Mefenamic acid is an NSAID (non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug). For “stomach pain,” it depends on what’s causing the pain, because mefenamic acid can help some types of pain but can also irritate the stomach.
When mefenamic acid may help
It can reduce pain and inflammation, so it may be used for:
- Period pain (dysmenorrhea)
- Muscle/joint pain with cramping
- Mild to moderate pain where inflammation is involved
For stomach pain, it may be used only in certain cases
If the stomach pain is due to inflammation-related cramps (and not an ulcer/acid problem), a doctor sometimes uses it short‑term.
Important cautions (common with stomach pain)
Mefenamic acid can cause or worsen:
- Gastritis/acid reflux
- Stomach burning
- Ulcers and stomach bleeding
So if your stomach pain could be from acidity, ulcer, indigestion, H. pylori infection, or gastroenteritis, mefenamic acid is often not a good choice.
Don’t use / be careful if you have
- History of stomach ulcer or bleeding
- Severe heart disease, uncontrolled BP, kidney disease
- You’re on blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), steroids, or other NSAIDs
- Asthma triggered by NSAIDs
- Pregnancy (especially 3rd trimester)
Seek urgent care if
- Black/tarry stools or vomiting blood
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Fever, persistent vomiting, or dehydration
- Pain lasts >24–48 hours, or you’re pregnant
Safer alternatives (often) for stomach-related pain
For many kinds of stomach upset/acid pain, paracetamol/acetaminophen is usually gentler on the stomach than mefenamic acid. For acidity, doctors may use antacids or acid reducers (like omeprazole), depending on the cause.
If you tell me your age, sex, where exactly the pain is (upper stomach, lower belly, right/left), how long it’s been going on, and any symptoms (burning, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, periods), I can suggest whether mefenamic acid makes sense or what might be safer.