Mefenamic Acid Dosing

For acute pain relief, mefenamic acid dosing recommendations typically start at 500 mg, followed by 250 mg every six hours as needed. Dosage recommendations are determined by several factors, including what you are being treated for, existing medical conditions you may have, and other medications you may be taking. Do not adjust your dose of mefenamic acid unless your doctor instructs you to do so.

 

Mefenamic Acid Dosing: An Introduction

The dose of mefenamic acid (Ponstel®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your mefenamic acid dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
Acute Pain, Including Painful Menstrual Periods
For acute pain relief or the relief of menstrual pain, the usual dose for people 14 years of age and older is mefenamic acid 500 mg initially, then 250 mg every six hours as needed. Generally, treatment for acute pain should last no more than seven days. Treatment for painful menstrual periods should last for no more than two to three days.
 

General Mefenamic Acid Dosing Information

Some considerations for people taking mefenamic acid include:
 
  • Your mefenamic acid dosage should be taken by mouth with food and a full glass of water.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the mefenamic acid capsules.
     
  • It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the chances of developing serious side effects.
     
  • For mefenamic acid to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Mefenamic acid will not work if you take it in a different way than how your healthcare provider prescribes.
     
  • If you do not take your mefenamic acid as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Do not take a double dose at one time or with other NSAIDs. It is okay to take it with acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to mefenamic acid or your mefenamic acid dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking mefenamic acid without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;