Mefenamic acid
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| Mefenamic acid
| |
| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
| 2-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)aminobenzoic acid | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | |
| ATC code | M01 |
| PubChem | |
| DrugBank | |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C15H15NO2 |
| Mol. mass | 241.285 g/mol |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | 90% |
| Protein binding | 90% |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (CYP2C9) |
| Half life | 2 hours |
| Excretion | Renal and fecal |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. | |
| Legal status |
℞-only (U.S.) |
| Routes | Oral |
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Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain, including menstrual pain. It is commercially available in the US as Ponstel® and internationally by Pfizer as Ponstan®. It is also prescribed as an antipyretic drug. It is typically prescribed for oral administration.
Mefenamic acid decreases inflammation (swelling) and uterine contractions by a still unknown mechanism. However it is thought to be related to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.
Since hepatic metabolism plays a significant role in mefenamic acid elimination, patients with known liver deficiency may be prescribed lower doses. Kidney deficiency may also cause accumulation of the drug and its metabolites in the excretory system. Therefore patients suffering from renal conditions should not be prescribed mefenamic acid.
Side effects
Mefenamic acid is known to cause an upset stomach, therefore it is recommended to take prescribed doses together with food or milk. Instances of drowsiness may also occur. As such, it is recommended to avoid driving or consuming alcohol while taking this medication.
Other known mild side effects of mefenamic acid include headaches, nervousness and vomiting. Serious side effects may include diarrhoea, bloody vomit, blurred vision, skin rash, itching and swelling, sore throat and fever. It is advised to consult a doctor immediately if these symptoms appear while taking this medication.
Sources
- MedlinePlus Drug Information: Mefenamic Acid. Last accessed September 28, 2005.
- Ponstel Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Studies, Metabolism - Mefenamic Acid - RxList Monographs. Last accessed September 28, 2005.
Acknowledgement and Attribution Regarding Sources of Content
Some of the initial content on this page may be incorporated in part from copyleft sources in the public domain including wikis such as Wikipedia and AskDrWiki. Drug information for patients came from the The National Library of Medicine. Infectious disease information may have come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Differential Diagnoses are drawn from clinicians as well as an amalgamation of 3 sources: 1.The Disease Database; 2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:3; 3. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:7 .
