Mefenamic Acid: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, commonly used to manage mild to moderate pain or primary dysmenorrhoea. It reduces inflammation and pain through prostaglandin inhibition. This medicine requires a prescription in the United Kingdom, and the label describes use in adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older.

Mefenamic acid is indicated for the management of mild to moderate pain in adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older when treatment will not exceed one week. It is also indicated for primary dysmenorrhoea, meaning painful menstrual periods. As an NSAID, it may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with these conditions.

The medicine is intended for defined treatment situations, and the label advises that the benefits and risks should be considered before treatment. A prescriber should determine whether it is suitable, particularly where there is a history of stomach or intestinal problems, cardiovascular disease, kidney or liver impairment, heart failure, asthma, or sensitivity to aspirin or other NSAIDs.

The label lists mefenamic acid capsules containing 250 mg. The label lists use in adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older. The label lists 500 mg given orally as an initial dose followed by 250 mg every 6 hours as needed for mild to moderate pain.

The label lists 500 mg given orally as an initial dose followed by 250 mg every 6 hours for primary dysmenorrhoea, starting with the onset of bleeding and associated symptoms. The label lists treatment for mild to moderate pain when therapy will not exceed one week.

The label advises using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual treatment goals, with adjustment according to the response to initial therapy. These are label facts for prescriber assessment, not personal dosing instructions.

Mefenamic acid belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug class. NSAIDs reduce the activity of enzymes involved in making prostaglandins, chemical messengers that contribute to pain, inflammation, and raised temperature. By reducing prostaglandin production, mefenamic acid can lessen pain and inflammatory symptoms.

Prostaglandins also support protective processes in the stomach and intestines, help maintain kidney blood flow, and contribute to other normal body functions. Their reduction therefore explains why NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal, kidney, cardiovascular, and other adverse effects in some people. The effect is not limited to the painful area, so suitability depends on a person’s medical history, other medicines, and treatment circumstances.

Mefenamic acid can cause fetal renal dysfunction, oligohydramnios, neonatal renal impairment, and premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. The label advises limiting use between about 20 and 30 weeks of gestation and avoiding use at about 30 weeks of gestation and later.

The label does not specify lactation data. Pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist before treatment.

A missed dose means that the planned dose was not taken at the intended time. General pharmacy practice is to follow the prescriber’s directions and avoid taking extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose, because NSAIDs can cause serious gastrointestinal, kidney, and cardiovascular effects.

If the next scheduled dose is near, a pharmacist or prescriber can advise whether the missed dose should be omitted. The prescribed schedule and treatment duration should not be changed without professional advice.

Store at 25°C; excursions are permitted to 15° to 30°C. Keep the capsules in a tight container and protect them from moisture. Store as directed on the label to maintain quality.