GENERIC
Mefenamic acid
Indications
- Mefotrix DS is indicated for-
- Fever
- Toothache
- Headache
- Migraine
- Primary dysmenorrhoea
- Menorrhagia
- Mild to moderate pain in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Traumatic pain
- Low-back pain
Juvenile chronic arthritis in children etc.
Pharmacology
Mefenamic acid contains Mefenamic Acid which is a nonsteroidal agent with demonstrated analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity due to its dual action on prostaglandins. It inhibits the enzymes of prostaglandin synthetase and also antagonizes the actions of prostaglandin at the receptor sites.
Dosage and administration
Adult:
500 mg dose should be given to adults upto three times (1.5 gm total) per day with meals. The dosage may be reduced to 1 tablet (250 mg) three times daily.
In case of menorrhagia: 500 mg three times daily with meals and from the onset of menses and continued according to the judgement of the physician.
Children:
6 months to 1 year: 5 ml three times/day.
2-4 years: 10 ml three times/day.
5-8 years: 10 ml four times /day.
9-12 years: 15 ml four times/day.
Treatment should not be continued for more than 7 days except on the advice of a physician.
Interactions
Aspirin : As other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of Mefotrix DS and Aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects. Warfarin : Mefotrix DS can inhibit platelet aggregation and may prolong the prothrombin time in patients on warfarin therapy
Contraindications
It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Mefenamic Acid. It should not be used in patients with peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel diseases, hepatic or renal impairment. It is also contraindicated in patients, whom aspirin and/or other NSAID's have induced symptoms of bronchospasm, skin rashes etc.
Side effects
The most frequently reported adverse experiences occurring in approximately 1-10% of patients are gastrointestinal: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, Gl ulcers, vomiting, dizziness, abnormal renal function, pruritus, rashes.
Pregnancy and lactation
The safety of Mefenamic acid on reproductive capacity and pregnancy has not been established. Thus, mefenamic acid should be used in women of childbearing potential and during pregnancy only when the potential benefits are expected to outweigh the potential risks. Trace amounts of Mefenamic acid may be present in breast milk and transmitted to the nursing infant. Thus Mefenamic acid should not be taken by the nursing mother because of the effects of this class of drugs on the infant's cardiovascular system.
Precautions and warnings
It should be administered with caution in allergic diseases especially in asthma. The treatment should be withdrawn in diarrhoea, rashes, cholestatic jaundice, thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia.
Storage
Keep away from light, store in a cool and dry place. Keep out of reach of children.
Clinical information is taken from the most complete brand listing (Mefotrix DS); it applies to the active ingredient.
Brands of Mefenamic acid
| # | Brand | Company | Form | Strength | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amifen | Opsonin Pharma Ltd. | Tablet | 500 mg | ৳ 5.02per unit |
| 2 | Amifen | Opsonin Pharma Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 50 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 3 | Dysmen | Renata PLC | Tablet | 250 mg | ৳ 2.81per unit |
| 4 | Dysmen | Renata PLC | Tablet | 500 mg | ৳ 5.00per unit |
| 5 | Fenamic | Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 50 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 6 | Fenaton | Drug International Ltd. | Tablet | 500 mg | ৳ 3.00per unit |
| 7 | Flamic | Globe Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Tablet | 250 mg | ৳ 3.00per unit |
| 8 | Flamic | Globe Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Tablet | 500 mg | ৳ 5.00per unit |
| 9 | Flamic | Globe Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 50 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 10 | HPR | Pacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Tablet | 250 mg | ৳ 4.00per unit |
| 11 | HPR | Pacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 50 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 12 | HPR-DS | Pacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Tablet | 500 mg | ৳ 7.00per unit |
| 13 | Mefalgin | Cosmic Pharma Ltd. | Tablet | 250 mg | ৳ 1.80per unit |
| 14 | Mefalgin | Cosmic Pharma Ltd. | Tablet | 500 mg | ৳ 4.00per unit |
| 15 | Mefalgin | Cosmic Pharma Ltd. | Oral Suspension | 50 mg/5 ml | Not listed |
| 16 | Mefotrix DS | The White Horse Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Tablet | 500 mg | ৳ 5.00per unit |
| 17 | Myfocin | Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Tablet | 500 mg | ৳ 5.00per unit |
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.