You too may sometimes experience unbearable headaches, toothaches, severe stomach pain during menstruation, or joint pain. At such times, we are often accustomed to using a painkiller quickly. Mefenamic Acid is a well-known painkiller that many people use and doctors recommend in such cases. But there are a few things that we must know when using this medicine. So today, let's talk about this Mefenamic Acid.
What is Mefenamic Acid?
Simply put, Mefenamic Acid is a drug that is used to control mild to moderate pain. It is often prescribed for period pain in particular. It belongs to a group of drugs called NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) . This group of drugs works by reducing the production of chemicals in our body that cause pain and swelling. Therefore, both pain and swelling are controlled. In Sri Lanka, you may see it under the brand name Ponstel or under other names.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes Mefenamic Acid for you, it is very important that you tell him or her your complete medical history. This is because it can be dangerous to use this medication with certain medical conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or habit | Why should I tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Recent bypass surgery (CABG) | Taking this medication within two weeks of bypass surgery is very risky for the heart. |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure | These medications can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| A history of stomach ulcers or bleeding | Mefenamic Acid has a risk of causing stomach ulcers or worsening existing ulcers. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Since this medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys and liver, it can damage those organs. |
| Asthma or breathing difficulties | NSAIDs can worsen symptoms in some asthma patients. |
| Alcohol or tobacco use | These habits further increase the risk of side effects such as stomach bleeding. |
| Being pregnant or expecting a baby | Taking this medicine during pregnancy, especially in the last months, can be dangerous. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | Doctor's advice is essential because parts of the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How should I use the medicine?
Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the prescribed dose, and for the prescribed period . Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
- This is usually taken with water.
- Some people may experience stomach discomfort or heartburn when taking this medicine. If this happens, take this medicine with or after a meal . This will reduce the effect on the stomach.
- If you are taking other medications that contain magnesium (e.g., some antacids), do not take them at the same time as Mefenamic Acid. Talk to your doctor about this and schedule a time to take them.
Important: The doctor has prescribed this medicine only for you. Do not give this medicine to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you, even if you feel better.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other things that may interact with Mefenamic Acid
Mefenamic Acid can interact with other medications, some foods, and herbs. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies).
| Do not take Mefenamic Acid with these! (Severely dangerous) | |
|---|---|
| Other types of NSAIDs | Other painkillers like Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Ketorolac. If these are taken together, the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney damage is very high. |
| Methotrexate | This medicine, which is used to treat cancer and arthritis, may increase its toxicity in the body. |
| Be very careful when taking these together (doctor's advice is essential) | |
| Anticoagulant | Medicines like Warfarin and Aspirin. Taking these with Mefenamic Acid increases the risk of bleeding. |
| Blood pressure medications (including diuretics) | Mefenamic Acid can reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications and affect the kidneys. |
| Alcohol | If you take this medicine with alcohol, the risk of stomach bleeding and drowsiness is very high. |
| Lithium | The amount of this medication given for mental illnesses can increase dangerously in the body. |
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
Stomach ulcers and bleeding
This medicine can cause the stomach lining to thin, ulcers to form, and bleeding without warning . If you experience stomach pain, chest pain, black or tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds , stop taking the medicine immediately and see a doctor . Smoking, drinking alcohol, and getting older increase this risk.
Heart attack and stroke risk
Long-term use of NSAIDs such as Mefenamic Acid may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. This risk is higher if you already have heart disease. If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks, you should talk to your doctor before taking Mefenamic Acid.
Severe skin allergies
Although rare, some people can have a severe allergic reaction to Mefenamic Acid. This can include fever, body aches, and a red rash that can then blister and peel. You may also experience symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, and hives on the neck or armpits. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Pregnancy and fertility
If you are pregnant, this medicine may affect your ability to conceive. Taking this medicine after 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious harm to the baby. It is especially not recommended to take this medicine after 30 weeks. Therefore, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or expecting a baby, you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
What are the most common side effects?
Like any medicine, Mefenamic Acid can have side effects. Some are dangerous, some are common.
| If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately! | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergy | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Heart attack/stroke symptoms | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, fainting. |
| Kidney/liver damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the legs/ankles, yellowing of the eyes/skin, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. |
| Things that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Indigestion/inflammation of the stomach | This can be reduced by taking the medicine with food. |
| Headache | A mild, occasional headache. |
| Appetite | Decreased appetite. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
Take-Home Message
- Mefenamic Acid is not a good medicine to use continuously without consulting a doctor. Always take it only as prescribed by a doctor, and only in the prescribed dosage.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have (especially heart, kidney, liver, and stomach diseases).
- If you notice any signs of a dangerous side effect , such as stomach pain, black stools, or skin rash while taking the medication, see a doctor immediately.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or expecting a baby, you should think twice before using this medicine. Be sure to consult a doctor.
- It is very dangerous to take this medicine with alcohol. Also, avoid taking it with other painkillers (Ibuprofen, Aspirin).
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න