$Unique_ID{BRK03216} $Pretitle{} $Title{mefenamic acid} $Subject{Ponstel Parke-Davis Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic mefenamic acid menstruation prostaglandins pain} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. mefenamic acid ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Ponstel (Parke-Davis) TYPE OF DRUG Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic INGREDIENT mefenamic acid DOSAGE FORM Capsules (250 mg) STORAGE This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. USES Mefenamic acid is used to treat painful menstruation. Mefenamic acid has been shown to block the production of certain body chemicals, called prostaglandins, that may trigger pain. However, it is not yet fully understood how it works. TREATMENT Mefenamic acid should be taken with food or antacids to lessen stomach irritation (unless your doctor recommends otherwise). Take this medication only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it or take it more often; and do not take it for longer than seven days at a time, unless your doctor tells you to do so. Taking too much of this medicine or using it for long periods of time may increase your chances of experiencing serious side effects. It is important to take mefenamic acid on schedule and not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, unusual sweating, or vomiting. As your body adjusts to the drug, these side effects should disappear. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). If you become dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Avoid operating a car or potentially dangerous equipment. Major. If any side effects are persistent or particularly bothersome, you should report them to your doctor. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; depression; difficult or painful urination; palpitations; a problem with hearing; ringing or buzzing in the ears; severe diarrhea; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain; swelling of the feet; tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, or wheezing; unexplained sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual fatigue or weakness; unusual weight gain; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Mefenamic acid interacts with several other medications: 1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin can lead to an increase in bleeding complications if taken at the same time as mefenamic acid. 2. Concurrent use with aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory medications can increase stomach irritation. Aspirin may also decrease the effectiveness of mefenamic acid. 3. Probenecid may increase blood levels of mefenamic acid, which may increase the risk of side effects. 4. The action of beta blockers may be decreased by this medication. 5. The drug can interact with diuretics (water pills). BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to any medications, especially to mefenamic acid or to any of the other chemically related drugs (aspirin, other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, meclofenamate, indomethacin, ketoprofen, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, or tolmetin). * Before taking mefenamic acid, it is important to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma, bleeding problems, colitis, stomach ulcers or other stomach problems, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, or Parkinson's disease. * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. * Because mefenamic acid can prolong your bleeding time, it is important to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment. * If you experience severe diarrhea while taking this medication, check with your doctor immediately. Do not take this medication again unless you first check with your doctor, because severe diarrhea can occur each time you take it. * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication. These should, therefore, be avoided (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). * If this drug is to be given to a child under 12 years of age, discuss the risks as well as the benefits with your doctor. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This type of medication may cause unwanted effects on the heart or blood flow in the fetus. Also, studies in animals have shown that this type of medicine, if taken late in pregnancy, can increase the length of pregnancy, prolong labor, and cause other problems during delivery. Mefenamic acid has not been shown to cause birth defects in animals; however, studies in humans have not been conducted. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Small amounts of mefenamic acid pass into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.