How should I take Mefenamic Acid?

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of mefenamic acid and other treatment options before deciding to use mefenamic acid. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals (see Warnings ; Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation ). After observing the response to initial therapy with mefenamic acid, the dose and frequency should be adjusted to suit an individual patient's needs. For the relief of acute pain in adults and adolescents ≥14 years of age, the recommended dose is 500 mg as an initial dose followed by 250 mg every 6 hours as needed, usually not to exceed one week. For the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, the recommended dose is 500 mg as an initial dose followed by 250 mg every 6 hours, given orally, starting with the onset of bleeding and associated symptoms. Clinical studies indicate that effective treatment can be initiated with the start of menses and should not be necessary for more than 2 to 3 days.

What are the common side effects?

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events (see Warnings ) GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation (see Warnings ) Hepatotoxicity (see Warnings ) Hypertension (see Warnings ) Heart Failure and Edema (see Warnings ) Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia (see Warnings ) Anaphylactic Reactions (see Warnings ) Serious Skin Reactions (see Warnings ) Hematologic Toxicity (see Warnings ) Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice., In patients taking mefenamic acid or other NSAIDs, the most frequently reported adverse experiences occurring in approximately 1 to 10% of patients are: Gastrointestinal experiences including - abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, gross bleeding/perforation, heartburn, nausea, GI ulcers (gastric/duodenal), vomiting, abnormal renal function, anemia, dizziness, edema, elevated liver enzymes, heada.

Who should not take Mefenamic Acid?

CONTRAINDICATIONS Mefenamic acid capsules are contraindicated in the following patients: Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to mefenamic acid or any components of the drug product (see WARNINGS ;; Anaphylactic Reactions, Serious Skin Reactions ).; History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.; Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients (see WARNINGS ;; Anaphylactic Reaction, Exacerbation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity ).; In the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (see WARNINGS ;.

Can I take Mefenamic Acid during pregnancy?

Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of NSAIDs, including mefenamic acid, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Because of these risks, limit dose and duration of mefenamic acid use between about 20 and 30 weeks of gestation, and avoid mefenamic acid use at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy [ see Warnings ; Fetal Toxicity ]. Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus Use of NSAIDs, including mefenamic acid, at about 30 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus . Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment Use of NSAIDs at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy has been associated with cases of fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios, and in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Data from observational studies regarding other potential embryofetal risks of NSAID use in women in the first or second trimesters of pregnancy are inconclusive. Based on animal data, prostaglandins have been shown to have an important role in endometrial vascular permeability, blastocyst impla

Can I take Mefenamic Acid while breastfeeding?

Nursing Mothers Trace amounts of mefenamic acid may be present in breast milk and transmitted to the nursing infant. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from mefenamic acid, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Does Mefenamic Acid interact with other medicines?

Drug Interactions See Table 2 for clinically significant drug interactions with mefenamic acid.; $ Table 2: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Mefenamic Acid Drugs That Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact: Mefenamic acid and anticoagulants such as warfarin have a synergistic effect on bleeding.; The concomitant use of mefenamic acid and anticoagulants have an increased risk of serious bleeding compared to the use of either drug alone.; Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis.; Case-control and cohort epidemiological studies showed that concomitant use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and an NSAID may potentiate the risk of bleeding more than an NSAID alone.; Intervention: Monitor patients with concomitant use of mefenamic acid with anticoagulants (e.g.,warfarin), antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for signs of bleeding (see Warnings ;.

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Mefenamic acid

Illustration of the usual dosage form, not a product photo.

Chemical structure · PubChem CID 4044

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), fenamate groupPrescription only (Schedule H)On NLEM 2022NPPA price ceiling listedJan Aushadhi listed

Mefenamic acid

मेफेनैमिक एसिड

Mefenamic acid is an NSAID used for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain, for up to 7 days, and for painful periods. In India it is a Schedule H prescription medicine. The label carries a boxed warning about heart attack, stroke and stomach bleeding.

Generic name: Mefenamic acid
Used for: Mild to moderate pain (up to 7 days) and primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
Prescription status (India): Prescription medicine: listed in Schedule H of the Drugs Rules schedules we checked.
On NLEM 2022: Yes
NPPA price ceiling: Yes (scheduled formulation)
Jan Aushadhi: Listed (5 product rows)

More facts

Banned combinations: Mentioned in 4 entries of the banned-combination list we checked; use the checker for your exact combination.

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Compiled from official drug labels and Indian government sources. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice.

Safety at a glance

AlcoholCaution in label textSee wording
PregnancyAvoid, per label textSee wording
BreastfeedingNot mentioned in label text
DrivingCaution in label textSee wording
KidneyAvoid, per label textSee wording
LiverCaution in label textSee wording

Taken only from the label text cited on this page. "Not mentioned" does not mean safe. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What is mefenamic acid used for?

The US label for mefenamic acid capsules says it is an NSAID for managing mild to moderate pain in people aged 14 and older, when treatment will not last more than 7 days.

It is also used for treating primary dysmenorrhea, which means period pain without another underlying cause.

Mild to moderate pain, up to 7 days (age 14 and older)
Primary dysmenorrhea

Source1

How does mefenamic acid work?

The label says mefenamic acid has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing properties.

Like other NSAIDs, it inhibits the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and lowers prostaglandin production. The label says the exact mechanism is not fully understood.

Source1

How is mefenamic acid taken? Dosage information

The US label for adults and adolescents aged 14 and older lists an initial dose of 500 mg, then 250 mg every 6 hours as needed.

For period pain, the same pattern is listed, starting with the onset of bleeding and symptoms.

The label says to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, and for pain not beyond 7 days.

Indian pack labels may differ from the US label. Your prescriber's instruction always comes first.

Source1

What are the side effects of mefenamic acid?

Common

The label lists stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and ulcers among the commonly reported effects, along with ringing in the ears.
Common: stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, ringing in the ears

Serious: get help

Serious effects include heart attack and stroke, stomach and intestinal bleeding or perforation, liver injury, kidney problems, severe allergic and skin reactions, and blood disorders.
Serious: black or bloody stools, vomiting blood
Serious: chest pain, weakness on one side, slurred speech
Serious: yellow skin or eyes, dark urine
Serious: rash, blisters, swelling of face or throat

Source1

Who should be careful with mefenamic acid?

Boxed warning: NSAIDs raise the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, and of serious bleeding, ulcers and perforation of the stomach or intestines. These can be fatal and can occur without warning.

Older adults and people with a history of ulcers or stomach bleeding are at higher risk. It is contraindicated in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Contraindicated in people with allergy to mefenamic acid, or who have had asthma, hives or allergic reactions after aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Caution for liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart failure and dehydration. Avoid in advanced kidney disease unless benefits outweigh risks.

Pregnancy: the label says to limit use between about 20 and 30 weeks and avoid it from about 30 weeks onward, because of risks to the baby's kidneys and heart vessel.

Fertility: NSAIDs may delay ovulation and are associated with reversible infertility. Children: not established below age 14.

Source1

What medicines interact with mefenamic acid?

Search interactions

Blood thinners such as warfarin raise the risk of serious bleeding.
Antiplatelet agents such as aspirin, and SSRIs or SNRIs, also add to bleeding risk.
The label says using it with analgesic doses of aspirin is generally not recommended because of more bleeding and stomach effects.
Blood pressure medicines may work less well with NSAIDs.
Tell your doctor about all your medicines.

Source1

What if too much mefenamic acid is taken?

The label says overdose usually causes drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and upper stomach pain, and these are generally reversible with supportive care.

Stomach bleeding has occurred, and rarely high blood pressure, kidney failure, breathing depression and coma. There is no specific antidote.

Source1

How should mefenamic acid be stored?

The US label says to store at room temperature, 20 to 25 degrees C, with excursions permitted between 15 and 30 degrees C, in a tight container.

Follow the instructions on your pack.

Source1

Is Mefenamic acid prescription-only? Legal status in India

In the Drugs Rules 1945 schedules we checked, Mefenamic acid appears as Schedule H, serial 302 (rules 65 and 97).

The National List of Essential Medicines 2022 lists these forms: Tablet 250 mg; Oral liquid 100 mg/5 mL (p).

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) lists ceiling prices for the formulations in the table below. A seller cannot charge more than the ceiling per unit.

The banned-combination list we checked mentions Mefenamic acid in 4 entries. Fixed-dose combinations differ, so check your exact product.

Formulation	Strength	Unit	Ceiling price per unit	List date
Oral Liquid	100 mg/5ml	1 ml	Rs 0.52	As on 30.09.2020
Tablet	250 mg	1 Tablet	Rs 1.93	As on 30.09.2020
Tablet	500 mg	1 Tablet	Rs 2.45	As on 30.09.2020

Source2 3 4

Mefenamic acid price ceilings and Jan Aushadhi options

The ceiling price is the most a seller may charge per unit for a scheduled formulation. Actual brand prices are usually at or below it. Check the pack and seller for the real price.

Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) product rows we found are listed next.

Mefenamic Acid Suspension 100mg per 5ml, pack 60 ml.

Mefenamic Acid 500mg and Paracetamol 325mg Tablets, pack 10's.

Mefenamic Acid 50mg and Paracetamol 125mg Suspension per 5ml, pack 60 ml.

Mefenamic Acid Tablets 250 mg, pack 10's.

Mefenamic Acid Tablets 500 mg, pack 10's.

We do not show a brand price here. Prices change, so confirm with the seller.

Source4 5 6 7 8 9

Frequently asked questions

Can I take mefenamic acid with alcohol?

The label we reviewed does not describe alcohol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Source1

How long can I take mefenamic acid?

For pain, the US label covers treatment that will not exceed one week (7 days). Use the lowest dose for the shortest time.

Source1

Should mefenamic acid be taken on an empty stomach?

The label we reviewed does not give meal timing. NSAIDs can upset the stomach, so ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Source1

Is mefenamic acid safe in pregnancy?

The label says to limit use between about 20 and 30 weeks and avoid it from about 30 weeks, due to risks to the baby. Ask your doctor.

Source1

Can children take mefenamic acid?

The label establishes safety and effectiveness for pain in patients aged 14 and above, and not below 14.

Source1

Is mefenamic acid a prescription medicine in India?

In the lists we checked it appears in Schedule H, a prescription category.

Source2 3 4

Sources

1U.S. FDA-approved label (DailyMed) (9b8b3e03-4801-4ae8-b44e-e01d1ab1e34b) Open source · 2026-10-15
2Drugs Rules 1945, Schedules (2022 consolidation) (Schedule H, serial 302 (rules 65 and 97)) Open source · 2026-10-15
3National List of Essential Medicines 2022 (page 62) Open source · 2026-10-15
4NPPA price ceiling list (All scheduled (NLEM 2015), page 12) Open source · 2026-10-15
5PMBJP (Jan Aushadhi) product list (p18:sno401) Open source · 2026-10-15
6PMBJP (Jan Aushadhi) product list (p21:sno477) Open source · 2026-10-15
7PMBJP (Jan Aushadhi) product list (p28:sno630) Open source · 2026-10-15
8PMBJP (Jan Aushadhi) product list (p31:sno705) Open source · 2026-10-15
9PMBJP (Jan Aushadhi) product list (p31:sno706) Open source · 2026-10-15

Compiled by software from the sources above and checked by automated rules. Last checked: 2026-10-15 · How we use sources · Report a correction

This information is educational and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. It does not tell you what dose you personally should take. In an emergency call 112.