Mefenamic Acid 500mg

Mefenamic Acid 500mg — Uses and Benefits

Mefenamic Acid 500mg is mainly used to relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation caused by various conditions.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Menstrual cramps (period pain)
• Headache and migraine-related pain
• Toothache and post-dental pain
• Muscle and joint pain, including sprains
• Pain and inflammation from arthritis
• Fever associated with pain

HOW IT WORKS

• It blocks certain enzymes (COX enzymes) that produce prostaglandins in the body
• Prostaglandins cause pain, swelling, and inflammation
• By reducing prostaglandin production, this medicine lowers pain, swelling, and fever

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a first-choice treatment for chronic long-term pain conditions
• It does not treat the underlying cause of infection-related pain
• It is not a substitute for antibiotics in infections
• It should not be used routinely for everyday minor aches without medical advice

How to Use Mefenamic Acid 500mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with or after food to reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet with a glass of water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Do not increase the dose or take it more often than prescribed
• Do not use for longer than recommended by your doctor
• Avoid lying down immediately after taking the tablet

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original packaging until use
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Mefenamic Acid 500mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Stomach upset or indigestion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Drowsiness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Skin rash or itching
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Fluid retention leading to mild swelling
• Ringing in the ears

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Black or bloody stools, or vomiting blood (signs of stomach bleeding)
• Severe stomach pain
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/throat (allergic reaction)
• Sudden decrease in urine output
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Seizures or fits

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Mefenamic Acid 500mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a valid doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to mefenamic acid or other NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen
• Have active stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeding
• Have severe kidney or liver disease
• Have severe heart failure
• Are in the last trimester of pregnancy

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have a history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Have asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease
• Have high blood pressure
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are elderly, as side effects may be more likely
• Are taking blood thinners or other regular medicines

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Blood thinners such as warfarin (increased bleeding risk)
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin (increased stomach and bleeding risk)
• Blood pressure medicines (reduced effectiveness)
• Diuretics (water tablets)
• Lithium and methotrexate (increased blood levels and toxicity)
• Corticosteroids (increased risk of stomach ulcers)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine on an empty stomach?

It is best taken with or after food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.

Can I take this medicine daily for chronic pain?

It is meant for short-term use only; long-term use should be under strict medical supervision.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

• It should be avoided, especially in the last trimester, unless specifically advised by your doctor.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.