Pontil

Indications

Mefenamic Acid is a pain reliever used for mild to moderate pain, especially period pain (dysmenorrhoea). It is also used to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and for short-term relief of headache, toothache and pain after minor procedures.

How It Works

It belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It blocks the body's production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain, swelling and strong womb contractions. This eases pain and can reduce menstrual blood loss.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults and children over 12 years: usually 500 mg three times a day, taken with or just after food.
• Period pain or heavy periods: start when the pain or bleeding begins and continue for the painful days only, usually not more than 7 days at a time.
• Use the lowest dose that works for the shortest time. Do not take it for longer than 7 days without a doctor's advice.
• Children under 12 years: only as prescribed.

Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners such as Warfarin, Aspirin or other NSAIDs (for example Ibuprofen, Diclofenac), steroid tablets, antidepressants such as Fluoxetine or Sertraline, Lithium, Methotrexate, water tablets (diuretics) or blood pressure medicines such as Losartan or Enalapril. Taking these together can raise the risk of stomach bleeding or kidney problems.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Mefenamic Acid, or asthma, hives or runny nose triggered by Aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Current or past stomach ulcer or bleeding from the gut.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease).
• Severe kidney, liver or heart failure.
• The last three months of pregnancy.

Side Effects

Common: indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness and drowsiness. Stop taking it and see a doctor if you get diarrhoea or a skin rash.

Get urgent medical help if you have black or tarry stools, vomit blood or material like coffee grounds, swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a blistering or peeling rash, yellow eyes or skin, or you pass much less urine than usual.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid during pregnancy unless a doctor advises it, and do not take it in the last three months, as it can harm the baby's heart and kidneys and delay labour. Small amounts pass into breast milk; ask a doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Take with food to protect the stomach. Use with care if you are elderly, have asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney or liver problems, or a history of stomach ulcers. Like other NSAIDs, long-term or high-dose use can slightly raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. It may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so do not drive if affected.

Overdose

Too much can cause stomach pain, vomiting, drowsiness and, with Mefenamic Acid in particular, fits (seizures). Seek emergency medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), fenamate group.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.