Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can provide effective relief from pain or discomfort. It has proven particularly effective at relieving menstrual pain.

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How to take - Side Effects - Things To Avoid - Pregnancy

It works by blocking the hormones that cause painful or uncomfortable swelling, and is a short-term painkiller that is normally only used for a maximum of one week.

If you’re experiencing persistent pain, speak to our doctors today. They’ll talk to you about your symptoms and decide whether mefenamic acid is right for you.

Mefenamic Acid Dosage

If you’re prescribed mefenamic acid, it’s very important that you take it as instructed. If you take the drug for too long, or in too high a dose, there’s a risk that you’ll develop very serious side effects.

Mefenamic acid can be taken with food or water, and many people find that mixing it with food helps them avoid an upset stomach.

If your doctor has put you on a dosing schedule and you accidentally miss a dose, you should only take it if there’s still lots of time before your next dose. Never take two doses close together, or at the same time.

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What Are The Side Effects of Mefenamic Acid?

Common side effects of mefenamic acid include:

These are usually mild and they’ll go away once you’ve finished your treatment.

There are some side effects that occur rarely, but are also potentially more serious. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice:

Chest pain
Numbness
Mood swings
Seizures
Unexplained bruises

Long-term use of mefenamic acid carries a risk of heart attack, stroke, stomach ulcers and internal bleeding, particularly if you’ve had these problems before. Ask a doctor about the risks and seek emergency medical attention if you notice symptoms associated with these problems.

You should also call an ambulance if you think you’re having an allergic reaction to mefenamic acid. This is very rare, but if it happens you can experience difficulty breathing, a severe skin rash or swelling around your face, lips and throat.

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Constipation is one of the possible side effects when taking mefenamic acid

Things to avoid

Mefenamic acid isn’t suitable for everyone. Tell your doctor if you have a history of:

Asthma
Heart, liver or kidney damage
High blood pressure
General poor health
Alcohol abuse
Stomach ulcers
Bowel problems, such as IBS

It’s also not normally prescribed for elderly patients.

You shouldn’t mix mefenamic acid with any other medication. Your doctor needs to know about anything else you’re taking before they prescribe anything, while you shouldn’t take any other drug during your treatment without consulting a doctor first.

Mefenamic Acid and Alcohol

While you’re taking mefenamic acid, drinking alcohol will increase your risk of developing side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. More importantly, it also means that a bleed in your stomach is more likely, which can have serious health implications.

For these reasons, it’s best not to drink alcohol during your treatment.

Is It Safe to Take Mefenamic Acid During Pregnancy?

You shouldn’t take mefenamic acid during your third trimester, so tell your doctor if you’re pregnant. If you’re earlier in your pregnancy or planning to start a family soon, talk to your doctor about the risks of taking mefenamic acid.

This drug is also not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, as there’s a chance it can get into breast milk and harm your baby.

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Mefenamic acid may not be safe to take if you're pregnant

Talk to a doctor Today

If you’re looking for medication to relieve pain, ask our doctors about mefenamic acid. If this is the best option for you, they can write a quick and easy prescription that can be used at a pharmacy of your choice.

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