Generic
Mefenamic acid
Indications
Mefenamic Acid is indicated for- Fever Toothache Headache Migraine Primary dysmenorrhoea Menorrhagia Mild to moderate pain in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis Traumatic pain Low-back pain Juvenile chronic arthritis in children etc.
Pharmacology
Mefenamic acid contains Mefenamic Acid which is a nonsteroidal agent with demonstrated analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity due to its dual action on prostaglandins. It inhibits the enzymes of prostaglandin synthetase and also antagonizes the actions of prostaglandin at the receptor sites.
Dosage Administration
Adult: 500 mg dose should be given to adults upto three times (1.5 gm total) per day with meals. The dosage may be reduced to 1 tablet (250 mg) three times daily. In case of menorrhagia: 500 mg three times daily with meals and from the onset of menses and continued according to the judgement of the physician. Children: 6 months to 1 year: 5 ml three times/day. 2-4 years: 10 ml three times/day. 5-8 years: 10 ml four times /day. 9-12 years: 15 ml four times/day. Treatment should not be continued for more than 7 days except on the advice of a physician.
Contraindications
It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Mefenamic Acid. It should not be used in patients with peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel diseases, hepatic or renal impairment. It is also contraindicated in patients, whom aspirin and/or other NSAID's have induced symptoms of bronchospasm, skin rashes etc.
Side Effects
The most frequently reported adverse experiences occurring in approximately 1-10% of patients are gastrointestinal: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, Gl ulcers, vomiting, dizziness, abnormal renal function, pruritus, rashes.
Pregnancy And Lactation
The safety of Mefenamic acid on reproductive capacity and pregnancy has not been established. Thus, mefenamic acid should be used in women of childbearing potential and during pregnancy only when the potential benefits are expected to outweigh the potential risks. Trace amounts of Mefenamic acid may be present in breast milk and transmitted to the nursing infant. Thus Mefenamic acid should not be taken by the nursing mother because of the effects of this class of drugs on the infant's cardiovascular system.
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