What Is Mefenamic Acid?
Mefenamic acid is a prescription drug used to treat moderate pain. Its U.S. brand name is Ponstel. Mefenamic acid interacts with many other drugs and comes with precautions and numerous side effects.
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Uses
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Used to treat mild to moderate pain, mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Your doctor may prescribe mefenamic acid to treat menstrual cramps and other conditions.
Drug Interactions
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Fourteen drugs are not recommended for use with mefenamic acid, but if prescribed your doctor may change dosages of both. Another 82 drugs may increase side effects, but if both are prescribed, your doctor may change dosages. The drug Ketorolac is not recommended.
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Food Interactions
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Interactions with food can occur depending on the time of eating food and the type of food. Also tobacco and alcohol can cause interactions.
Precautions
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Mefenamic acid can cause liver problems, the risk of heart attack, bleeding in the intestines and stomach, serious skin reactions, and cause a serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Use by pregnant women can harm an unborn baby.
Side Effects
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The most common side effects include increases in bleeding time, blood pressure and thirst; tarry stools; decreased urine; indigestion; swelling, rashes; nausea; trouble breathing; vomiting; severe abdominal pain; weight gain and weight loss. It also has less common and rare side effects.
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