Mefenamic Acid
Complete list of drugs used to
treat arthritis.
Mefenamic acid is used to treat pain and inflammation
How should Mefenamic Acid be used?
Mefenamic acid comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is taken every
6 hours as needed for up to 1 week. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take mefenamic acid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more
often than prescribed by your doctor.
Before taking mefenamic acid,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to mefenamic acid, aspirin or other
medications for pain or arthritis, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you
are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin),
aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune),
diuretics ('water pills'), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid),
medications for arthritis or diabetes, methotrexate, metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol
(Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high
blood pressure; any stomach problems; or any other gastrointestinal disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking mefenamic acid, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you
are taking mefenamic acid.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate
machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Do not drink
alcohol while taking this medication.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Mefenamic acid may cause an upset stomach. Take mefenamic acid with
food or milk.
What side effects can Mefenamic Acid cause?
Although side effects from mefenamic acid are not common, they can
occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- dizziness
- nervousness
- upset stomach
- stomach pain or cramps
- vomiting
- gas
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
- diarrhea
- bloody vomit
- bloody or black, tarry stools
- ringing in the ears
- blurred vision
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- skin rash
- itching
- sore throat
- fever
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