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, including menstrual pain.
## Primary Indications
* Mild to moderate pain
* Primary dysmenorrhea
## Adult Dosing
* **Pain:** 500 mg every 6 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose is 1500 mg.
* **Primary Dysmenorrhea:** 500 mg every 6 hours as needed, starting at the onset of pain or bleeding. Treatment should not exceed 7 days per month.
## Pediatric Dosing
* Mefenamic acid is not typically recommended for use in children under 14 years of age due to limited data and potential for toxicity.
## Dose Adjustments
* **Renal Impairment:** Use with caution. No specific dose adjustments are established, but NSAIDs can precipitate renal failure.
* **Hepatic Impairment:** Use with caution. No specific dose adjustments are established.
## 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.
* Active gastrointestinal bleeding or a history of recurrent gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
* Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
* Third trimester of pregnancy.
## Adverse Effects
* **Common:** Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, headache, dizziness, rash.
* **Serious:** Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, perforation; renal failure; hepatic failure; myocardial infarction, stroke; Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis; bronchospasm.
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin):** Increased risk of bleeding.
* **Corticosteroids:** Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
* **Other NSAIDs (including aspirin):** Increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects and potential for reduced efficacy of low-dose aspirin.
* **Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs:** Increased risk of renal impairment.
* **Lithium, Methotrexate:** Increased serum concentrations and potential for toxicity.
## Monitoring
* Monitor for signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., melena, hematemesis).
* Monitor renal and hepatic function, especially in patients with pre-existing impairment or those on long-term therapy.
* Monitor blood pressure.
* Assess pain relief and menstrual symptom improvement.
## Clinical Pearls
* Administer with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
* Limit duration of use to the shortest effective period to reduce risk of serious adverse events.
* Avoid concurrent use with other NSAIDs.
* Use in patients with cardiovascular risk factors should be carefully considered.
***
*Disclaimer: This information is intended for healthcare professionals and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always verify current prescribing information with the official drug product labeling and consult relevant clinical guidelines.*
