Mefenamic acid

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About Mefenamic Acid

This belongs to the group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Mefenamic Acid can be used to relieve mild to moderate pain after operations and in rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, and osteoarthritis. It can also be used to treat abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding and period (menstrual) pain.

Mefenamic Acid works by preventing the production of irritant chemicals that cause pain and inflammation in the body.

Mefenamic Acid is available in tablet, capsule and paediatric oral solution form.

Brands available are: Dysman; Ponstan; Ponstan Forte.

Before Taking Mefenamic Acid

Before taking Mefenamic Acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems
• if you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure), or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• if you suffer from rhinitis (constantly runny nose), asthma or breathing problems
• if you have ever had an unusual reaction from taking aspirin or NSAIDs. Other NSAIDs include Ibuprofen, Diclofenac and Naproxen.
• if you suffer from indigestion, heartburn or any other digestive problems
• if you have ever suffered from peptic (stomach) ulcer
• if you have ever suffered from inflammatory bowel disease
• if you have ever had blood clotting problems
• if you suffer from porphyria
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Mefenamic Acid

• Take Mefenamic Acid exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take Mefenamic Acid with or immediately after food.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Mefenamic Acid contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• Mefenamic Acid is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Mefenamic Acid.
• Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• If you experience indigestion after taking Mefenamic Acid try taking the next dose with a glass of milk.
• Mefenamic Acid may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Mefenamic Acid may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Try to avoid sunlight and sunbeds or use a sun protection cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
• Mefenamic Acid can cause dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Mefenamic Acid.

Can Mefenamic Acid cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, tummy pain, heartburn, diarrhoea, swelling feet or lower legs, headache, dizziness, nervousness or depression, drowsiness, problems sleeping, numbness in your hands or feet, tiredness, general feeling of being unwell, disturbance in vision, ringing or buzzing in the ears.

Important: If you experience skin rashes, severe diarrhoea, swelling of the lips, mouth and throat; wheezing or breathing problems; yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes; a high temperature with a sore throat or if you experience black or bloody stools or blood in the urine stop taking this medicine immediately and consult your doctor or accident and emergency department of your local hospital as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying side effects which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Mefenamic Acid

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 16/03/2005   

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