Mefenamic acid is a common drug licensed to relieve mild to moderate pain. This page on the eMedTV Web site offers a more in-depth look at this medication, including its uses, effects, potential side effects, and dosing information.
This eMedTV resource provides a list of common side effects of mefenamic acid, including headache, dizziness, and diarrhea. Other rare but possible side effects are also listed, such as hepatitis, depression, and insomnia.
As explained in this eMedTV article, mefenamic acid uses generally include the relief of painful menstrual periods and pain related to bone, muscle, or tendon injury and inflammation. The drug can be used by people who are age 14 or older.
When taking mefenamic acid for acute pain relief, the starting dose is generally 500 mg. As this part of the eMedTV archives explains, after the initial dose of mefenamic acid, dosing is usually 250 mg every six hours thereafter as needed.
This eMedTV page offers a list of medicines that may potentially cause drug interactions with mefenamic acid, including antacids, aspirin, and warfarin. These interactions may lead to increased drug levels in your blood and/or other side effects.
Mefenamic acid can potentially cause problems in the stomach and intestines. This eMedTV article offers more warnings and precautions with mefenamic acid, including other possible side effects and information on who should not take the drug.
