GENERIC NAME MEFENAMIC ACID

CLASSIFICATION NSAIDs
DOSSAGE 500mg
ROUTE ORAL
FREQUENCY 3 times per day

MECHANISM OF ACTION Mefenamic acid binds the prostaglandin synthetase

receptors COX-1 and COX-2, inhibiting the action of
prostaglandin synthetase. As these receptors have a role as
a major mediator of inflammation and/or a role for
prostanoid signaling in activity-dependent plasticity, the
symptoms of pain are temporarily reduced.

INDICATIONS Mefenamic acid is used to relieve mild to moderate pain,

including menstrual pain (pain that happens before or
during a menstrual period). Mefenamic acid is in a class of
medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the
body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever,
and inflammation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Mefenamic acid is contraindicated in patients

with salicylate hypersensitivity or NSAID hypersensitivity
who have experienced asthma, urticaria, or other allergic
reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe,
rarely fatal, anaphylactoid reactions to mefenamic acid
have been reported in such patients.

SIDE EFFECT GI: Diarrhea, Constipation, Gas or Bloating.

CNS: Headache, Dizziness, Nervousness.
EENT: Ringing in the ears

NURSING  Discontinue drug promptly if diarrhea, dark stools,

RESPONSIBILITIES hematemesis, ecchymoses, epistaxis, or rash occur
and do not use again. Contact physician.

 Notify physician if persistent GI discomfort, sore

throat, fever, or malaise occur.