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 the relief of primary dysmenorrhea.
## Primary Indications
* Mild to moderate pain
* Primary dysmenorrhea
## Adult Dosing
* **Pain:** 500 mg every 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 4000 mg per day.
* **Primary Dysmenorrhea:** 500 mg every 6 hours starting at the onset of menses and associated symptoms. Treatment should not exceed 7 days per menstrual cycle.
## Pediatric Dosing
* **Pain:** Dosing is not well-established for pediatric patients. Use is generally not recommended in children under 14 years of age due to a lack of sufficient data and potential for adverse events.
## Dose Adjustments
* **Renal Impairment:** Use with caution. Reduce dose and monitor renal function closely.
* **Hepatic Impairment:** Use with caution. Reduce dose and monitor liver function closely.
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to mefenamic acid, aspirin, 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.
## Adverse Effects
Common: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, headache, dizziness, rash.
Serious: Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, perforation; cardiovascular thrombotic events (MI, stroke); renal toxicity; hepatic toxicity; hypersensitivity reactions; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; toxic epidermal necrolysis.
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin):** Increased risk of bleeding.
* **Corticosteroids:** Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
* **SSRIs/SNRIs:** Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
* **ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics:** May reduce antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal impairment.
* **Lithium:** Increased lithium levels, potential for toxicity.
* **Methotrexate:** Increased methotrexate toxicity.
## Monitoring
* Monitor for signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., melena, hematemesis).
* Monitor for signs of cardiovascular events.
* Monitor renal and hepatic function, especially in patients with pre-existing impairment or those on long-term therapy.
* Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity reactions.
## Clinical Pearls
* Mefenamic acid should be taken with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
* Limit duration of use to the shortest effective period due to potential for serious adverse events.
* Avoid concomitant use with other NSAIDs.
* Use caution in elderly patients, as they are at increased risk for adverse events.
***
*This information is intended for healthcare professionals and is not a substitute for clinical judgment. Always consult the most current prescribing information and relevant literature before making treatment decisions.*
