Mefenamic Acid (Cont.)

Mefenamic Acid: When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take mefenamic acid include:
 
  • Mefenamic acid comes in the form of a capsule.
     
  • Mefenamic acid should be taken with food and a full glass of water.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the mefenamic acid capsules.
     
  • For mefenamic acid to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Mefenamic acid will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • 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.
     

Dosing for Mefenamic Acid

The dose of mefenamic acid that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Mefenamic Acid Dosing for more information about dosing for mefenamic acid.)
 

Mefenamic Acid Side Effects

(The mefenamic acid side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects of this drug. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
 
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with mefenamic acid. Yet, not everyone who takes mefenamic acid will experience side effects. When side effects do occur, in many cases they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
Common mefenamic acid side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
Less common but serious side effects include:
 
  • Cardiovascular problems, including a heart attack or stroke
  • Stomach or intestine problems, including bleeding, ulcers, or a hole (known as a perforation)
  • Liver damage
  • Kidney problems, including kidney failure
  • Rapid weight gain (see Ponstel and Weight Gain)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Vision problems
  • Allergic reaction
  • Unexplained rash.
     
These possible side effects are shared with all NSAIDs and can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life.
 
(Click Side Effects of Mefenamic Acid to learn about the specific mefenamic acid side effects, including possible serious side effects to look out for.)
 
(Mefenamic Acid Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;