Mefenamic acid is a drug from the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The active substance is mefenamic acid, belongs to the derivatives of anthranilic acid, the molecular structure is similar to salicylic acid. The substance was developed by the pharmaceutical company "Parke, Davis & Company", the first patent for mefenamic acid was obtained in 1961. Immunomodulatory properties began to be studied in the 1980s.
Mefenamic acid has various trade names and may also be included in a combination drug.
The main therapeutic effects of Mefenamic acid on the body:
analgesic - central effect on pain sensitivity, as well as local activity in the focus of inflammation; anti-inflammatory - prevents the production of inflammatory mediators and reduces the permeability of vascular walls; antipyretic - inhibits the synthesis of hypothalamic enzymes and prostaglandins, directly affects the thermoregulation center; immunomodulatory - stimulates the production of interferons and increases the functional activity of T-lymphocytes.
The drug is approved for use in children of all ages:
in the form of capsules of 250 mg and 500 mg is recommended for children over 12 years of age; 500 mg tablets are used for patients over 5 years of age.
The prescribed doses should be adhered to in order to avoid undesirable effects, which most often manifest themselves from the gastrointestinal tract.
A special condition when using Mefenamic acid is to take the drug after meals and wash down the tablets with milk.
The drug is indicated for acute respiratory infections, influenza, pain of varying intensity, as well as inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Mefenamic acid is used both for monotherapy and in combination with other drugs. Synergism of the immunomodulatory effect of mefenamic acid and antiviral drugs has been proven.
The duration of the effect after taking the drug at a dose of 500 mg is up to 8 hours.
Clinical trials have proven a reduction in the duration of the disease and a decrease in the intensity of symptoms in acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. Mefenamic acid also reduces the risk of post-influenza complications. During the observations, no serious side effects were observed when the recommendations for use were followed.
To rule out threatening symptoms and make a correct diagnosis, you should consult a doctor.
Indication
Acute respiratory viral infections and influenza.
Primary dysmenorrhea. Dysfunctional menorrhagia.
Inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system: rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, Bechterew's disease.
Pain syndrome of low and medium intensity: muscular, joint, traumatic, dental, headache of various etiologies, postoperative and postpartum pain.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Bronchospasm, angioedema, rhinitis, bronchial asthma, urticaria in history, which occurred after the use of acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs. Simultaneous reception of specific COX-2 inhibitors. Gastric and duodenal ulcer, including a history, inflammatory bowel diseases, diseases of the blood-forming organs, severe heart failure, severe liver or kidney dysfunction, gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation caused by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, treatment of pain after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.
Method of administration and doses
Use orally, take the drug after meals.
Adults and children over 12 years of age are prescribed 250-500 mg 3-4 times a day. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 3 g per day. After achieving a therapeutic effect, the daily dose should be reduced to 1 g.
The course of treatment for joint diseases can last from 20 days to 2 months or more. In the treatment of pain syndrome, the course of treatment lasts up to 7 days.
Overdose
Symptoms: epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, rarely - diarrhea, disorientation, agitation, tinnitus, loss of consciousness, sometimes convulsions (mefenamic acid has a tendency to induce tonic-clonic convulsions in case of overdose). In severe cases - gastrointestinal bleeding, respiratory depression, arterial hypertension, twitching of individual muscle groups, coma. In cases of significant poisoning, renal and hepatic failure are possible.
Treatment: there is no specific antidote. Gastric lavage with a suspension of activated charcoal. Alkalization of urine, forced diuresis. Symptomatic therapy. Hemosorption and hemodialysis are ineffective due to the strong binding of mefenamic acid to blood proteins. Kidney and liver function should be carefully monitored. Frequent or prolonged seizures should be treated with intravenous diazepam.
Composition
Active ingredient in one capsule - mefenamic acid - 250 mg
Excipients: talc; lactose monohydrate; corn starch; sodium lauryl sulfate; silicon dioxide; magnesium stearate;
Storage conditions
Store in the original packaging at a temperature not exceeding 30 ° C. Keep out of the reach of children.
Shelf life - 3 years.
