Mefenamic acid capsules instructions. Mefenamic acid is a gallant assistant in relieving pain. The opinion of Dr. Komarovsky

What is mefenamic acid? To date, the drug is very popular in arthrology, in the treatment of diseases of an infectious and inflammatory nature.

Pharmacological properties of the drug, as well as indications and contraindications for use, analogues and cost in this article.

mefenamic acid. General information

It is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral drug.

The drug is widely used in arthrology, for the treatment of diseases of an infectious and inflammatory nature.

Pharmacological properties

Mefenamic acid is a derivative of anthranilic acid, belonging to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drugs.

Influences the central and peripheral mechanisms of pain, reduces local inflammatory process.

Helps to lower the temperature, due to the influence on the center of thermoregulation. The anti-inflammatory effect is obtained by stimulating the production of interferons. The effect of taking the drug occurs after three hours. Mefenamic acid is excreted from the body in the urine.

Composition and form of release

Mefenamic acid is a bitter gray-white powder, odorless.

Produced in the form of a tablet of 10 pieces in one cell, one or two packs in a cardboard box.

Active ingredient: mefenamic acid.

Excipients: talc lactose monohydrate, corn starch sodium lauryl sulfate; silicon dioxide; magnesium stearate.

Indications

Contraindications

Mefenamic acid should not be used if:

Carefully:

- patients with epilepsy;
- hypertension;
- nonspecific ulcerative colitis;

Side effects

- Has an undesirable effect on the central nervous system: drowsiness, weakness, irritation, convulsions, headaches;
- nausea, vomiting, gas formation;
- colitis, heartburn, hepatitis, jaundice, enterocolitis, pancreatitis;
- high or low blood pressure;
- arrhythmia;
- gastritis;
- bronchospasm;
- cystitis;
- renal failure.

The use of mefenamic acid

Way

Mefenamic acid is indicated to be taken orally, during a meal. The tablet or capsule is not divided and must be swallowed whole.

Dosage: adults 250 mg or 500 mg 3-4 times a day. The maximum daily dose is 3 grams.

The duration of the course of treatment is prescribed by the attending physician.

The daily dose of mefenamic acid for children aged five to twelve years should not exceed 1 gram. The exact dosage and duration of the course is determined by the attending physician.

Overdose

The drug is rapidly absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract, so in case of an overdose, there may be: ulcers, erosion of the gastrointestinal tract.

Accompanied by the following symptoms: vomiting, nausea, increased or decreased blood pressure, shortness of breath, coma.

In case of an overdose of the drug, it is necessary: induce vomiting, take sorbents.

special instructions

Mefenamic acid should not be taken by patients with allergies to the components of the drug and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heart failure, after undergoing heart surgery and with cirrhosis of the liver.

With caution: the elderly, patients with diabetes mellitus, circulatory disorders, bronchial asthma, stroke. This group of patients is prescribed a drug with a minimum dosage.

To reduce side effects on the gastrointestinal tract, mefenamic acid should be used during or after meals. If skin rashes and nausea occur, the drug should be discontinued.

Analogues

Preparations identical in composition and indications for use

Other analogues of the drug

Storage conditions

Store at temperatures up to 25 degrees, out of the reach of children.

Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies.

Released without a doctor's prescription.

Price

Price medicinal product depends on the shape and packaging.

Average price: 240-300 rubles.

Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drug used in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, mild to moderate pain syndrome, and febrile syndrome.

pharmachologic effect

Mefenamic acid has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties.

The anti-inflammatory effect of mefenamic acid is due to its ability to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins and serotonin, which are important in inflammation processes. The ability to reduce the production of prostaglandins and influence the thermoregulatory center explains the antipyretic effect of mefenamic acid. The analgesic effect of the drug is due to its effect on the central and peripheral mechanisms of pain sensitivity.

Mefenamic acid is able to increase the activity of T-lymphocytes, which play a significant role in the functions immune system, and stimulate the production of interferon, which allows us to talk about its anti-inflammatory effect. After oral administration, the maximum concentration of mefenamic acid in the blood can be observed after 2-4 hours. The half-life of the drug is 3 hours. About 67% of mefenamic acid is excreted in the urine, and the rest in the faeces.

Indications for use

Mefenamic acid, the instruction confirms, is effective for such inflammatory diseases musculoskeletal system, such as:

rheumatism (a disease that affects the cardiovascular system and connective tissue);
gout (joint disease caused by the accumulation of uric acid in them);
rheumatoid arthritis (destructive damage to large and small joints of the limbs);
ankylosing spondylitis (limited mobility of the spine and possible involvement in the inflammatory process of the lungs, kidneys, heart and other internal organs).

It is advisable to use mefenamic acid to eliminate pain in neuralgia, radiculitis, menstruation, childbirth, and oncological diseases.

Mefenamic acid is also effective for mild or moderate headache and toothache, pain in muscles, joints, bones, pain during menstruation, febrile syndrome that accompanies infectious and colds.

Instructions for use of mefenamic acid

Mefenamic acid is available in the form of a powder substance and tablets (250 mg or 500 mg). Inside the drug is recommended to be taken after meals with milk. Adults are usually prescribed 250-500 mg 3-4 times a day, while the maximum daily dose should not exceed 3 grams, the recommended daily dose after achieving a therapeutic effect is 1 gram.

Mefenamic acid for children 5-10 years old is prescribed in a single dose of 250 mg, and for children over 10 years old - 300 mg, the frequency of doses for these age groups is 3-4 times a day.

The instruction recommends taking mefenamic acid for 20-45 days, but if necessary, the course can be extended to 2 months or more.

Locally, mefenamic acid is applied as a 1% paste or 0.1-0.2% solution. The paste is recommended to be injected into the periodontal pockets after 1-2 days (6-8 sessions), and with the help of an aqueous solution, applications should be made 1-2 times a day for ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa.

Side effects

According to the instructions, mefenamic acid can provoke the manifestation of such undesirable effects as:

gastrointestinal discomfort, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, gastrointestinal bleeding;
increased blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbance, peripheral edema;
non-specific inflammation of the kidneys, hematuria (the presence of blood in the urine in excess of the norm), albuminuria (protein excretion in the urine);
bronchospasm, shortness of breath;
drowsiness, blurred vision, general weakness, insomnia, nervousness;
allergic skin reactions;
at high concentration in the blood - vomiting, convulsions, muscle twitching;
with prolonged use - a violation of hematopoiesis, a decrease in hematocrit (the ratio of red blood cells to blood volume), hemolytic anemia (a disease caused by increased destruction of red blood cells).

Contraindications to the use of mefenamic acid

Mefenamic acid is not prescribed for hypersensitivity, peptic ulcer, inflammatory processes of the digestive tract, blood diseases and impaired kidney and liver function.

Mefenamic acid is contraindicated for children under 5 years of age, pregnant and lactating women.

Additional Information

Mefenamic acid will be suitable for use for 3 years, provided it is stored in a dry and dark place where the air temperature does not exceed 250C.

Sincerely,

Mefenamic acid: instructions for use and reviews

Latin name: mefenamic acid

ATX code: M01AG01

Active substance: mefenamic acid

Manufacturer: Flamingo Pharmaceuticals Ltd., India

Description and photo update: 13.08.2019

Mefenamic acid is a drug with analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Release form and composition

Mefenamic acid is produced in the form of tablets (in blister packs of 10 pieces, 1 or 2 packs in a carton box).

The composition of 1 tablet includes:

Active substance: Mefenamic acid - 0.5 g;
Auxiliary components: octadecanoic acid, potato starch, methylcellulose, sodium croscarmellose, magnesium stearate.

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacodynamics

Mefenamic acid is a derivative of anthranilic acid and belongs to the group of antirheumatic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The drug is able to reduce the intensity of the body's production of specific inflammatory mediators - prostaglandins and serotonin. Mefenamic acid affects both the central mechanisms of increasing pain sensitivity and the processes occurring on the periphery, and also inhibits the activity of lysosome proteases.

Mefenamic acid helps stabilize cell membranes and protein ultrastructures, eliminates puffiness and reduces capillary permeability. The antipyretic effect of the active component of the drug is explained by its ability to influence the thermoregulation center located in the brain and suppress the production of inflammatory mediators.

Mefenamic acid is also characterized by a moderately pronounced antiviral effect due to the stimulation of interferon synthesis and an increase in the concentration of T-lymphocytes and T-helpers.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration of mefenamic acid, its maximum concentration in the blood is reached after about 3 hours. The content of the substance in the blood plasma directly depends on the dose taken (there is a linear relationship). Mefenamic acid is highly protein bound and metabolized in the liver. The half-life is 120-240 minutes, and the drug is excreted in the urine and faeces.

Indications for use

Symptomatic therapy of pain syndrome;
Influenza and acute respiratory viral infections (simultaneously with other drugs);
Feverish conditions (as an antipyretic);
Inflammatory disorders of the osteoarticular apparatus: rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis;
Pain, inflammation and swelling that develop in the post-traumatic and postoperative periods;
Blood loss in menorrhagia, which is caused by ovulatory dysfunctional bleeding in the absence of pathologies of the pelvic organs;
Functional dysmenorrhea.

Contraindications

Functional disorders of the kidneys and liver;
Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
blood diseases;
Age up to 5 years;
Pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding);
Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Instructions for use Mefenamic acid: method and dosage

Mefenamic acid is taken orally, after a meal.

A single dose is determined by age:

Adults and children from 12 years old: 0.25-0.5 g (maximum daily dose - 3 g, with improvement, the dose is reduced to 1 g);
Children 5-12 years old: 0.25 g.

The frequency of taking the drug - 3-4 times a day.

The doctor sets the duration of treatment individually (on average - 20-60 days). When conducting symptomatic therapy of pain syndrome, the drug is usually used for up to 7 days.

Side effects

Most often, during the use of mefenamic acid, the occurrence of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, manifested as dyspepsia, gastrointestinal discomfort, pain in the epigastric region, diarrhea, and an increase in the level of liver enzymes, is noted. Taking the drug can lead to the development of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Also during therapy, the following side effects may occur:

Cardiovascular system: increased blood pressure, rhythm disturbances, peripheral edema; rarely - congestive heart failure;
Central nervous system: very rarely - irritability, sleep disturbance;
Genitourinary system: nonspecific inflammation of the kidneys, functional disorders of the kidneys, dysuria, albuminuria, hematuria;
Respiratory system: bronchospasm, dyspnea;
Hematological effects: eosinophilia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenic purpura or thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia;
Allergic reactions: urticaria, skin rash.

Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose of mefenamic acid include drowsiness, lowering blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, pain in the abdomen, depression of the respiratory center, convulsions, and coma.

The active ingredient of the drug does not have a specific antidote. When taking too high doses of mefenamic acid, it is recommended to wash the stomach and take enterosorbents. Urine acidification and forced diuresis are also indicated. The effectiveness of hemodialysis in this case remains insignificant.

special instructions

According to the instructions, Mefenamic acid should not be taken by patients with allergies to aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, severe heart failure, ulcers, intestinal perforation, severe cirrhosis of the liver, and also after heart surgery.

The drug should be taken with caution in elderly patients, as well as in epilepsy, dehydration, allergies, asthma, diabetes mellitus, circulatory disorders, the risk of stroke, angina pectoris, bleeding disorders, porphyria, decreased liver or kidney function. This group of patients may need to reduce the dose or change the treatment regimen.

To reduce irritation of the gastric mucosa, the drug is recommended to be taken with meals. Also, if necessary, it is possible to reduce the dose taken. With the development of skin rashes or diarrhea, the drug should be interrupted.

With prolonged treatment, blood counts and kidney and liver function should be monitored.

During the use of Mefenamic acid, it is not recommended to drive vehicles and perform work that requires high attention and quick psychomotor reactions.

Application in childhood

Children Mefenamic acid is not prescribed under the age of 5 years.

The maximum daily dose of mefenamic acid for children from 5 to 12 years old is 1 g. Usually prescribed 250 mg 3-4 times a day. The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor.

drug interaction

With the simultaneous use of Mefenamic acid with certain drugs, undesirable effects may occur:

Opioid analgesics, dicoumarin, vitamins B6, B1, phenothiazine derivatives: increased effect of mefenamic acid;
Anticoagulants, vitamin K antagonists: enhancing their effect;
Methotrexate: strengthening its negative effects;
Warfarin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders;
Antacids: increase the bioavailability of mefenamic acid, increase its side effects.

Analogues

Mefenamic acid analogues are: Mefenamic acid-Darnitsa, Genospa.

Terms and conditions of storage

Keep out of the reach of children at temperatures up to 25 °C.

Mefenamic acid (NSAID group) is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic agent.

pharmachologic effect

Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. These properties of the drug are due to the inhibition of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, kinins, etc.), as well as a decrease in the activity of lysosomal enzymes involved in inflammatory processes.

In addition, mefenamic acid has a stabilizing effect on protein ultrastructures and cell membranes, reduces vascular permeability, inhibits the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides, increases cell resistance, and also promotes rapid wound healing.

The antipyretic properties of the drug are determined by the ability to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, thereby affecting the center of thermoregulation. Mefenamic acid promotes the formation of interferon.

The drug affects the focus of inflammation, while inhibiting the formation of algogens (histamine, serotonin). After taking the drug, it is quickly absorbed in the digestive tract. The maximum concentration in the blood occurs 2-4 hours after taking the drug. According to the instructions, mefenamic acid is excreted from the body by the kidneys (makes up 67 percent of the dose), as well as with feces (makes 20-25 percent of the dose).

Method of application and dosage

The drug must be taken orally.

Adults, as well as children over 12 years of age, are prescribed 250-500 milligrams, 3-4 times a day. If there is a good tolerability of the drug, the daily dose can be increased to 3000 milligrams (this dose is the maximum). After the therapeutic effect has been achieved, the dose is reduced to 1000 milligrams per day.
Children aged 5 to 12 years are prescribed 250 milligrams, 3-4 times a day.

Mefenamic acid for children, as well as adults, should be taken with milk. The course of treatment can last up to two or more months. In the treatment of pain syndrome, the duration of treatment is 7 days.

Indications for use

Mefenamic acid for children and adults is prescribed in the following cases:

If a person has acute respiratory infections.
Pain: muscular, joint, dental, headache, postpartum, and also postoperative.
The drug is prescribed for primary dysmenorrhea. Dysfunctional menorrhagia caused by the presence of intrauterine contraceptives is used in the absence of pathology of the pelvic organs.
Assign for inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Rheumatism, Bechterew's disease, rheumatoid arthritis.

Contraindications for use

According to the instructions, mefenamic acid should not be prescribed in the following cases:

If a person has hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
With peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
In chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
With kidney disease, as well as with internal bleeding.
Mefenamic acid is strictly forbidden to use during pregnancy and lactation.

special instructions

According to the instructions, mefenamic acid should be used with caution in people who have allergic reactions to acetylsalicylic acid and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances.

Besides medicine with caution appoint patients who have heart failure, as well as patients with a history of gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer.

Mefenamic acid is contraindicated in children under 5 years of age.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Mefenamic acid is contraindicated for use in pregnant women due to the high risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. If necessary, the drug can be prescribed during lactation, but breast-feeding should be stopped.

Overdose

In case of an overdose, the following symptoms occur:

Severe pain in the epigastric region.
Vomiting, nausea, drowsiness.
In more severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeding, shortness of breath, arterial hypertension, and coma are observed.

How to treat: There is no specific antidote for mefenamic acid. It is necessary to wash the stomach with suspension activated carbon.

Side effects

There may be flatulence, vomiting, heartburn, nausea, constipation, diarrhea - from the gastrointestinal tract.
Arrhythmia, arterial hypertension, peripheral edema - from the side of the cardiovascular system.
Bronchospasm - from the respiratory system.
Prolongation of bleeding time, leukopenia - from the blood system.
Cystitis, polyuria, albuminuria - from the urinary system.
Insomnia, weakness, irritability - from the nervous system.
Visual impairment - from the senses. In addition, the patient may experience tinnitus.
swelling of the face, skin rashes, pruritus- allergic reactions.

Terms and conditions of storage

Storage conditions: temperature not higher than 25 degrees Celsius, avoid getting the drug into children's hands.

Shelf life - 2 years.

Mefenamic acid is a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as a group of fenamates. It is used in the treatment of fever, inflammatory syndromes in degenerative diseases of the spine.

Composition and form of release

One tablet contains 0.25 or 0.5 g of mefenamic acid as an active ingredient. Auxiliary constituents include potato starch, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid and its magnesium salt.

Tablets from white to gray, may have a yellowish tint. The shape is flat, cylindrical, have a risk and a chamfer. Slight marbling on a smooth surface is allowed.

Ten tablets are released in a blister, two blisters per carton with instructions for using Mefenamic acid.

Pharmacological properties

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators. The mechanism of action is similar for all representatives of this pharmacological group. Reduce the concentration of substances that take part in the inflammatory reaction.

Mefenamic acid is able to stabilize protein structures and cell membranes, reduce vascular permeability, and stimulate wound healing.

The antipyretic properties of the drug are associated with inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins responsible for the inflammatory process and thermoregulation. That is why this drug is actively used for inflammatory foci in the musculoskeletal system.

It acts on the central mechanisms of pain sensitivity, in addition, it can locally influence the focus of inflammation, inhibit the production of histamine and serotonin.

Absorbed in the digestive tract, maximum concentrations are reached within four hours after oral administration.

It is excreted from the body by the kidneys and feces.

Indications for use

Mefenamic acid is often prescribed for influenza or during acute respiratory infections. It is used as an anesthetic for pain syndromes of medium and low intensity, toothaches, headaches. It is used for muscle pain, after injuries and operations, as well as for inflammation of the joints.

It can be used to treat primary dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, including in case of improper use of intrauterine contraceptives.

It is prescribed for patients suffering from diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including rheumatoid arthritis, Bechterew's disease, rheumatism.

Contraindications

According to the instructions for mefenamic acid, it is contraindicated in known cases of allergic reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Not applicable for bronchospasm, bronchial asthma or urticaria in the patient's history, which were caused by aspirin or other drugs of the same group, for example, Revmoxicam or Nimesil.

Prohibited for use in ulcerative diseases of the intestine and stomach, pathologies of the hematopoietic system, as well as in severe functional heart disease.

Contraindicated in patients with severe functional abnormalities of the kidneys or liver, as well as in gastrointestinal bleeding, which were provoked by similar painkillers.

Application

Mefenamic acid should be used only as prescribed by the attending physician, who must strictly determine the duration of treatment, dosage and frequency of use.

It is taken orally, after a meal. It is necessary to drink milk.

The maximum daily dosage is 3 g. In the treatment of pain syndromes, it is not recommended to exceed the course of treatment for a duration of seven days. The drug is contraindicated in children under the age of five.

Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose of the drug Mefenamic acid are pain in the stomach and intestines, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, drowsiness. In severe cases, respiratory depression, gastric bleeding, increased blood pressure, and muscle twitching develop.

The drug has no antidote. Gastric lavage is performed using activated charcoal suspension. Overdose therapy is symptomatic.

Adverse reactions

Adverse reactions are observed when the duration of the course of treatment and the daily dosage are exceeded.

Organs of hearing and vision, chest. Decreased concentration of vision, irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, ringing in the ears. Possible bronchospasm.
Digestive tract. There may be heartburn, nausea, exacerbation of colitis, enterocolitis. There have been cases of the development of drug-induced hepatitis, hemorrhagic gastritis, ulceration, perforation of the mucous membranes. In severe cases, bleeding may develop, especially in older patients. Frequent side effects are constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia.
Urinary system. Kidneys can react with dysfunction, cystitis, polyuria, glomerulonephritis, oliguria.
CNS. There is drowsiness or sleep disturbance, weakness, irritability, migraines, minor cramps, goosebumps. In rare cases, depression, loss of consciousness, hallucinations were noted.
Heart and blood. There may be reactions such as increased blood pressure, arrhythmia, anemia, heavy heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling. Blood can react with anemia, a reversible change in the concentration of platelets, erythrocytes, leukocytes.

drug interaction

It is forbidden to combine the drug Mefenamic acid with methotrexate, thiamine, pyridoxine, barbiturates, phenothiazine, narcotic painkillers and caffeine.

Cardiac glycosides and diuretics may increase the likelihood of toxic effects on the heart and kidneys, corticosteroids increase the risk of gastric bleeding.

Fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, tacrolimus and zidovudine increase the risk of adverse reactions. Simultaneous administration with lithium preparations increases the toxicity of the latter.

With simultaneous treatment with blood-thinning drugs, the risk of bleeding increases, a similar phenomenon is observed with the simultaneous administration of another drug from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Application features

Caution in prescribing the drug should be observed in patients with epilepsy and diseases of the cardiovascular system. Should not be given to patients with asthma and aspirin-induced bronchospasm.

Do not prescribe for dehydration, severe disorders in the functioning of the kidneys and liver. Caution is required by patients suffering from any pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and skin.