Please check your internet connection and try again.
# Meftal spas
## Overview
Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) from the fenamate class. It possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties.
## Primary Indications
* **Pain:** Mild to moderate pain, including dysmenorrhea.
* **Inflammation:** Rheumatic conditions.
## Adult Dosing
* **Pain/Dysmenorrhea:** 500 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose: 1500 mg for short-term use.
* **Inflammation:** 500 mg three times daily, with food.
## Pediatric Dosing
Mefenamic acid is generally not recommended for children under 14 years of age due to lack of established safety and efficacy. Some sources suggest doses of 5-7 mg/kg every 6-8 hours, but this is not widely established.
## Dose Adjustments
* **Renal Impairment:** Use with caution. Reduce dose if renal function is significantly impaired. Avoid if severe renal impairment.
* **Hepatic Impairment:** Use with caution. Reduce dose if hepatic function is impaired. Avoid if severe hepatic impairment.
## 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.
* Inflammatory bowel disease.
* Severe heart failure, renal impairment, or hepatic impairment.
## Adverse Effects
* **Common:** Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness.
* **Serious:** Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, perforation; cardiovascular thrombotic events; 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.
* **ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Beta-blockers:** Reduced antihypertensive effect; increased risk of renal impairment.
* **Diuretics:** Reduced diuretic effect; increased risk of renal impairment.
* **Lithium:** Increased lithium levels and toxicity.
* **Methotrexate:** Increased methotrexate toxicity.
* **Other NSAIDs, Aspirin:** Increased risk of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal.
## Monitoring
* **Renal function:** Monitor serum creatinine and BUN, especially in elderly patients or those with pre-existing renal disease.
* **Hepatic function:** Monitor LFTs, especially in patients with known hepatic impairment.
* **Gastrointestinal symptoms:** Assess for signs of bleeding or ulceration.
* **Blood pressure:** Monitor, especially in patients taking antihypertensives.
## Clinical Pearls
* Administer with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
* Limit use to the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms.
* Avoid concomitant use with other NSAIDs.
* Discontinue at the first sign of rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
* Consider gastroprotective agents (e.g., PPIs) in patients at high risk for GI complications.
* Not recommended for use in pediatric patients under 14 years of age without specific guidelines or physician discretion.
***
**Disclaimer:** This information is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential for healthcare professionals to consult current prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines before making any treatment decisions. Dosing and safety profiles may vary based on individual patient factors and local protocols.
