Mefenamic Acid Research Paper

Mefenamic acid

A Complete Guide on Taking Mefenamic Acid

Mefenamic acid is a common medication used to treat various types of pain. It belongs to a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which is typically taken by mouth. It works by reducing your body's production of an inflammatory substance that causes fever, swelling and pain.

Part 1: Precautions Before Taking Mefenamic Acid

Although mefenamic acid is a medication that may be bought over-the-counter, there are some things to keep in mind before taking it, including:

• Tell your doctor/pharmacist if you are allergic to mefenamic acid, aspirin or other NSAID such as ibuprofen or naproxen. It is also safe practice to inform your doctor about other allergies because

• Taking more than 500 mg mefenamic acid may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, bloody stool or vomit, diarrhea, ringing in ear, disorientation, drowsiness, excitation, dizziness, fainting, convulsions, and coma. Acute poisoning may lead to liver damage and acute kidney failure. Seek medical help immediately. Bring the remaining tablets with the container with you.

• If you forget to take your dose, take the next dose when it is due and continue following your usual schedule. Avoid taking a double dose. Ask your doctor/pharmacist if you have other concerns.

Part 3: Possible Side Effects and Interactions with Mefenamic Acid

Mefenamic is effective in treating pain and inflammation, but like other medications, it may have some side effects. It may also interact with other medications or medical conditions, so it advisable to tell your doctor if you are taking other medications.

Side Effects Interactions

• chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, slurred speech, vision/ balance problems

• coughing up blood, bloody, black/tarry stools, coffee ground appearance of

valsartan, losartan), ACE inhibitors (ex. captopril, lisinopril), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide), cyclosporine, desmopressin, corticosteroids (ex. prednisone), fluconazole, lithium, pemetrexed, probenecid, methotrexate, tenofovir

• Increased the risk of bleeding when taken with anti-platelet drugs (ex. Clopidogrel) and "blood thinners" (ex. enoxaparin, Dabigatran, warfarin)

• Medications containing pain relievers or fever reducers such as aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and celecoxib.

Part 4: What to Do in Case of an Emergency

1. When Experiencing Serious Symptoms

Stop using mefenamic acid and immediately contact your doctor IF:

 You experience breathing problems such as breathlessness or wheezing

 You have any symptoms of allergic reaction such as skin rash or swelling of the face or around your mouth

 You have severe diarrhea, black or bloody stools, blood in your vomit, or abdominal pains.

2. You experience other symptoms which may be due to mefenamic acid

When Overdosing

Call your local poison control center immediately. If a victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 right away.

Mefenamic acid overdose symptoms include:

 nausea

 vomiting

 extreme tiredness

 stomach pain

 blood in