Other Brands/Names

Alfen, Alpain, Altran, Analspec, Anastan, Argesid, Asimat, Benostan, Bimastan, Camistan, Cargesik, Cetalmic, Citostan, Corstanal, Costan, Datan, Dentacid, Dolorstan, Dolos, Dystan, Etafenin, Fargetix, Femisic, Fenamin, Fensik, Fimestan, Finalin, Fionamic, Lapistan, Mectan, Mefast, Mefentan, Mefinal, Mefinter, Mefix, Menin, Molasic, Nichostan, Novastan, Omestan, Opistan, Penstonal, Ponalar, Poncofen, Pondex, Ponsamic, Ponsmed, Ponstan, Ponstelax, Ricastan, Solasic, Stanalin DS, Stanza.

How it Works

Mefenamic acid is part of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This drug works by blocking the release of certain chemicals in the body that trigger pain, inflammation, and fever.

Indications

Mefenamic acid is commonly used to relieve mild to moderate pain, such as:

• Headaches

• Toothaches

• Pain following an injury

• Muscle aches

• Post-surgery pain

• Menstrual pain, both before and during menstruation

Contraindication

This medication should not be taken by people with the following conditions:

• A history of allergies to mefenamic acid, aspirin, or other NSAIDs

• Undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, if mefenamic acid is prescribed it should not be used right before or after surgery

• Severe kidney disorders

• Severe liver disorders

• A history of heart attack and/or stroke

• Gastrointestinal bleeding

• Pregnancy starting from week 20 until delivery

Side Effects

Possible side effects that may occur include:

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea

• Heartburn

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Diarrhea

• Headache

This medicine may also increase blood pressure. It is important to check blood pressure regularly and inform your doctor if the readings are high.

In some cases, serious side effects may appear and require immediate medical help. These include:

• Fainting

• Ongoing or worsening headaches

• Hearing problems (such as ringing in the ears)

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

• Mood or mental changes

• Severe abdominal pain

• Pain or difficulty when swallowing

• Vision problems

• Symptoms of heart failure (swollen ankles, extreme fatigue, sudden or unusual weight gain)

• Changes in urine color or amount

• Easy bruising or bleeding

• Stiff neck without explanation

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Types

Mefenamic acid is available in the following forms:

• Caplets, tablets, or capsules (250 mg, 500 mg)

• Syrup (60 ml bottle)

Dosage

• Adults and children >14 years old: 500 mg three times daily, preferably taken with food, for no longer than 7 days.

• Elderly: Start with a lower dose and use for the shortest possible time.

Safety

Mefenamic acid may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machines, or perform activities requiring full alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. This drug can also increase the risk of stomach bleeding. The risk becomes higher if you drink alcohol or smoke regularly while using this medicine.

Mefenamic acid can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid long exposure to direct sunlight, and protect your skin with sunscreen and long clothing. If you experience sunburn, blisters, or redness, contact your doctor immediately.

This drug is excreted in breast milk and may affect nursing infants. Consult a doctor before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Taking mefenamic acid with certain medications may increase the risk of bleeding, such as:

• Other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., aspirin)

• Anticoagulants or blood-thinning medicines (e.g., warfarin)

• Corticosteroids

• Antidepressants in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group

The risk of kidney damage increases when combined with:

• Cyclosporine (immunosuppressant)

• Tacrolimus (immunosuppressant)

Mefenamic acid may also reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure drugs and diuretics, including:

• ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or beta blockers

• Furosemide

• Hydrochlorothiazide

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