Please check your internet connection and try again.
# Mefenamic Acid (Meftal-P)
## 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 dental procedures
* Dysmenorrhea
* Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (though other NSAIDs are generally preferred)
## Adult Dosing
* **Pain:** 500 mg orally every 6 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose is 1500 mg. Treatment should not exceed 7 days.
* **Dysmenorrhea:** 500 mg orally every 6 hours, starting at the onset of pain and bleeding. Treatment should not exceed 3 days per cycle.
## Pediatric Dosing
* Mefenamic acid is **not recommended for children under 14 years of age** for pain relief due to safety concerns and lack of established dosing.
* For juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, dosing may be considered in children 14 years and older. Consult specific pediatric guidelines for this indication.
## Dose Adjustments
* **Renal Impairment:** Use with caution. No specific dose adjustment guidelines are universally established, but reduced doses and increased monitoring are prudent.
* **Hepatic Impairment:** Use with caution. No specific dose adjustment guidelines are universally established.
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to mefenamic acid or other NSAIDs
* History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
* Peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
* Active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
## Adverse Effects
* **Common:** Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation, headache, dizziness.
* **Serious:** Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, perforation, cardiovascular thrombotic events (myocardial infarction, 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 gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
* **Other NSAIDs (including aspirin):** Increased risk of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal.
* **Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs:** May reduce antihypertensive efficacy and increase risk of renal dysfunction.
* **Lithium:** Increased serum lithium levels.
* **Methotrexate:** Increased risk of methotrexate toxicity.
## Monitoring
* Monitor for signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., melena, hematemesis).
* Monitor renal and hepatic function with prolonged use or in patients with pre-existing impairment.
* Assess for signs of cardiovascular events.
## Clinical Pearls
* Mefenamic acid is typically recommended for short-term use only (maximum 7 days for pain).
* Administer with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
* Due to potential for diarrhea, use cautiously in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
***
*This information is for educational purposes and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always verify current prescribing information with the official drug monograph or other reliable resources.*
