Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce pain and inflammation by blocking pain-causing hormones. It's commonly prescribed for menstrual pain and other mild to moderate pain in individuals aged 14 years and above.
What are the Uses of Mefenamic Acid Tablets?
This medicine helps manage different types of short-term pain, especially menstrual pain.
Conditions Mefenamic Acid Treats
Mild to moderate pain due to injury, surgery, or inflammation
How Does Mefenamic Acid Tablet Work (Mechanism of Action)?
Mefenamic acid works by blocking pain chemicals in your body to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
It inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which helps produce prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain, swelling, and fever. By lowering prostaglandins, the medicine provides relief from pain and inflammation.
What are the Dosage Forms Available for Mefenamic?
Mefenamic Acid is available in multiple dosage forms to suit different age groups and medical needs, allowing flexible options for effective pain relief.
Dosage Form
Strengths Available
Usage
Tablet (Oral)
250 mg, 500 mg
Commonly used for mild to moderate pain, including menstrual cramps and arthritis
Capsule (Oral)
250 mg
Alternative to tablets for pain relief
Suspension (Oral Liquid)
100 mg/5 mL
Typically used for children who cannot swallow tablets
Injection (less common)
Varies by brand and region
Used in some settings for acute pain, but not widely available
Always follow your doctor's advice. The dosage depends on your medical condition and how you respond to treatment.
Dosage for mild to moderate pain
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)
The starting dosage should be 500 mg, and after that, the dosage should be 250 mg every six hours as needed.
Dosage for Menstrual Pain
The starting dose is 500 mg, and after that, the dosage should be 250 mg every 6 hours.
Always take with food to reduce stomach upset
How to take Mefenamic Acid?
Mefenamic acid is available as an oral tablet.
It is usually taken with food to reduce stomach discomfort.
Typical usage is every 6 hours as needed, for up to 1 week.
The dosage varies based on your medical condition and how you respond to the treatment.
Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration to minimize the risk of side effects, such as stomach bleeding.
Do not increase the dose, frequency, or duration beyond what your doctor has prescribed.
This medication is not recommended for use beyond 7 days at a time.
What should be done if a Mefenamic dose is missed?
If a dose of this drug is missed, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, however, skip the skipped dose and go back to your routine for daily dosing. Do not use double doses.
How Severe was the Overdose?
An overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Mefenamic tablets, there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body's functions. An overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Overdose Symptoms May Include:
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or drowsiness
Stomach pain
Trouble breathing
Seizures (in rare cases)
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
However, if you experience any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction, stop taking mefenamic acid and seek medical attention immediately: rash/blisters, itching, swelling, extreme dizziness and difficulty breathing. Contact the doctor or pharmacist if you experience other adverse effects.
Precautions for Mefenamic
Before taking a Mefenamic acid tablet, talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients that can cause some serious allergic reactions or other serious problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this drug if you have: aspirin-sensitive asthma (history of worsening of runny/stuffy nose breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs, serious kidney disease or recent heart bypass surgery).
Before using the medication, talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:
Mefenamic acid may raise the risk of heart issues, including heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.
If you already have heart disease and use this medication long-term, the risk may be higher.
It may cause water retention, which can worsen high blood pressure.
Mefenamic acid may also increase the risk of heart failure in some individuals.
For people with ulcers and Stomach Bleeding
Mefenamic acid can increase the risk of bleeding or ulcers in the stomach or intestines.
This bleeding can happen suddenly, without any warning signs or symptoms.
The risk is higher in people over 65 years old.
Drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes further increases the risk of serious stomach or intestinal bleeding.
For people with Asthma
Mefenamic acid can affect the airways, either widening or narrowing them, which may become life-threatening.
Seek emergency medical help immediately if your asthma symptoms worsen after taking this medication.
Avoid using mefenamic acid if you have asthma that is triggered by aspirin or NSAIDs, as it can cause severe reactions.
For Pregnant Women
Mefenamic acid has not been adequately researched for use during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medication.
Your doctor can determine whether mefenamic acid is appropriate for your condition during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts of mefenamic acid can pass into breast milk, potentially causing side effects in a breastfeeding baby.
It is important to discuss with your doctor whether to continue breastfeeding or stop taking mefenamic acid.
A careful decision should be made based on the health needs of both mother and child.
Alcohol or Food Interactions
Taking it with alcohol or on an empty stomach can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Take with food to reduce gastric irritation.
Avoid alcohol during treatment to lower the gastrointestinal risk.
Possible Interactions with Other Medications
Drug interactions may affect how mefenamic acid works or increase the risk of side effects.
Use Caution With the Following:
Other NSAIDs or painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin)
Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
Diuretics or antihypertensive drugs
Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs)
Herbal products that affect bleeding (e.g., ginkgo biloba)
Always tell your doctor about all medications or supplements you take.
How Should Mefenamic Acid Be Stored?
Keep away from sunlight, heat, and moisture.
Store at room temperature between 68-77ºF (20-25ºC). Brief storage is allowed between 59-86ºF (15-30ºC).
Keep all medication away from pets and children.
What Happens If Mefenamic Acid Is Not Stored Properly?
Improper storage may reduce the medicine's effectiveness or cause it to degrade.
Avoid exposing the medication to extreme temperatures or moisture. Do not use the medicine past its expiry date or if the capsules look damaged.
Mefenamic Acid vs Paracetamol
Mefenamic acid
Paracetamol
Mefenamic acid is an anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drug that is (NSAID). Mefenamic acid works by reducing the hormones which cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Paracetamol is a painkiller and works as a fever reducer. The paracetamol tablets are used for treating headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, body ache and fevers.
Mefenamic acid is used to relieve mild to moderate pain from different conditions over the short term. It is also used to decrease pain from menstrual cycles and blood loss.
Paracetamol is used for the following treating the following diseases:
Headaches
Menstrual
Toothaches
Backaches
Osteoarthritis
Some of the common side effects of Mefenamic acid are:
Using paracetamol is good. When you are taking mefenamic acid, take co-codamol or codeine. Mefenamic acid should not be used in conjunction with orally administered pain-relieving doses of aspirin or any other NSAID, such as ibuprofen, celecoxib, or diclofenac, as this raises the risk of stomach and intestinal side effects.
The normal dosage is 500 mg, taken in two capsules of 250 mg or one 500 mg tablet. Three times a day, you'll be asked to take this dose. If you use it for periods of pain, your doctor would probably recommend that you take it every month for a few days, beginning on your first day of bleeding.
The oral capsule of mefenamic acid is used for short-term therapy. The medication typically lasts no more than seven days if you use it for mild to moderate pain. Treatment typically lasts no more than two or three days if you are using it for menstrual cramps.
No, Mefenamic Acid should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Do not refrigerate unless the packaging specifically says so.
Both relieve menstrual pain, but Mefenamic Acid also helps reduce heavy bleeding. Naproxen lasts longer, while Mefenamic works faster for acute pain.
Mefenamic Acid is often more effective for period pain and heavy bleeding, but both work well. The choice depends on your condition and doctor's advice.
Yes, Mefenamic Acid is commonly used during periods to relieve cramps and reduce bleeding. Always follow the prescribed dose for safety.
Yes, it can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding by slowing the release of substances that cause pain and bleeding. It's often prescribed for this purpose.
Mefenamic Acid is not recommended for children under 14 years unless specifically prescribed.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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