Mefenamic acid
Drug Name(s): generic only
Class: NSAIDs
Used to treat mild to moderate pain; use for no more than a week.
Dosage
Form(s): capsule
500 mg starting dose, then 250 mg every 6 hours as needed, for up to 7 days
Special Instructions
Do not take with other prescription or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Take at the same time every day. Take with food, milk or an antacid to prevent gastrointestinal symptoms. Do not take for more than seven days unless directed by your doctor.
Potential Side Effects
Abdominal pain, cramps or discomfort; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; flatulence; gastrointestinal bleeding; headache; heartburn; high blood pressure; indigestion; itching; nausea or vomiting; peptic ulcer; rash; ringing in ears; swelling of feet
Be Aware
Before taking this or any NSAID, tell your doctor if you are or may become pregnant, are 65 or older, drink heavily; have heart, liver, kidney, GI, or blood pressure problems; or have asthma, chronic lung disease, reflux disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcer colitis or an active infection.
Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following before starting this or any NSAID: blood thinners (including warfarin), ACE inhibitors, antimaniac agents (mood stabilizers), blood pressure medicines, lithium or furosemide, medicines that affect liver enzymes, methotrexate or St. John’s Wort.
Like all NSAIDs, except aspirin, this drug may cause an increased risk of serious blood clots, heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. The risk is greatest for patients who have or are at risk for cardiovascular disease. NSAIDs also raise the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
Stop taking this drug and call your doctor if you experience dark or bloody stool or urine, yellow skin or eyes, unusual weight gain, itch or rash with a fever; swelling of the arms, legs and feet; lightheadness or balance problems
