time immediately after coronary bypass surgery
- High blood pressure
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
This medicine inhibits the release of specific chemical mediators that are responsible to cause pain, fever and inflammation.
Interactions
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
No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking Mefenamic Acid, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
Dosage
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
Ravindra Ghongade
B. Pharm
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
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 20 Nov.2025] :
- Webmd. Mefenamic Acid. [Accessed 20 Nov.2025] (online):
- DrugBank. Mefenamic Acid. [Accessed 20 Nov.2025] (online):
- mayoclinic. mefennamic acid . [accessed on 20 Nov.2025]:
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Mefenamic Acid. [Updated 2025 Nov 20]:
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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