Side Effects of Mefenamic Acid (Cont.)

Common Side Effects of Mefenamic Acid

Mefenamic acid has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to those that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they occur, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
Based on these studies, the most common mefenamic acid side effects include:
 
  • Stomach pain
  • Indigestion or heartburn (dyspepsia)
  • Nausea, with or without vomiting
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Ulcer in the stomach or intestines (peptic ulcer)
  • High liver enzymes
  • Unexplained rash
  • Unexplained bleeding
  • Anemia
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Swelling.
     

Rare Mefenamic Acid Side Effects

During clinical studies, some side effects occurred in less than 1 percent of people taking mefenamic acid. Because these side effects were so uncommon, it is difficult to tell whether they were actually caused by the medication or something else. These rare but possible side effects include but are not limited to:
 

Final Thoughts

You may experience some of the side effects explained in this article or none at all. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects with mefenamic acid or if something "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;