Uses:
Mefenamic
acid is used for the short-term treatment of mild to moderate pain
from various conditions. It is also used to decrease pain and blood loss
from menstrual periods.
Mefenamic
acid is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Side Effects:
Upset
stomach nausea heartburn dizziness drowsiness diarrhea and headache may
occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen notify your doctor
or pharmacist promptly.
Remember
that your doctor has prescribed this medication because
he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This
medication may raise your blood pressure . Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the
results are high.
Tell
your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects
occur: fainting persistent/severe headache hearing changes
(e.g. ringing in the ears ) fast/pounding heartbeat mental/mood
changes stomach pain difficult/painful swallowing vision changes symptoms
of heart failure (such as swelling ankles /feet
unusual tiredness unusual/ sudden weight gain ).
Stop
taking mefenamic acid and tell your doctor right away if
any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding
signs of infection (e.g. fever persistent sore throat )
unexplained stiff neck change in the amount/color of urine.
This
drug may rarely cause serious possibly fatal liver disease . If
you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects stop taking
mefenamic acid and consult your doctor or pharmacist right away: persistent
nausea/ vomiting severe stomach / abdominal
pain weakness dark urine yellowing eyes / skin .
A
very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction including: rash itching /swelling
(especially of the face/ tongue /throat) severe dizziness trouble
breathing .
This
is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects
not listed above contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Pre-Cautions:
Before
taking mefenamic acid tell your doctor or pharmacist if
you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or
other NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen naproxen celecoxib );
or if you have any other allergies . This product may contain
inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk
to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should
not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine
consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: aspirin -sensitive asthma (a
history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or
other NSAIDs severe kidney disease recent heart
bypass surgery (CABG) active bleeding/sores in stomach / intestines (ulcer
gastrointestinal bleeding).
Before
using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history especially
of: asthma bleeding/clotting problems blood
disorders (e.g. anemia ) high blood
pressure diabetes heart disease (e.g.
history of heart attack ) liver disease growths
in the nose ( nasal polyps ) obesity tobacco use
history of stomach /intestine/ esophagus problems
(e.g. bleeding ulcers recurring heartburn ) stroke swelling
of the ankles /feet/hands.
Kidney problems
can sometimes occur with the use of NSAID medications including
mefenamic acid. Problems are more likely to occur if you are dehydrated
have heart failure or kidney disease are an older adult
or if you take certain medications (see also Drug Interactions section).
Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor to prevent dehydration and
tell your doctor right away if you have a change in the amount of urine.
Before
having surgery tell your doctor or dentist that you are
using this medication.
This
drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana ( cannabis )
can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive use machinery or do anything
that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This
medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco especially
when combined with this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.
Limit alcohol and stop smoking . Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
This
medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun.
Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear
protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get
sunburned or have skin blisters /redness.
Kidney
function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by
the kidneys . Therefore caution is advised when using this drug
in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects
especially stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
Before
using this medication women of childbearing age should talk with their
doctor(s) about the benefits and risks (such as miscarriage trouble getting
pregnant ). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you
plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy this medication
should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during
the first and last trimesters of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn
baby and interference with normal labor/delivery.
This
drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable
effects on a nursing infant . Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.