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 relief of mild to moderate pain.
## Primary Indications
* Pain, including menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
* Pain associated with inflammation
## Adult Dosing
* **Initial dose:** 500 mg orally every 6 hours as needed.
* **Maximum daily dose:** 1500 mg orally per day.
* **Duration of use:** Typically limited to 7 days.
## Pediatric Dosing
Mefenamic acid is generally not recommended for use in children under 14 years of age due to a lack of established safety and efficacy data.
## Dose Adjustments
No specific dose adjustments are typically required for renal or hepatic impairment, but caution is advised. Monitor patients closely for signs of organ toxicity.
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to mefenamic acid or other NSAIDs.
* Patients with a 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 (GI) bleeding or history of GI bleeding/ulceration.
## Adverse Effects
Common adverse effects include:
* GI disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation)
* Dizziness
* Headache
* Rash
Serious adverse effects include:
* GI ulceration and bleeding
* Cardiovascular thrombotic events
* Renal toxicity
* Hepatotoxicity
* Anaphylaxis and severe skin reactions
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin):** Increased risk of bleeding.
* **Corticosteroids:** Increased risk of GI ulceration and bleeding.
* **Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):** Increased risk of GI bleeding.
* **Lithium:** Increased lithium levels and toxicity.
* **Methotrexate:** Increased methotrexate toxicity.
* **Other NSAIDs (including aspirin):** Increased risk of adverse effects.
## Monitoring
* Monitor for signs and symptoms of GI bleeding.
* Monitor renal function, especially in patients with pre-existing renal disease or those receiving concomitant nephrotoxic agents.
* Monitor for signs of cardiovascular events.
* Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity reactions.
## Clinical Pearls
* Administer with food or milk to minimize GI upset.
* Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
* Avoid concurrent use with other NSAIDs.
* Patients with known cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease should be used with caution.
***
*Disclaimer: This information is intended for clinical use and does not replace professional medical judgment. Always consult the most current prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines for definitive patient management.*
