What is Mefenamic Acid: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Mefenamic Acid overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ponstel, Ponstel

Generic Names:

  • Mefenamic Acid

Uses:

  • Treats pain, including menstrual pain. This is an NSAID.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic, Antimigraine, Central Nervous System Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Mefenamic Acid used for?

Mefenamic Acid is used in patients 14 years and older to relieve pain. It decreases the hormone in the body that causes inflammation and pain. Mefenamic Acid is used only for short-term (7 days or less). This drug is also used to relieve menstrual cramps.

What form(s) does Mefenamic Acid come in

  • Capsule

What are common Mefenamic Acid doses?

  • Capsule 250MG

Common Mefenamic Acid prescriptions

  • Mefenamic Acid
    250mg capsule

How to take Mefenamic Acid

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

What to do if you miss a dose of Mefenamic Acid

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Mefenamic Acid contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to mefenamic acid, aspirin, or similar medicines. Do not use it right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

Mefenamic Acid warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, high blood pressure, heart or blood vessel problems, heart failure, a recent heart attack, or a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems. Tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of blot clots, heart attack, stroke, or heart failureBleeding problems, including stomach and bowel bleeding or ulcerLiver problemsHigh blood pressureKidney problemsSerious skin reactions

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; red skin lesions; severe acne or skin rash; sores or ulcers on the skin; or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.

  • Liver problems may occur while you are using this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: abdominal pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Skin rash or blisters with fever.

  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and lightheadedness.

  • Sudden or severe headache.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Mefenamic Acid interactions

  • Do not use any other NSAID unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, diflunisal, ibuprofen, naproxen, or salsalate.

  • Some medicines can affect how mefenamic acid works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Aspirin, cyclosporine, digoxin, fluconazole, lithium, methotrexate, pemetrexed, trimethoprimAntacidBlood pressure medicineBlood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat depressionSteroid medicine

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This is more likely if you have had a stomach ulcer in the past, if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, if you are over 60 years old, if you are in poor health, or if you are using certain other medicines (a steroid medicine or a blood thinner).

  • You should not use mefenamic acid for more than 7 days unless your doctor tells you to.

  • This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

  • Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; red skin lesions; severe acne or skin rash; sores or ulcers on the skin; or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.

  • Liver problems may occur while you are using this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: abdominal pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Mefenamic Acid side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and lightheadedness.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Problems with vision, speech, or walking.

  • Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.

  • Sudden or severe headache.

  • Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Bloody or black, tarry stools, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, unusual sweating, fainting

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Skin rash or blisters with fever.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Ringing in your ears.

  • Constipation, diarrhea

  • Mild skin rash and itching skin.

  • Dizziness

  • Indigestion or gas.

  • Problems with your vision.

  • Rapid weight gain, or unexpected weight loss.

  • Mild heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain or upset.