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Mefenamic Acid |
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What is Mefenamic Acid and why is it prescribed? Mefenamic Acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used for the relief of moderate pain (when treatment will not last for more than 7 days) and for the treatment of menstrual pain. You should have frequent checkups with your doctor if you take Mefenamic Acid regularly. Ulcers or internal bleeding can occur without warning. How should you take Mefenamic Acid? Follow your doctors directions for taking Mefenamic Acid. Take Mefenamic Acid with food if possible. If it upsets your stomach, be sure to take it with food or an antacid or with a full glass of milk. If you miss a dose and you take Mefenamic Acid on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Mefenamic Acid away from heat, light, and moisture. Are there any Mefenamic Acid side effects? Mefenamic Acid side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Mefenamic Acid side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, stomach and intestinal upset, and vomiting. Less common or rare Mefenamic Acid side effects may include anemia, blurred vision, blood in the urine, changes in liver function, constipation, difficult or painful urination, dizziness, drowsiness, ear pain, eye irritation, facial swelling due to fluid retention, fluttery or throbbing heartbeat, gas, headache, heartburn, hives, inability to sleep, increased need for insulin in a diabetic, kidney failure, labored breathing, loss of appetite, loss of color vision, nervousness, rash, red or purple spots on the skin, sweating, and ulcers and internal bleeding. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Mefenamic Acid? If Mefenamic Acid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Mefenamic Acid with ACE inhibitors (such as Capoten and Vasotec), Alcohol, Aspirin, Blood-thinning medications (such as Coumadin), Diuretics (such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL), Fluconazole (DiFlucan), Lithium (Lithonate), Lovastatin (Mevacor), Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), Steroids (such as prednisone and hydrocortisone), or Trimethoprim (Proloprim, Bactrim, Septra). Are there any special warnings about Mefenamic Acid? Use Mefenamic Acid with extreme caution if you've suffered from stomach ulcers or bleeding in the past. If you develop a rash, diarrhea, or other stomach problems, contact your doctor. If you are an older adult; have kidney problems, liver disease, or heart failure; take drugs such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors; or suffer from dehydration, Mefenamic Acid could damage your kidneys and should be used with caution. Mefenamic Acid occasionally causes liver damage. If you develop warning signs such as nausea, fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes, itching, flu-like symptoms, and upper abdominal pain, stop taking Mefenamic Acid and seek medical attention immediately. Mefenamic Acid can also aggravate high blood pressure, asthma, and heart failure. Use it with caution if you have any of these conditions. Use it cautiously, too, if you smoke or are in poor health. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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