Drug Name Mechanism of Action Indication/ Contraindication
Generic Name:  Mefenamic acid binds the
Mefenamic Acid prostaglandin synthetase
receptors COX – 1 and COX -2
Brand Name: inhibiting the action of
Mefenax prostaglandin synthase. As these
receptors have a role as a major
Class: mediator of inflammation and /or
Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory a role for prostaglandin signaling
in activity-dependent plasticity,
Therapeutic: the symptoms of pain are
temporarily reduced
Pharmacologic:  Produces anti0inflammatory,
Analgesic analgesic and anti-pyretic
effects, possibly through
Dosage: inhabitation of prostaglandin
synthesis
Route:
Source: PPD’s Drug Handbook
for professionals and Nursing
Students, 2nd Edition, p.80
Adverse effect
Indication:
 The analgesic efficacy of
mefenamic acid is documented
for inflammatory and non-
inflammatory pain. Its use for
acute pain is well known: pain
after dental interventions or
after traumas are significantly
reduced with mefenamic acid.
Mefenamic acid is one of the
drugs of choice for
dysmenorrhea (alongside
fenamaten, ibuprofen and
naproxen).
Contraindication:
 Inflammatory intestinal
disease. Active peptic ulcers.
Hypersensitivity to aspirin
(acetylsalicylic acid) or other
non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory agents. Renal
failure
Nursing Responsibilities
CNS:
Drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness,
nervousness, confusion, headache.
EENT:
Blurred vision, eye irritation
CV:
Edema
GI:
Severe diarrhea, ulceration and
bleeding; nausea. vomiting.
Abdominal cramps, flatus,
constipation, hepatic toxicity
GU:
Dysuria, hematuria, nephrotoxicity
DERM:
Urticaria, rash
Hematologic:
Prolonged prothrombin time, severe
autoimmune hemolytic anemia
(long term use), leukopenia,
eosinophilia, agranulocytosis,
thrombocytopenicporpura,
megaloblastic anemia,
pancytopenia, bone marrow
hypoplasia
Urogenital:
Nephrotoxicity, dysuria,
albuminuria, hematuria, elevation of
BUN
Dx:
a. Check doctors order
b. Assess pain score
c. Assess history of allergies
Tx:
a. Give drug with food, milk
or antacids
b. Do not increase or double
dose; follow exactly as
prescribed and indicated
c. Discontinue drug promptly
if diarrhea. Dark stools.
Hematemesis, ecchymosis,
epistaxis or rash occur and
do not use again. Contact
physician
Edx:
a. Document accordingly
b. Monitor for adverse effect
c. Instruct discontinuation of
medication if adverse effect
occurs