Description
Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It blocks the production of prostaglandins, the chemicals behind the cramping pain and heavy bleeding of a difficult period, and it is licensed for period pain and heavy menstrual bleeding as well as for other pain, including that of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
The 500mg tablets are swallowed with water, with or just after food, usually three times a day. For periods they are often begun at the first sign of pain and continued for a few days. Diarrhoea or a rash can signal a reaction: stop the tablets and speak to your prescriber if either appears. Like other anti-inflammatories it can irritate the stomach and cause ulceration or bleeding.
It is not suitable if you have had a stomach ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, severe heart failure, or a reaction to aspirin or another anti-inflammatory.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in 500mg tablets
- For period pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and other pain
- Taken with or just after food, usually three times a day
- Stop and seek advice if diarrhoea or a rash develops
- Can irritate the stomach and cause ulceration or bleeding
- Not suitable after a stomach ulcer or with inflammatory bowel disease
