MEFPAS-500

# MEFENAMIC ACID 500 MG ## SHORT DESCRIPTION **Mefenamic Acid 500 mg** is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (**NSAID**) used for the short-term relief of **mild to moderate pain and inflammation**. It can also be used for **painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea)**. It works mainly by reducing the production of prostaglandins, chemical substances involved in pain, inflammation, and fever. > **Important:** Mefenamic acid is generally intended for **short-term use at the lowest effective dose** because prolonged or high-dose NSAID use can increase the risk of gastrointestinal, kidney, cardiovascular, and other complications. --- ## KEY BENEFITS * Provides relief from **mild to moderate pain**. * Helps reduce **inflammation and swelling**. * Commonly used for **menstrual pain and cramps**. * May help relieve certain musculoskeletal and dental pain. * Can reduce pain associated with inflammatory conditions. * Non-opioid analgesic option for appropriate patients. --- ## USES / INDICATIONS Mefenamic acid may be prescribed for short-term treatment of: 1. **Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)** 2. Mild to moderate acute pain 3. Dental pain 4. Musculoskeletal pain 5. Soft-tissue or inflammatory pain 6. Other painful inflammatory conditions when considered appropriate by a healthcare professional The approved uses may vary according to the country and specific product. --- ## HOW IT WORKS Mefenamic acid is an **NSAID**. It inhibits the enzymes **cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)**, reducing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins contribute to: * Pain * Inflammation * Swelling * Fever ### In Simple Terms: **Mefenamic acid → reduces prostaglandin production → decreases pain and inflammation.** --- ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION ### Adults For some indications, an adult regimen may begin with: **500 mg initially, followed by 250 mg every 6 hours as needed**, according to the prescribed regimen. The exact dose and duration depend on the condition being treated and the specific product instructions. > **Do not assume that 500 mg should be taken multiple times daily without medical advice.** ### Menstrual Pain Treatment is generally started **when menstrual pain begins** and continued for the shortest period necessary. ### Administration * Take exactly as prescribed. * Take with food or immediately after food if it causes stomach irritation. * Swallow with sufficient water. * Use the **lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration**. * Do not combine with another NSAID unless specifically advised. ### Missed Dose If taking regularly and you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. **Do not take a double dose.** --- ## SIDE EFFECTS ### Common Side Effects Possible side effects include: * Nausea * Vomiting * Indigestion * Stomach discomfort * Abdominal pain * Diarrhea * Constipation * Headache * Dizziness * Heartburn ### Serious Side Effects Seek urgent medical attention for: * Black or tarry stools * Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds * Severe abdominal pain * Chest pain * Shortness of breath * Sudden weakness or difficulty speaking * Severe allergic reaction * Facial or throat swelling * Severe skin rash or blistering * Significant reduction in urination * Yellowing of the skin or eyes NSAIDs can cause **serious gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events, kidney injury, and hypersensitivity reactions**, even in some people without previous symptoms. --- ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS ### Stomach Ulcers and Bleeding Mefenamic acid can increase the risk of: * Gastric ulcers * Gastrointestinal bleeding * Perforation Risk is higher with prolonged use, higher doses, older age, previous ulcers, or concurrent use of certain medicines. ### Heart Disease NSAIDs may increase the risk of **heart attack and stroke**, particularly with higher doses or longer treatment. Use caution in patients with: * Heart disease * High blood pressure * Previous stroke * Heart failure ### Kidney Disease Mefenamic acid can reduce kidney blood flow and may worsen kidney function. Avoid or use only under medical supervision in patients with significant kidney disease. ### Liver Disease Patients with significant liver disease should consult a healthcare professional before using mefenamic acid. ### Asthma Some people with asthma may experience worsening symptoms or bronchospasm after taking NSAIDs, particularly those with aspirin-sensitive asthma. ### Pregnancy Mefenamic acid and other NSAIDs should generally be **avoided from around 20 weeks of pregnancy unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional**, and NSAIDs should not be used during the later stages of pregnancy because of fetal and delivery-related risks. ### Elderly Patients Older adults may have a greater risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular complications. ### Dehydration Dehydration can increase the risk of kidney injury. Maintain appropriate fluid intake unless your healthcare professional has advised fluid restriction. --- ## DRUG INTERACTIONS ### Other NSAIDs Avoid combining mefenamic acid with other NSAIDs such as: * Ibuprofen * Naproxen * Diclofenac * Aspirin at analgesic doses * Ketorolac Taking multiple NSAIDs increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney problems. ### Anticoagulants Medicines such as **warfarin and other anticoagulants** can increase the risk of bleeding when combined with NSAIDs. ### Antiplatelet Medicines Aspirin and other antiplatelet medicines may increase gastrointestinal bleeding risk. ### Corticosteroids Medicines such as prednisone can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding when combined with NSAIDs. ### SSRIs/SNRIs Antidepressants such as: * Sertraline * Escitalopram * Fluoxetine * Paroxetine * Venlafaxine may increase bleeding risk when combined with NSAIDs. ### ACE Inhibitors / ARBs Medicines such as lisinopril, enalapril, losartan, or valsartan may have reduced blood-pressure-lowering effects and increased kidney risk when combined with NSAIDs. ### Diuretics NSAIDs may reduce the effectiveness of diuretics and increase the risk of kidney problems. ### Lithium Mefenamic acid may increase **lithium concentrations**, potentially causing lithium toxicity. ### Methotrexate NSAIDs may increase methotrexate exposure and toxicity, particularly with higher methotrexate doses or impaired kidney function. ### Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus The combination may increase the risk of kidney toxicity. Always tell your healthcare professional about all prescription medicines, OTC medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you use. --- ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep at room temperature unless the product label specifies otherwise. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. * Keep in the original packaging. * Keep out of reach and sight of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use tablets from damaged or improperly sealed packaging. --- ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Prescription status varies by country and formulation.** Mefenamic acid 500 mg may be a **prescription medicine** in many countries, while some lower-strength formulations may have different dispensing requirements. Follow local pharmacy and regulatory requirements. --- ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE When purchasing **Mefenamic Acid 500 mg**, obtain it from a **licensed pharmacy or authorized medicine supplier**. Check the packaging for: * Correct medicine name * Strength: **500 mg** * Manufacturer information * Batch/lot number * Manufacturing date * Expiry date * Intact packaging and seal * Appropriate regulatory information Avoid products with damaged packaging, missing information, altered expiry dates, or questionable authenticity. --- # FAQ – MEFENAMIC ACID 500 MG ### 1. What is Mefenamic Acid 500 mg used for? Mefenamic acid 500 mg is an NSAID used for **short-term relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation**, including menstrual pain. ### 2. Is mefenamic acid a painkiller? Yes. Mefenamic acid is a **non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID)**. ### 3. Is mefenamic acid used for period pain? Yes. It is commonly prescribed for **menstrual cramps and painful periods (dysmenorrhea)**. ### 4. How does mefenamic acid work? It reduces the production of prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation by inhibiting COX enzymes. ### 5. How should Mefenamic Acid 500 mg be taken? Take it exactly as prescribed. It is generally recommended to take it **with food or immediately after food** if stomach irritation occurs. ### 6. Can I take mefenamic acid on an empty stomach? It is preferable to take it with food or after food if possible because NSAIDs can irritate the stomach. ### 7. Can mefenamic acid be taken with paracetamol? There is not usually a major direct interaction between mefenamic acid and paracetamol, but combination use should follow professional advice, particularly if pain persists. ### 8. Can I take mefenamic acid with ibuprofen? Generally, **do not combine mefenamic acid with ibuprofen** unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional. Both are NSAIDs and combining them increases the risk of adverse effects. ### 9. Can mefenamic acid be taken with diclofenac? No, combining mefenamic acid with diclofenac is generally inappropriate unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional because both are NSAIDs. ### 10. Can mefenamic acid cause stomach ulcers? Yes. NSAIDs can cause **stomach or intestinal ulcers and bleeding**, particularly with prolonged use or in people with risk factors. ### 11. Can mefenamic acid affect the kidneys? Yes. It can reduce kidney blood flow and may cause or worsen kidney impairment, especially in susceptible patients. ### 12. Can mefenamic acid increase blood pressure? NSAIDs can cause **fluid retention and increased blood pressure** in some people and may interfere with certain blood-pressure medicines. ### 13. Can mefenamic acid be used during pregnancy? NSAIDs should generally be avoided from around **20 weeks of pregnancy unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional**, and they should not be used during later pregnancy because of important fetal risks. ### 14. Can mefenamic acid be used while breastfeeding? Consult a healthcare professional before use while breastfeeding. The suitability depends on the clinical situation and alternative treatments. ### 15. How quickly does mefenamic acid work? Pain relief may begin within a relatively short period after taking a dose, although the timing varies between individuals and conditions. ### 16. Can mefenamic acid be used for toothache? It may provide short-term relief of **dental pain**, but it does not treat the underlying cause of a dental infection or other dental problem. ### 17. Can mefenamic acid reduce fever? NSAIDs can have fever-reducing effects, but mefenamic acid is primarily used for pain and inflammation. The cause of a persistent fever should be evaluated. ### 18. What should I do if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. **Do not double the next dose.** ### 19. How long can I take mefenamic acid? It is generally intended for **short-term use**. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration recommended by your healthcare professional. ### 20. Is Mefenamic Acid 500 mg available without a prescription? Prescription requirements vary by country. In many locations, **500 mg mefenamic acid is prescription-only**. --- ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information about **Mefenamic Acid 500 mg** is provided for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Mefenamic acid is an NSAID and can cause potentially serious **gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, kidney problems, cardiovascular events, and allergic reactions**. The risk may increase with higher doses, prolonged use, older age, or use with certain medicines. Do not combine it with other NSAIDs unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional. Tell your healthcare professional if you have a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney or liver disease, heart disease, hypertension, asthma triggered by NSAIDs, or if you are pregnant. Always follow the **specific product label and your healthcare professional's instructions** regarding dosage, duration, contraindications, interactions, and precautions.