Description
Mefenamic Acid Tablets contain the active substance mefenamic acid. Mefenamic acid belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Mefenamic Acid Tablets are used to treat the following:
- Symptoms of pain or swelling associated with arthritis, rheumatoid or muscular
disorders.
- Pain associated with trauma or surgery.
- Muscle or dental pain, headaches.
- Pain after childbirth.
- Period pain or abnormally heavy periods.
Warnings
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Mefenamic Acid Tablets if:
- you are taking any other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac;
- you are taking any other anti-inflammatory medicines, including steroids such as
prednisolone;
- you are taking medicines such as warfarin or clopidogrel, which are used to thin the blood;
- you are taking selective serotonin medicines such as paroxetine, which are
antidepressants;
- you have liver or kidney problems, as your doctor may monitor their function before and during treatment;
- you are trying to become pregnant (see section “Fertility”);
- you are elderly (see section 3 “How to take Mefenamic Acid Tablets”);
- previously taking painkillers such as aspirin have given you an upset stomach, or you have a history of stomach or digestive tract problems. Patients taking mefenamic acid can experience bleeding in the stomach or gut;
- you are going to have a major operation or have a bleeding disorder, as mefenamic acid can affect how your blood clots (it can make you bleed more or for longer periods of time);
- you have or have a history of asthma, as it may cause difficulties in breathing;
- you have epilepsy;
- you have a disorder of the connective tissue, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE);
- you are dehydrated with symptoms of thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, dark urine, headache;
- you have problems with your heart, have previously had a stroke, or you think you may be at risk of these conditions (e.g. if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, are a smoker, or have high cholesterol). Your doctor may carry out additional monitoring.
Side Effects
Tell your doctor if you get any of the following side effects:
- vertigo (head spinning);
- fatty faeces;
- sweating;
- palpitations (rapid heartbeat);
- mental confusion;
- appetite loss;
- constipation or bloating;
- blurred vision, eye irritation;
- feeling ill (malaise);
- tinnitus (buzzing or ringing in the ears);
- tingling or numbness of the hands or feet;
- if you have diabetes, sudden and poor blood sugar control – your doctor or pharmacist can help measure your blood sugar levels;
- asthma, or asthma which may be worse than usual;
- swelling of your hands or around your ankles/feet;
- mouth pain, which may show as pain or ulcers of the tongue, cheeks, lips, throat or gums;
- dizziness, drowsiness, feeling lethargic and tired;
- symptoms of low blood pressure, e.g. light-headedness;
- reactions to the sun such as red, painful or swollen skin. Whilst taking mefenamic acid, do not use a sun bed, sunbathe or expose your skin to artificial ultraviolet (UV) light;
- depression;
- inability to sleep;
- hallucinations;
- nervousness;
- ear pain.
Ingredients
The active substance is mefenamic acid.
Each tablet contains 500 mg mefenamic acid. –
The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, pregelatinised starch, croscarmellose sodium, , povidone, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicone dioxide, magnesium stearate, Opadry II Yellow [hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol, iron oxide yellow (E 172), talc, iron oxide red (E 172)].
See the patient information leaflet of the brand you receive as different brands have different other ingredients.
