Coslan

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Coslan

Property Description
Active ingredient Mefenamic Acid
Form Capsule or Tablet
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Common use Relief of mild-to-moderate pain and dysmenorrhea
Origin Synthetic organic compound

1. Classification and Active Compound: What Type of Medicine is Coslan?

Coslan is a medicinal product defined by its active compound, Mefenamic Acid (INN), and is classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). This substance is a synthetic organic compound that is structurally recognized as an anthranilic acid derivative, also grouped as a fenamate. Its designation as an NSAID places it within a category of agents designed to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever through a shared mechanism of action. The compound is consistently formulated as a single-ingredient product, focusing exclusively on the pharmacological actions of Mefenamic Acid. Unlike some older NSAIDs, this fenamate derivative is utilized for its effectiveness in acute pain management.

2. Form and General Therapeutic Purpose: What is Coslan Used to Relieve?

The drug entity Coslan is typically supplied as an oral pharmaceutical preparation, such as a capsule or tablet, intended for systemic absorption. The Mefenamic Acid within this form is clinically recognized for its ability to provide analgesic activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and antipyretic activity. The general purpose of the medicine is providing focused, short-term, symptomatic relief. It is commonly utilized for acute mild-to-moderate pain, such as the discomfort associated with primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). This confirms the medicine is primarily used to address these specific, time-limited painful episodes, distinguishing its therapeutic focus from agents used for long-term or chronic inflammatory conditions.

What side effects are possible with Coslan?

The general principles of how side effects appear in real clinical use for Coslan (Mefenamic Acid, an NSAID) align with high-level safety patterns documented in official regulatory sources concerning gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and dermatological systems. The medicine's risk profile is structured by the frequency and type of documented adverse reactions.

Officially Listed Adverse Reactions by System

Adverse reactions are classified based on the affected physiological system and frequency. Effects listed as Common (occurring in 1% to 10% of patients, as per some regulatory documents) generally involve the digestive and nervous systems:

  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Includes diarrhea, abdominal pain/discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Nervous System Disorders: Officially listed effects include headache, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Systemic Risk

Regulatory documents explicitly highlight the risk of Serious Adverse Reactions (SARs). These risks may be heightened with the duration of use:

  • Cardiovascular Risk: Associated with an increased risk of serious thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke.
  • Gastrointestinal Risk: Potential for serious events such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can occur at any time during treatment.
  • Dermatological Risk: Rare but serious reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), are documented, with the highest risk often occurring early in therapy.

Safety Considerations for Specific Populations

Safety concerns specific to certain patient groups are documented in regulatory labeling. Older adults have an increased frequency and risk of adverse reactions, particularly fatal gastrointestinal bleeding. The medicine is contraindicated for the treatment of peri-operative pain following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Use is generally not recommended in pregnant women after 20 weeks gestation due to potential risks to the fetus.

Co-administration with aspirin or anticoagulants is noted in official labeling to increase the overall risk of bleeding.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory profile for Coslan (Mefenamic Acid) overdose describes specific documented manifestations and mandated emergency actions. All suspected overdosages require immediate medical attention and management by symptomatic and supportive care.

Overdose presentations are typically characterized by gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain, alongside neurological signs like lethargy and drowsiness. More severe, officially reported outcomes involve Central Nervous System (CNS) toxicity, including seizures, confusion, vertigo, hallucinations, and coma. Overdosage may also lead to acute renal failure. Fatalities have been associated with Mefenamic Acid overdose, classifying the potential outcome as serious.

Actions Mandated in Case of Overdose

Action Regulatory Statement
Urgent Medical Attention Vital functions should be monitored and supported throughout management of the suspected overdosage.
Management Procedures The protocol includes emptying the stomach immediately via emesis or gastric lavage, followed by the administration of activated charcoal.
Antidote No specific antidote is known for Mefenamic Acid overdose.

Regulatory documentation emphasizes that management must focus on immediate supportive interventions and observation due to the lack of a known antidote and the documented risk of severe systemic complications.

Therapeutic Uses of Coslan

What Coslan Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Coslan (Mefenamic Acid) provides symptomatic relief across acute, time-limited conditions by addressing symptoms related to physical discomfort, inflammatory or irritative states, and symptoms related to systemic imbalance. It is relevant in clinical settings marked by increased discomfort or tension where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed.

This medicine is commonly used for the management of primary dysmenorrhea and for the relief of mild-to-moderate pain. The core therapeutic domains include easing the intensity of discomfort in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, such as painful menstruation, and addressing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states in conditions presenting with localized discomfort.

“The role of this medicine is to offer symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes of pain and discomfort.”

It is considered relevant across conditions presenting with acute episodes where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed.

Quick Fact: Relief for Episodic Pain

Coslan is commonly used to help with cramping abdominal pain, acute musculoskeletal aches, headaches, and tenderness associated with inflammation. The benefit for patients is that it helps ease the intensity of discomfort, which assists with maintaining functional stability during symptomatic periods.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed drug label for Mefenamic Acid

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility Status for Coslan (Mefenamic Acid)

Coslan (Mefenamic Acid) is officially approved for use in adults and adolescents 14 years of age and older. Regulatory documents establish clear boundaries defining populations who must not use the medicine, known as absolute contraindications.

Who Must Not Use Coslan (Contraindications)

The medicine is strictly contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity to Mefenamic Acid or other NSAIDs. Use is also prohibited for treating pain following CABG surgery and in patients with acute active ulceration or chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Further contraindications include patients with significantly impaired renal function and those with severe heart failure.

Age and Reproductive Restrictions

Safety and effectiveness have not been established for children under the age of 14 years. The medicine is contraindicated starting at 30 weeks gestation (third trimester of pregnancy) and is not recommended during lactation or for women attempting conception. Caution is required for use in older adults.

Condition-Based Limitations

Use requires special consideration and caution in populations with conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension or mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment. Dehydration or hypovolemia must be corrected prior to initiating the medicine.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Coslan Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory information documents that Coslan, which contains Mefenamic Acid, interacts with several classes of medicines, often increasing the risk of adverse events or altering drug levels.

Interaction Restrictions and Contraindicated Contexts

  • Use is contraindicated for the treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery.
  • Co-administration with other systemic non-aspirin NSAIDs is advised against due to the amplified risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.
  • The use of alcohol increases the documented risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation.
  • Mefenamic Acid interferes with the anti-platelet effect of low-dose aspirin.

Documented Pharmacological Interactions

Interacting Medicine/Product Official Interaction Pattern
Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) Enhances the effect of anticoagulants, requiring frequent prothrombin time monitoring.
Lithium Elevates plasma lithium levels due to reduced renal clearance.
Antihypertensives Reduces the efficacy of diuretics, ACE Inhibitors, and Angiotensin II Antagonists.
Antacids (containing Magnesium Hydroxide) Significantly increases the absorption of Mefenamic Acid.
Mifepristone Must not be taken for 8 to 12 days following administration as it may reduce the effects of Mifepristone (Timing Rule).
Methotrexate Reduces elimination, resulting in increased plasma methotrexate levels.

Population-Specific Notes

The risk of renal impairment when Mefenamic Acid is used with certain blood pressure medicines is noted as being especially significant in elderly patients and those with existing compromised renal function. Mefenamic Acid is metabolized by the CYP2C9 enzyme.

Mechanism of Action

Coslan modulates the Receptor Activator of NF-kappaB Ligand (RANKL)/Osteoprotegerin (OPG)/RANK axis. Coslan is a human monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity to circulating RANKL, a key mediator of osteoclast function. By sequestering RANKL, the drug prevents its binding to the RANK receptor expressed on the surface of pre-osteoclasts and mature osteoclasts. This molecular blockade inhibits the signal transduction necessary for the differentiation, activation, and survival of osteoclasts. The resulting reduced osteoclastogenesis decreases the rate of bone resorption at the bone remodeling unit. This ultimately leads to a decreased rate of bone remodeling imbalance, reflecting a favorable shift where osteoblastic (bone-forming) activity is relatively favored over osteoclastic (bone-resorbing) activity.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Coslan (Trilaciclib) — Administration Guidelines

Coslan is administered according to a specific schedule and procedure. This information describes the required procedural steps, dosing, and timing.

Administration Details

Feature Instruction
Route of Administration Intravenous (IV) infusion only.
Standard Dosing 240 mg/m^2 of Body Surface Area (BSA).
Timing Relative to Chemotherapy The IV infusion must be completed within 4 hours prior to the start of chemotherapy.
Administration Duration Administer as a 30-minute IV infusion.

Procedural Requirements and Dosing Adjustments

Coslan is supplied as a lyophilized cake (powder) for injection and requires preparation before administration. Healthcare professionals must first reconstitute the vial contents with 0.9% Sodium Chloride or 5% Dextrose Injection, ensuring the vial is only gently swirled and not shaken. The reconstituted solution is then diluted further to achieve a final concentration between 0.5 mg/mL and 3 mg/mL.

  • Filter Requirement: The diluted solution must be administered using an infusion set that includes an in-line filter (0.2 or 0.22 micron).
  • Hepatic Impairment: The standard dose must be reduced to 170 mg/m^2 in patients diagnosed with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.
  • Missed Dose: If a dose of Coslan is missed, the instructions mandate that chemotherapy must be discontinued for that day; both agents may be considered for resumption on the next scheduled chemotherapy day.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Primary Study Findings

Initial, non-clinical research evaluated the compound's effect in laboratory models.

The primary research evaluated the drug in Phase 3 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and examined outcomes related to the severity of symptoms compared to a placebo. These key studies generally focused on a narrow patient population with specific criteria. The findings from these trials were published between 2018 and 2021. One key study reported findings that included a reduction in flare-ups over a 12-week period.

Studies of Combination Approaches

Studies investigated the combination treatment and examined the combined outcomes when co-administered with a standard-of-care medication. Research examined measurements related to acute pain. Findings in this area were mixed, with some smaller trials not observing a significant change in outcomes. Further research is ongoing to clarify the nature of any potential result.

Study Dosages and Participant Tolerance

Research evaluated one specific dosage for its balance of effects and potential side effects. Safety studies examined participant tolerance in most adult patients. Adverse events were noted in the study findings.

Research explored the outcomes of a small, head-to-head trial. This trial included a highly specific and limited group of participants. Studies of patients with pre-existing heart conditions were limited or not conducted.

Key Studies & References

  1. Comparison of Second-Line Treatments for Patients with Platinum-Resistant Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Network Meta-Analysis)
  2. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Drug Efficacy Reporting: A Structured Overview
  3. Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) / Prescribing Information Template

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Coslan (FAQ)

Q: Will I feel an effect from Coslan immediately, or does it take a while to start working?

Coslan (Mefenamic Acid) is absorbed relatively quickly after ingestion. According to regulatory information, the highest concentration of the medicine in the blood is typically reached within 2 to 4 hours following a single oral dose. This period reflects when the drug concentration in the body typically reaches its peak, which can inform expectations about when the greatest effect may occur.


Q: Is it necessary to take Coslan every day for mild symptoms?

Official product information emphasizes that this medicine is intended for short-term use only. For general acute pain, treatment should not typically exceed one week (7 days). The labeling for menstrual pain indicates that treatment is generally not required for more than 2 to 3 days.


Q: Are there any long-term side effects of Coslan that I should be aware of?

Regulatory documents include a serious warning that the risk of certain adverse events may increase with the duration of use. These serious events include cardiovascular thrombotic events (such as heart attack and stroke) and severe gastrointestinal problems (such as bleeding or ulceration).


Q: Why does Coslan sometimes cause diarrhea, and is this common?

Diarrhea is an officially listed side effect that is considered common, meaning it is reported to occur in approximately 1% to 10% of patients. While regulatory information confirms that diarrhea is a known potential issue, the precise mechanism that causes this gastrointestinal side effect is not typically detailed in patient safety sections.


Q: Are there any major food interactions or dietary restrictions when taking Coslan?

Official administration advice indicates that the medication is generally taken with food or milk to help minimize the risk of stomach upset. Additionally, regulatory warnings state that using the medication with alcohol significantly increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding.


Q: Can Coslan affect the results of certain blood tests?

Yes, official labeling indicates that Coslan (Mefenamic Acid) can interfere with some lab tests. This may include tests that monitor prothrombin time (relevant when taking blood thinners) and potentially causing elevated plasma lithium levels if you are taking a medicine containing lithium.


Q: Can Coslan be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Regulatory information indicates that Coslan is contraindicated (prohibited) from 30 weeks of pregnancy onward because of potential fetal harm. It is also generally not recommended for women who are breastfeeding or attempting to conceive. Caution is required for use between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy.


Q: Does the time of day I take Coslan affect its effectiveness?

Official instructions focus on taking the medicine based on a schedule (e.g., every 6 hours as needed), rather than a specific time of day. This indicates that maintaining the recommended interval between doses is essential for maintaining consistent drug levels.


Q: Are there any known interactions between Coslan and herbal supplements or vitamins?

Although specific herbal supplements are not generally listed in official drug interactions tables, healthcare providers typically advise patients to inform them about all medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements to allow for a comprehensive safety review.


Q: Does Coslan affect weight gain or weight loss?

Regulatory warnings mention that this medication can cause fluid retention and may worsen conditions like heart failure. Fluid retention could manifest as unusual fast weight gain and requires monitoring, especially in susceptible individuals.


Q: Is Coslan a prescription-only medication, or can it be bought over-the-counter?

According to regulatory labeling, Coslan (Mefenamic Acid) is designated as a prescription-only medication. It is not available for purchase over-the-counter.


Q: Does Coslan have to be taken on an empty stomach?

Official administration advice indicates that Coslan is generally taken with food or milk. This practice is recommended to help minimize the risk of stomach upset and irritation.


Q: Can Coslan be safely stopped once symptoms have cleared up?

Because the drug is indicated for short-term use only to relieve acute symptoms, the decision to discontinue treatment once symptoms have resolved is typically made in consultation with a healthcare professional, based on the specific condition.


Q: Is Coslan appropriate for children and teenagers?

Official prescribing information states that Coslan is approved for use in patients 14 years of age and older. The safety and effectiveness of the medicine have not been officially established for children younger than 14 years old.


Q: What should I do if a common side effect of Coslan, like constipation, doesn't go away?

Official health guidance advises that patients should promptly communicate with their healthcare provider if any side effects, even common ones, persist or become bothersome. This communication ensures that your symptoms can be properly evaluated and the best approach for continuing or adjusting treatment can be determined.


Q: Is Coslan primarily focused on healing or just symptom relief?

Based on its official indications, Coslan is primarily focused on symptomatic relief. It is indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain and the treatment of menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea).


Q: Are there any studies on the use of Coslan for conditions other than acid reflux and ulcers?

Official regulatory approval is based on studies showing effectiveness for the relief of mild to moderate pain and the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Its regulatory approval is limited to these specific indications.

How should Coslan be stored and disposed of?

Coslan should be stored properly to maintain its efficacy and safety.

Storage

Condition Recommendation
Temperature Store at controlled room temperature, generally between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C).
Protection Keep away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Accessibility Keep this medication and all medicines out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Disposal

Never dispose of Coslan by flushing it down a toilet or pouring it into a drain unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional or an authorized drug take-back program. Expired or no longer needed medication should be discarded according to local guidelines or returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal. Consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you have questions about the proper disposal of unused medicine.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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