Mefenamic acid

Generic name: Mefenamic Acid
Brand names: Ponstel
Dosage form: oral capsule (250 mg)
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Usage of Mefenamic acid

Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used short-term (7 days or less) to treat mild to moderate pain in adults and children who are at least 14 years old. Mefenamic acid is also used to treat menstrual pain.

Mefenamic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Mefenamic acid side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath.

Stop using mefenamic acid and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Mefenamic acid may cause serious side effects. Stop using mefenamic acid and call your doctor at once if you have:

shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);

swelling or rapid weight gain;

nausea, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness);

a skin rash, no matter how mild;

signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; o

low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of mefenamic acid may include:

heartburn, stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting;

diarrhea, constipation; or

dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Mefenamic acid

Mefenamic acid can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Mefenamic acid may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using mefenamic acid, especially in older adults.

You should not use mefenamic acid if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

an active ulcer or stomach bleeding;

a bowel disorder such as ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease;

kidney disease; or

a history of asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;

a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

stomach ulcers or bleeding;

asthma;

fluid retention; or

liver disease.

If you are pregnant, you should not take mefenamic acid unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Mefenamic acid is not approved for use by anyone younger than 14 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Mefenamic acid

Usual Adult Dose for Pain:

Initial dose: 500 mg orally onceFollowing initial dose: 250 mg orally every 6 hours as neededDuration of therapy: Usually not to exceed 1 weekUse: For the relief of acute pain

Usual Adult Dose for Dysmenorrhea:

Initial dose: 500 mg orally onceFollowing initial dose: 250 mg orally every 6 hours as neededDuration of therapy: 2 to 3 daysComments:-Treatment should begin at the onset of bleeding and associated symptoms.Use: For the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain:

14 years or older:-Initial dose: 500 mg orally once-Following initial dose: 250 mg orally every 6 hours as needed-Duration of therapy: Usually not to exceed 1 weekUse: For the relief of acute pain

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dysmenorrhea:

14 years or older:-Initial dose: 500 mg orally once-Following initial dose: 250 mg orally every 6 hours as needed-Duration of therapy: 2 to 3 daysComments:-Treatment should begin at the onset of bleeding and associated symptoms.Use: For the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea

Warnings

Mefenamic acid can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use mefenamic acid just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Mefenamic acid may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

What other drugs will affect Mefenamic acid

Ask your doctor before using mefenamic acid if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

lithium;

methotrexate;

antacids such as Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, Mylanta, or Rolaids;

a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);

heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or

steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect mefenamic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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