Please check your internet connection and try again.
# Mefenamic Acid
## Overview
Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the short-term treatment of mild to moderate pain and for menstrual pain.
## Primary Indications
* Mild to moderate pain (e.g., dental pain, post-operative pain)
* Primary dysmenorrhea
## Adult Dosing
* **Pain:** 500 mg every 6 hours as needed. Maximum dose: 1500 mg per day for short-term use.
* **Primary Dysmenorrhea:** 500 mg every 6 hours, starting with the onset of bleeding and any associated pain. Maximum dose: 1500 mg per day for short-term use.
## Pediatric Dosing
Mefenamic acid is generally not recommended for children under 14 years of age due to limited data.
## Dose Adjustments
* **Renal Impairment:** Use with caution. Dose reduction may be necessary in severe impairment.
* **Hepatic Impairment:** Use with caution. Dose reduction may be necessary in severe impairment.
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to mefenamic acid or other NSAIDs.
* History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
* Perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
* Inflammatory bowel disease.
* Severe heart failure, renal impairment, or hepatic impairment.
## Adverse Effects
Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation.
Serious: Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, perforation; cardiovascular thrombotic events (MI, stroke); renal failure; hepatic failure; hypersensitivity reactions; Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis.
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin):** Increased risk of bleeding.
* **Corticosteroids:** Increased risk of GI ulceration and bleeding.
* **ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Beta-blockers:** Reduced antihypertensive effect; increased risk of renal impairment.
* **Diuretics:** Reduced diuretic effect; increased risk of renal impairment.
* **Lithium:** Increased lithium levels.
* **Methotrexate:** Increased methotrexate toxicity.
## Monitoring
* Monitor for signs and symptoms of GI bleeding.
* Monitor renal function (BUN, creatinine) and liver function (AST, ALT), especially in patients with pre-existing impairment or those on long-term therapy.
* Monitor for cardiovascular risk factors and signs/symptoms of cardiovascular events.
## Clinical Pearls
* Administer with food or milk to minimize GI upset.
* Limit duration of use to the shortest effective period.
* Assess cardiovascular and GI risk factors before initiating therapy.
* Avoid concomitant use with other NSAIDs.
***
**Disclaimer:** This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the most current prescribing information and guidelines for complete details and to verify accuracy before making clinical decisions.
