Mefenamic Acid

A non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID, Mefenamic acid is predominantly used for treating mild to moderate dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain for a short term, for not more than a week. It may also be used for treating other symptoms at the discretion of the doctor. Mefenamic acid helps to reduce inflammation and thereby pain by blocking the production of some of the body chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, tenderness, stiffness, swelling and increased temperature.

Mefenamic acid blocks the body from producing prostaglandins that are linked to inflammation, thus treating the symptoms of pain and inflammation. In muscles and joints, Mefenamic acid helps to improve movement by reducing inflammation, although it may take a few weeks to relieve pain after the first few doses. This medicine is normally prescribed at the lowest possible dose for the shortest period of time to reduce chances of any side-effects. However, Mefenamic acid should not be taken if the patient exhibits the following:

• Is allergic to any ingredient in Mefenamic acid.
  
• If the patient has allergic reaction such as severe rash, trouble breathing, dizziness and is allergic to aspirin or to any NSAID such as ibuprofen etc.
  
• Had bypass heart surgery recently.
  
• Had kidney problems, ulcers, or inflammation of the stomach or bowel.
  
• Is in the last 3 months of pregnancy.
  
• It is not advised to use this acid on the elderly. They may be more sensitive to its effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
  
• Mefenamic acid should be used with extreme caution in children younger than fourteen years of age.
  

Before using Mefenamic acid, a woman must check the following:

• If she is pregnant or planning to become pregnant or is breast-feeding.
  
• If she is taking any prescription or non-prescription medicine (including herbal preparation) or dietary supplements.
  
• If she exhibits allergies to medicines, foods or other substances.
  
• If she has a history of liver disease, diabetes, or stomach or bowel problems such as bleeding, ulcers and perforation.
  
• If she has a history of swelling or fluid buildup, breathing problems and asthma, or mouth inflammation.
  
• Has high blood pressure, blood disorders, clotting, or is at risk of any other disease.
  
• If she is in poor health, suffers dehydration or low fluid volume, low sodium levels, drinks alcohol or has a history of alcohol abuse.
  

Using Mefenamic acid

There are some medicines which could interact with Mefenamic acid and the healthcare provider has to be informed if any one of the following is taken:

• Anticoagulants such as aspirin, corticosteroids, heparin; as there could be the risk of increased stomach bleeding.
  
• Magnesium hydroxide; which could increase the side effects.
  
• Cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate (such as ciprofloxacin), sulfonylureas; as the risk of side effects are increased.
  
• Angiotensin or diuretics because their effectiveness is reduced by Mefenamic acid.
  

This acid has to be used with great caution as it could cause dizziness or drowsiness. This can get worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. As Mefenamic acid may interfere with certain lab tests, be sure that the doctor or lab technologist knows that Mefenamic acid is being taken - especially in case of blood cell counts, blood pressure, kidney function tests.