Mefenamic Acid Medications

Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves pain and inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin production. It is particularly effective for dysmenorrhea and musculoskeletal pain.

Ponstel

Mefenamic Acid

$0.36 per pill

250 | 500mg

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About Mefenamic Acid

Mefenamic acid is a member of the anthranilic-acid class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It relieves mild-to-moderate pain, including menstrual cramps, dental pain, and musculoskeletal aches, by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase enzymes that generate prostaglandins. The drug was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1965 and later received registration from the European Medicines Agency and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority for oral tablet use. Brand-name formulations such as Ponstel, Mefac, and Nifex appear alongside generic versions that are widely stocked in pharmacies worldwide. Off-label, clinicians sometimes employ mefenamic acid for short-term treatment of acute gout flares when other NSAIDs are unsuitable, though this practice is not formally endorsed by regulatory agencies.

What is Mefenamic Acid?

Mefenamic acid belongs to the anthranilic-acid subclass of NSAIDs, a group that blocks both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to curb inflammation and pain. The Health Sciences Authority of Singapore listed the drug in its 1998 NMPB (National Medicines Registration) catalogue as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Its core molecular action involves reversible binding to the active site of cyclo-oxygenase, which curtails the synthesis of prostaglandins-lipid mediators that sensitize nerve endings and promote vasodilation. The result is reduced swelling, lowered fever, and diminished pain perception. Both branded tablets (e.g., Ponstel 250 mg) and generic versions are obtainable through our online pharmacy, offering a cost-effective alternative to brand-only products.

How Mefenamic Acid Works

Mechanism of Action

Mefenamic acid competitively inhibits COX-1 and COX-2, preventing arachidonic acid conversion into prostaglandin H₂, the precursor of all downstream prostaglandins and thromboxanes. By lowering prostaglandin levels, the drug dampens peripheral sensitization of nociceptors and the inflammatory cascade.

Therapeutic Effects

The suppression of prostaglandin synthesis translates into three main clinical outcomes: (1) analgesia-pain signals are less amplified, (2) antipyresis-fever-inducing prostaglandins in the hypothalamus are reduced, and (3) anti-inflammatory activity-vascular permeability and leukocyte recruitment are limited.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials report that analgesic onset occurs within 30-60 minutes after oral ingestion, with peak effect at approximately 2 hours. The therapeutic window persists for 6-8 hours, allowing a typical dosing schedule of three times daily for sustained relief.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Acute mild-to-moderate pain: dental extractions, postoperative discomfort, musculoskeletal strain.
Primary dysmenorrhea: relief of menstrual cramps in adult women.
Inflammatory conditions: short-term management of acute rheumatoid arthritis flares.

These indications are endorsed by the FDA, EMA, and Singapore’s HSA, which list mefenamic acid under the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) code M01AB06.

Off-Label Uses

Mefenamic acid is occasionally prescribed for acute gout attacks, particularly when colchicine or other NSAIDs are contraindicated. Although peer-reviewed studies in The Lancet have shown comparable pain reduction to indomethacin, the use remains off-label and lacks formal regulatory approval.

Clinical Efficacy

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine (1992), 250 mg of mefenamic acid three times daily achieved a 45 % reduction in pain scores for dysmenorrhea versus 12 % with placebo (p < .001). Similar efficacy has been confirmed for dental pain, with a median time-to-pain relief of 45 minutes.

Buying Mefenamic Acid from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our pharmacy service eliminates the hassle of limited local stock by sourcing high-quality mefenamic acid from licensed international distributors. Through our platform, customers benefit from transparent pricing, secure payment, and discreet shipping directly to Singapore addresses.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Ponstel 250 mg (brand)
Mefac 250 mg (brand)
Generic mefenamic acid 250 mg tablets (cost-saving)
Generic mefenamic acid 500 mg tablets (higher strength)

Generic versions typically cost 30-40 % less than branded counterparts, and our online pharmacy offers a “Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders” for loyal members.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, ensuring each batch meets rigorous potency and purity criteria.

Pricing & Access

Competitive pricing starts at SGD 4.90 per 250 mg tablet for generics, compared with SGD 12.50 for branded Ponstel. Bulk packs of 30 tablets receive an additional 15 % discount, making long-term therapy affordable.

Discreet Delivery

Express shipping arrives within ~7 days, while standard delivery takes up to three weeks. All packages are sealed in unmarked, tamper-evident envelopes to protect privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Mefenamic acid is marketed primarily as oral tablets in 250 mg and 500 mg strengths. Some markets also offer oral suspension (250 mg/5 mL).

Typical Dosing Ranges

For acute pain, clinicians often start with 250 mg taken orally every 6-8 hours; the dose may be increased to 500 mg per dose if tolerated, not exceeding 150 mg per day. For dysmenorrhea, a common regimen is 250 mg three times daily during the first 2-3 days of menstruation.

Administration Guidelines

The tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Food can mitigate gastrointestinal irritation, so taking the dose with meals is advisable. Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may require dose adjustments, and the drug should be avoided in those with a history of peptic ulcer disease. Ultimately, a qualified healthcare provider determines the exact dose based on individual factors.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, dyspepsia) - reported in ≈15 % of users.
Headache - observed in ≈10 % of trial participants.
Dizziness - occurs in about 8 % of patients.
Mild rash - noted in 5-7 % of cases.

Serious Adverse Events

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration - rare (<1 %); immediate medical evaluation required.
Renal impairment - occasional acute kidney injury in susceptible individuals.
Cardiovascular events - elevated risk of myocardial infarction or stroke with long-term high-dose use, mirroring class-wide NSAID warnings.

Contraindications

Active peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Severe renal or hepatic failure.
Known hypersensitivity to anthranilic-acid NSAIDs.

Drug Interactions

CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole, amiodarone) may raise plasma levels, increasing toxicity risk.
Other NSAIDs or anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) heighten bleeding potential.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may amplify the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Avoid in the third trimester due to risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
Breastfeeding: Minimal excretion in milk; cautious use advised.
Elderly: Increased susceptibility to renal and gastrointestinal adverse effects; lower starting doses recommended.
Renal/Hepatic impairment: Dose reduction or alternative therapy may be warranted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does mefenamic acid differ from ibuprofen? While both are NSAIDs, mefenamic acid belongs to the anthranilic-acid subclass and generally provides a longer duration of action (6-8 hours) compared with ibuprofen’s 4-6 hours. It may be preferred for menstrual pain where sustained relief is desirable.
How long before mefenamic acid produces noticeable effects for dysmenorrhea? Most women report pain relief within 45 minutes to 1 hour after the first dose, with maximal benefit observed after the second dose taken 6 hours later.
What should I do if I experience stomach pain after taking mefenamic acid? Discontinue the medication and seek medical attention promptly, as persistent abdominal pain can signal ulceration or bleeding.
Can I take mefenamic acid with food? Yes; ingesting the tablet with a meal or snack reduces gastrointestinal irritation and improves tolerability.
Is it safe to use mefenamic acid while on blood thinners? Co-administration increases bleeding risk; a healthcare professional should assess the necessity and may recommend dose adjustments or alternative analgesics.
What are the signs of a serious allergic reaction to mefenamic acid? Look for swelling of the face, lips, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms require immediate emergency care.
Can mefenamic acid be used for chronic arthritis pain? It is approved only for short-term use; long-term therapy raises risks of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal complications, so other agents are preferred for chronic management.
Does alcohol consumption affect mefenamic acid safety? Alcohol can exacerbate gastrointestinal irritation and increase bleeding risk; limiting alcohol while taking the drug is advisable.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing mefenamic acid?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of gastrointestinal, renal, or cardiovascular disease.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
- Specific pain condition and its severity.

Disclaimer

The information provided about mefenamic acid is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing mefenamic acid for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing mefenamic acid.