The Independent Pharmacy
Mefenamic Acid 500mg Tablets
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About Mefenamic Acid 500mg Tablets

Mefenamic acid has an anti-inflammatory action to quickly target pain and cramps caused by periods including backache and headaches that can be a further burden associated with menstruation. It has also been shown to reduce heavy bleeding if this happens to you.

Mefenamic Acid is available to purchase online from The Independent Pharmacy. After a quick consultation, our medical team will ensure that this is the best option for you. Get your treatment delivered from the next day in a few simple steps.

  • Suitable for pregnancy?no
  • Suitable for breastfeeding?no
  • Suitable for age:18 years +
  • Maximum per order:3
  • Consultation required?Yes
    This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.
  • Generic Treatment?Yes
    This is a generic medicine and manufacturer of the treatment supplied may vary from the treatment image above, depending on availability. Please contact us once you've placed your order if you require a specific brand and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Type of medicineAnti-inflammatory
Works byStopping the body's production of a substance that causes heavy and painful periods
Active ingredientMefenamic acid
Effective within30 - 60 minutes
Pack size28 tablets
Strength500mg
Common side effectsIndigestion, drowsiness, dizziness
ManufacturerChemidex Pharma Ltd, Strides Pharma UK Ltd, Tillomed Laboratories Ltd
GenericYes
Use with alcoholNo issue

Mefenamic Acid 500mg Tablets information

  • What is Mefenamic acid?

    Mefenamic acid tablets are a targeted painkiller offering relief from menstrual cramps and associated pain. Each tablet contains the active ingredient mefenamic acid, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

    How does Mefenamic acid work?

    Period pains are caused by the shedding of the uterus lining (endometrium) that occurs approximately every month when a woman does not become pregnant. To help the body effectively shed this lining the uterus contracts which causes pain and cramps in the lower abdomen. The contraction is caused by the production of chemicals in the body called Prostaglandins. The pain can also radiate to the back and legs. Many women will know that periods can also cause other pains in the body such as headaches. Thankfully this medication can also reduce the unpleasant sensation associated with these.

    Mefenamic acid is a NSAID (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drug). NSAIDs block the production of prostaglandins which in turn reduces the contraction of the uterus. This reduces the painful sensation during your period and also reduces the amount of blood lost.

    How quickly does Mefenamic acid work?

    Mefenamic acid usually take 30 - 60 minutes to take effect. As the dose is taken three times daily before and during your period you will have relief throughout the day and time of your period.

    If your pain is particularly bad you can take paracetamol at the same time and also use heat pads on the abdomen and lower back. Be sure to check you are only taking the recommended dose of each medication.

    Alternatives to Mefenamic acid

    There are a range of treatments that can be used for pain relief during your period. You can find the full range of pain relief treatments here:

    If you are affected by heavy bleeding, you can alternatively use Tranexamic acid, this is a different NSAID treatment which primarily helps to reduce bleeding but also helps to reduce pain.

    Naproxen is also a good alternative to Mefenamic acid as this is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

    Can I take Mefenamic acid with other medicines for my period

    People often ask what medications they can take alongside this treatment. It is fine to take Mefenamic acid tablets with paracetamol. However, you must not take any other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. You can take Mefenamic acid with the contraceptive pill and many women will do this as this can also reduce the pain of a period.

  • Mefenamic acid 500mg dosage

    The recommended dose is ONE tablet taken THREE times daily with or after food during your period.

  • Mefenamic acid ingredients

    The active ingredient in each tablet is: Mefenamic acid 500mg.

    The inactive ingredients are:

    Lactose Monohydrate, Pregelatinized Starch, Croscarmellose Sodium, Povidone, Microcrystalline cellulose, Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate

    Coating Material (Opadry Yellow): Hypromellose, Lactose Monohydrate, Titanium Dioxide (E171) Macrogol, Iron Oxide Yellow (E172) Talc, Iron Oxide Red (E172)

  • Mefenamic acid side effects

    The most frequently reported side effects associated with mefenamic acid involve the gastrointestinal tract.

    • Stomach pain
    • Feeling sick
    • Bowel problems, like constipation or diarrhoea
    It can also cause
    • Feeling dizzy and/or sleepy
    • A ringing sound in your ears (tinnitus)
    • Headache
    • Heartburn

    In rare circumstances, Mefenamic acid can cause more serious side effects. In this instance, you must seek immediate medical advice. These side effects include:

    • Signs of intestinal bleeding - vomiting blood or dark particles resembling coffee grounds, black tarry stools, blood in stools.
    • Signs of a serious allergic reaction - asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath, swelling of facial features, rashes, rapid heart rate, collapse.
    • Stomach ulcer or perforation
    • Worsening of bowel problems, e.g. ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
    • Kidney problems, showing symptoms of cloudy urine, more or less urine than usual, blood in urine, pain in the back and/or swelling, very rarely kidney failure
    • Liver problems showing symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), pale coloured stools, dark urine
    • Blood disorders, showing symptoms such as unexplained/unusual bruising or bleeding, sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever, extreme paleness, weakness, exhaustion
    • High blood pressure, heart failure, swelling due to fluid build-up, stroke
  • Mefenamic acid warnings

    Before taking Mefenamic acid please take the time to read all the information included in the Patient Information Leaflet, which can be located in each box.

    Do not take mefenamic acidif any of the following apply to you:

    • You have (or have had 2 or more episodes of) a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding of the stomach
    • You are allergic to NSAIDs, to any of the ingredients or to aspirin or other painkillers
    • You have severe kidney, heart or liver failure
    • You are taking aspirin with a daily dose above 75 mg
    • You are pregnant or breastfeeding

    Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking mefenamic acid if any of the following apply to you:

    • You have liver or kidney problems
    • You have stomach or bowel disorders including Crohn’s disease or a condition known as ulcerative colitis
    • You have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
    • You have previously had or are at risk of heart problems, high blood pressure or stroke.

    Mefenamic acid and other medicines

    You should not take mefenamic acid if you are taking any of the following medicines. If you are unsure if Mefenamic acid is the right medication for you speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

    • Anti-coagulants - aspirin/acetylsalicylic acid, warfarin, ticlopidine
    • Medicines that reduce high blood pressure - captopril, atenolol, losartan.
    • You are taking two or more NSAID painkillers, including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors
    • Antidepressants called selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - fluoxetine
    • Corticosteroids
    • Methotrexate
    • Cardiac glycosides - digoxin
    • Ciclosporin and tacrolimus
    • Mifepristone (NSAIDs should not be used for 12 days after mifepristone)
    • Lithium
    • Zidovudine
    • Quinolone antibiotics - ciprofloxacin

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