What does mefenamic acid do in the body?
Mefenamic acid is a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medicine in the NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) group. It helps reduce pain and inflammation by lowering the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in the body (prostaglandins) via cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. [1]
What kinds of symptoms is it used for?
Mefenamic acid is commonly used for conditions where pain and inflammation play a role, such as:
- Menstrual (period) cramps and related pain [1]
- Mild to moderate pain, such as dental pain or musculoskeletal pain [1]
How fast does it work, and how long does the effect last?
The medicine starts working after you take it, but the exact timing depends on the dose and whether you take it with food. For many people, pain relief begins within a few hours, with effects lasting until the next dose. [1]
What side effects should people watch for?
Like other NSAIDs, mefenamic acid can irritate the stomach and may raise the risk of stomach bleeding or ulcers. Other possible side effects include nausea and indigestion. Seek urgent care if you have signs of serious bleeding (such as black/tarry stools or vomiting blood). [1]
Who should avoid it or use it cautiously?
People are often advised to avoid mefenamic acid or get medical advice first if they have:
- A history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding [1]
- Significant kidney disease [1]
- NSAID-triggered asthma or prior allergic reactions to NSAIDs [1]
Does it treat the cause, or just symptoms?
Mefenamic acid treats symptoms by reducing pain and inflammation. It does not cure the underlying cause of the pain (for example, it can reduce menstrual cramps but does not fix the cause of uterine issues if present). [1]
Sources
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com – Mefenamic Acid information: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/MEFENAMIC-ACID