Mefenamic Acid

Mefenamic acid is a medication that is prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate pain. The medicine comes in a capsule form and works by blocking the effects of certain pain-causing hormones in the body. Mefenamic acid is effective in relieving painful menstrual periods, decreasing uterine contractions, and reducing pain related to bone, muscle, or tendon injury and inflammation. Potential side effects of the drug may include stomach pain, unexplained rash, nausea, and headache.

 

What Is Mefenamic Acid?

Mefenamic acid (Ponstel®) is a prescription medicine used for the relief of mild to moderate pain, including painful menstrual periods. Mefenamic acid is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs for short.
 
(Click Mefenamic Acid Uses for more information on these uses, along with possible off-label uses for mefenamic acid.)
 

Who Makes Mefenamic Acid?

Mefenamic acid is manufactured by First Horizon Pharmaceutical Corporation.
 

How Does Mefenamic Acid Work?

Mefenamic acid and other NSAIDs are thought to work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins.
 

Mefenamic Acid Effects

By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, mefenamic acid is useful for reducing pain related to bone, muscle, or tendon injury or inflammation. It is also effective at decreasing uterine contractions.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;