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Mefenamic acid: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Mefenamic acid is a fenamate-class non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the short-term relief of pain and for menstrual pain.
About Mefenamic acid
Indications of Mefenamic acid
Mefenamic acid is a fenamate-class non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the short-term relief of pain and for menstrual pain. Indications vary by strength of evidence:
Established / FDA-approved uses
- Mild-to-moderate pain in patients 14 years of age and older, when treatment is not expected to exceed 7 days.
- Primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramping pain not caused by an underlying pelvic condition).
Commonly used off-label (guideline/clinical-practice supported)
- Reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) as an adjunct measure, based on clinical studies rather than formal FDA approval.
- Symptomatic relief of other mild-to-moderate musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, generally for short courses only.
Mefenamic acid is not intended for chronic, long-term use; it is indicated only for short courses of therapy.
Dosage & Administration of Mefenamic acid
Dosing by indication (adults and adolescents 14 years and older)
| Indication | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acute mild-to-moderate pain | 500 mg as an initial dose, followed by 250 mg every 6 hours as needed | Treatment should not exceed 7 days |
| Primary dysmenorrhea | 500 mg as an initial dose at the onset of bleeding/pain, followed by 250 mg every 6 hours | Usually continued for 2–3 days, or until symptoms resolve |
Pediatric dosing
Safety and efficacy of Mefenamic acid have not been established in children under 14 years of age; it is not recommended in this age group.
Renal/hepatic impairment
Mefenamic acid should be avoided in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment (see Contraindications). In mild-to-moderate impairment, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and monitor renal/hepatic function.
Take Mefenamic acid with food or milk to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration without medical advice.
Side Effects of Mefenamic acid
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Gastrointestinal: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (reported somewhat more frequently with Mefenamic acid than with some other NSAIDs), constipation, flatulence
- Central nervous system: headache, dizziness, drowsiness
- Other: skin rash, tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Less common but serious
- Peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation (can occur without warning)
- Elevated liver enzymes, hepatotoxicity
- Renal impairment, fluid retention, edema
- Cardiovascular thrombotic events (myocardial infarction, stroke)
- Hemolytic anemia (uncommon but recognized with Mefenamic acid) and other blood dyscrasias
- Bronchospasm or anaphylactoid reactions, especially in patients with aspirin/NSAID sensitivity
Seek medical attention promptly for signs of GI bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood), unexplained bruising/bleeding, yellowing of skin/eyes, or breathing difficulty.
Contraindications of Mefenamic acid
- Known hypersensitivity to Mefenamic acid or any component of the formulation.
- History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type (anaphylactoid) reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
- Use in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, including for perioperative pain.
- Active gastrointestinal bleeding or active peptic ulcer disease.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), as Mefenamic acid can exacerbate these conditions.
- Severe renal impairment or severe hepatic impairment.
- Third trimester of pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mefenamic acid
What is Mefenamic acid used for?
Mefenamic acid is mainly used for short-term relief of mild-to-moderate pain, and especially for primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), in patients 14 years of age and older.
Can I take Mefenamic acid for more than a week?
Mefenamic acid is generally not recommended for more than 7 days of continuous use for pain without medical review, because of increased risk of gastrointestinal and other adverse effects with prolonged use. Always follow your physician's advice on duration.
Is Mefenamic acid safe during pregnancy?
Mefenamic acid should be avoided from 20 weeks of pregnancy onward and is contraindicated in the third trimester because it can affect the baby's kidneys and cause premature closure of a fetal blood vessel (ductus arteriosus). Earlier in pregnancy it should only be used if clearly necessary and after consulting a physician, since potential benefit must be weighed against potential risk to the fetus.
Can Mefenamic acid be taken while breastfeeding?
Mefenamic acid passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your physician before using Mefenamic acid while breastfeeding so the benefits and risks to your infant can be weighed.
What are the main side effects of Mefenamic acid?
Common side effects of Mefenamic acid include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. More serious but less common effects include stomach bleeding/ulcers, liver or kidney problems, and cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke — seek medical care immediately if these occur.
Who should not take Mefenamic acid?
People with a known allergy to Mefenamic acid or other NSAIDs/aspirin, active stomach ulcers or GI bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, severe kidney or liver disease, those undergoing CABG heart surgery, and women in the third trimester of pregnancy should not take Mefenamic acid. Always disclose your full medical history to your physician.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.