Please check your internet connection and try again.
# Mefenamic Acid
## Overview
Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain.
## Primary Indications
* Pain associated with menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
* Mild to moderate pain (e.g., headache, dental pain, muscle pain)
## Adult Dosing
* **Initial dose:** 500 mg.
* **Subsequent doses:** 250 mg every 6 hours as needed.
* **Maximum duration:** Do not use for more than 7 days.
* **Maximum daily dose:** 1500 mg.
## Pediatric Dosing
Mefenamic acid is generally not recommended for children under 14 years of age. Specific pediatric dosing is not established.
## Dose Adjustments
No specific dose adjustments are typically required for renal or hepatic impairment, but caution is advised due to potential for NSAID-induced toxicity.
## Contraindications
* Known 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.
* Significant renal or hepatic impairment.
* Heart failure.
## Adverse Effects
* **Common:** Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), dizziness, headache.
* **Serious:** Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, perforation; cardiovascular thrombotic events (MI, stroke); renal toxicity; hypersensitivity reactions; hepatic dysfunction; 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.
* **Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs:** May reduce antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal impairment.
* **Lithium:** Increased lithium levels and toxicity.
* **Methotrexate:** Increased methotrexate toxicity.
* **Other NSAIDs/Aspirin:** Increased risk of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding.
## 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 with prolonged use or in patients with pre-existing conditions.
## Clinical Pearls
* Administer with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
* Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration to minimize risks.
* Avoid in patients with a history of NSAID-induced gastrointestinal issues.
***
*Disclaimer: This information is intended for healthcare professionals and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult the most current prescribing information and your institution's protocols before making any treatment decisions.*
