Mefenamic Acid Description

Generic Name : MEFENAMIC ACID

Pronunciation : (me fe nam' ik)

Trade Name(s) : Dysmen 500, Medol forte, Meftal P, Mepen-DS, Ponstan,

Why it is prescribed: Mefenamic acid is used to treat many types of pain, including menstrual pain. It decreases inflammation and uterine contractions.

When it is to be taken: Mefenamic acid is taken every six hours as necessary. Follow the instructiions on your prescription label.

How it should be taken: Mefenamic acid comes in the form of capsules. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Mefenamic acid makes some people drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
2. Your doctor may order laboratory tests, such as blood counts, or ask you to have your eyes exmined. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Side Effects :
1. Diarrhea. Contact your doctor if this problem is severe.
2. Stomach upsets like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and decreased appetite are seen.Take mefenamic acid with food.
3. Blurred vision, change in color vision, eye or ear pain, skin rash, hives, bloody or tarry stools, difficulty breathing, sore throat, fever. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should tell their doctors.
2. Tell your doctor if you have bleeding problems, heart disease, kidney disease, diverticulitis, a stomach ulcer, or other stomach problems. Mefenamic acid can make these problems worse.
3. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially anticoagulants, medicine for diabetes or arthritis, phenytoin, and sulfa drugs.
4. Do not take aspirin while taking mefenamic acid unless your doctor directs you to do so.
5. Alcoholic beverages can add to the stomach irritation caused by this drug. If you ever had a bad reaction to aspirin or other arthritis medication, tell your doctor before taking mefenamic acid.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.