Mefenan

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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 Mefenan

Property Description
Active Ingredient Mefenamic Acid
Form Tablets, Capsules, Suspension (Oral)
Pharmacological Class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General Purpose Relieves pain, reduces inflammation, lowers fever
Origin Synthetic Compound

What Type of Medicine is Mefenan (Mefenamic Acid)?

Mefenan is a systemic-acting, prescription-only pharmaceutical preparation formally classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Its function is based entirely on its sole active ingredient, Mefenamic Acid, which places it within the specific chemical subgroup of Fenamates. This agent is clinically recognized for its therapeutic effects across multiple countries.

The core identity of Mefenan is rooted in its pharmacological category as an NSAID, establishing it as an agent that reduces inflammation and alleviates pain. Chemically, Mefenamic Acid is a synthetic compound derived from anthranilic acid, classified as an Anthranilic acid derivative.


Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

The active ingredient is Mefenamic Acid, which is prepared as a single-ingredient product (monotherapy) using various pharmaceutical excipients to create stable dosage forms. Mefenan is designed for oral intake, facilitating systemic administration throughout the body. It is commonly supplied in solid oral forms, including tablets and capsules, or as an oral suspension form, which often targets adolescents or individuals who struggle to swallow solid medication. Being a wholly synthetic compound, its production ensures consistent purity and potency.


Mefenan's General Purpose and High-Level Action

The general purpose of Mefenan is to help relieve various forms of pain, reduce associated inflammation, and control elevated body temperature or fever. It achieves this by performing a high-level action in the body: blocking the production of specific natural substances known as prostaglandins. By reducing these substances in the body, the medicine addresses the underlying drivers of pain and fever.

By inhibiting the synthesis of these chemicals, Mefenan pre-emptively reduces the signals that lead to these unwanted physical symptoms. This action provides the therapeutic benefit of diminishing physical discomfort and stabilizing the body's inflammatory response, which is a primary function of this drug class.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed Label
  2. MedlinePlus Drug Information
  3. NCBI Bookshelf Review

What side effects are possible with Mefenan?

Mefenan (mefenamic acid) belongs to the class of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and carries documented risks and contraindications based on governmental regulatory warnings.

Serious and Clinically Significant Adverse Reactions

  • Cardiovascular (CV) Thrombotic Events: Use of Mefenan may increase the risk of serious CV thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with the duration of use and in patients with pre-existing heart disease or risk factors.
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) Serious Events: NSAIDs are associated with an increased risk of serious GI adverse events, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. These events can occur at any time without warning symptoms and may be fatal.
  • Serious Skin Reactions and Hypersensitivity: Severe, sometimes fatal, skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) have been reported. Treatment must be discontinued at the first appearance of a rash or other signs of hypersensitivity.

Common Side Effects

Common adverse reactions, typically non-serious, reported in official documentation include: diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, heartburn, flatulence, constipation, headache, and dizziness.

Contraindications and Safety Restrictions

Mefenan is contraindicated in several specific situations and patient populations, including:

  • For the treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery.
  • In patients with a known hypersensitivity to mefenamic acid, aspirin, or other NSAIDs.
  • In patients with active GI ulceration or chronic inflammation of the GI tract.
  • In patients with pre-existing renal disease or significantly impaired renal function.
  • Pregnant women at or after 30 weeks gestation due to the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.

Elderly patients (65 years and older) are generally at a greater risk for serious GI adverse events. Monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and hepatic function is recommended during prolonged therapy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Mefenan overdose is associated with documented manifestations that affect multiple physiological systems, and emergency medical care is required upon suspicion.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Acute overdosage symptoms are primarily centered on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Gastrointestinal (GI) systems. CNS manifestations officially reported include convulsions (a major feature of acute overdosage), along with drowsiness, disorientation, excitation, headache, and tinnitus. GI symptoms documented in regulatory materials include nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain.

Severe Outcomes and Emergency Action

Severe outcomes listed in official prescribing information include the potential for coma, acute renal failure, and significant gastrointestinal bleeding. Regulators state that fatalities have been reported following acute overdose. Due to these risks, immediate medical attention is required upon confirmation or strong suspicion of overdose. Emergency services should be contacted immediately.

Management and Antidote Status

Regulatory documents state that no specific antidote is known for Mefenamic Acid toxicity. Management is therefore limited to symptomatic and supportive care. Officially described procedures include gastric decontamination, where emesis or gastric lavage may be indicated, followed by the administration of activated charcoal to reduce absorption. Monitoring of vital functions is essential. The potential for renal failure is noted to be a heightened risk in the elderly population.

Therapeutic Uses of Mefenan

What Mefenan Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Mefenan (Mefenamic Acid) is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for symptoms related to physical discomfort, inflammation, and fever. It is relevant for easing mild to moderate pain and for treating primary dysmenorrhea. This supportive relief generally contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.


The medicine is commonly used to help manage the symptoms related to physical discomfort of cramping abdominal pain characteristic of primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) and is also considered relevant in conditions presenting with mild to moderate acute pain from various causes, such as musculoskeletal injuries or discomfort following minor dental procedures. By moderating these distressing manifestations, Mefenan provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden and may assist with maintaining functional stability.

It further supports the patient by being applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states, such as localized inflammation and fever.


Quick Fact: Symptomatic support for Menstrual Cramps and Acute Pain

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for Mefenan (Mefenamic Acid) is strictly defined by regulatory documents, focusing on populations with specific health conditions or physiological states. Use is generally approved for adults and adolescents 14 years of age and older. Safety and effectiveness have not been established for the capsule/tablet form in children younger than 14 years.

Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

Condition / Population Official Classification
Known hypersensitivity to Mefenamic Acid, aspirin, or other NSAIDs Contraindicated
Treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of CABG surgery Contraindicated
Severe heart, hepatic, or renal failure Contraindicated
Active GI ulceration or chronic inflammation (e.g., Crohn's disease) Contraindicated
Third trimester of pregnancy (after 30 weeks gestation) Contraindicated

Conditional or Restricted Use

Use requires caution in several groups, including older adults (aged 65+) due to increased risk of serious gastrointestinal events. It is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding or those attempting to conceive. Additionally, patients with a history of uncontrolled hypertension or congestive heart failure should be treated only after careful consideration.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Mefenan Interactions with other medicines and products

The regulatory interaction profile for Mefenan (Mefenamic Acid) is defined by documented pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationships with various other substances. This information is derived from government regulatory sources and details the officially recognized constraints.

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Interacting Medicines Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin), Anti-platelet Agents (e.g., Aspirin), SSRIs, Corticosteroids, Antihypertensives, Diuretics, Lithium, Methotrexate, Antacids.
Mechanistic Basis Reduction of clearance, displacement from protein binding (Warfarin), inhibition of metabolism (Sulfonylureas), and additive risk for adverse events.
Restrictions Contraindicated for peri-operative pain treatment in the setting of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery. Use with Alcohol may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Official Interaction Statements:

  • Co-administration with oral anticoagulants enhances the bleeding risk due to a pharmacodynamic interaction and displacement from plasma protein binding sites.
  • Concomitant use with other NSAIDs or Aspirin is advised to be avoided due to the increased risk of serious gastrointestinal ulceration and hemorrhage.
  • Co-administration with Lithium reduces its renal clearance, leading to elevated plasma levels and potential toxicity.
  • Mefenamic Acid may reduce the antihypertensive and diuretic effects of ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, and Diuretics, which increases the risk of renal impairment, particularly in elderly patients.
  • The absorption of Mefenamic Acid is significantly increased when taken with Magnesium Hydroxide-containing Antacids.

Connection to the overall interaction profile: Regulatory documents structure the interaction profile primarily around risks associated with pharmacodynamic reinforcement (such as bleeding and cardiovascular control impairment) and pharmacokinetic alteration (affecting drug clearance and exposure). The framework provides specific statements regarding which co-administered substances are affected, and it formalizes prohibitions, including the explicit contraindication in the peri-operative CABG setting.

Mechanism of Action

Mefenamic Acid, the active agent in Mefenan, operates through the non-selective inhibition of Cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes. This core action involves the molecule competitively blocking the active site of the enzymes, which prevents the conversion of Arachidonic Acid into prostaglandins and other eicosanoid mediators. This reduces the formation of these downstream signaling molecules across multiple physiological systems.

The resulting reduction in prostaglandin levels impacts afferent signal transmission. Peripherally, fewer prostaglandins diminish the chemical sensitization of nociceptors, thereby reducing the potentiation of afferent signals to the central nervous system. Centrally, the mechanism regulates the hypothalamic thermoregulatory set-point, leading to the re-establishment of normal core body temperature.

The mechanism is intrinsically limited by its non-selective nature, which extends its action to the constitutive COX-1 enzyme. This affects systems where prostaglandin production is essential for physiological integrity, such as regulating the gastrointestinal lining, defining an inherent functional consequence of the mechanism.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Mefenan Is Used: Official Administration Guidelines

Mefenan is administered solely via the oral route, typically supplied as capsules (250 mg) or tablets (500 mg), with suspension forms also available. A core administration principle mandates the use of the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.

Dosing regimens are standardized by indication. For the relief of acute pain, an initial dose of 500 mg is taken once, followed by 250 mg every 6 hours as needed, with treatment not exceeding one week (7 days). For primary dysmenorrhea, this regimen is limited to 2 to 3 days and commences at the onset of bleeding and associated symptoms. The standard adult regimen may also be specified as 500 mg three times daily (TID).

Mefenan must be consumed with food or milk to fulfill the administration condition and ensure proper use. For older adults, particular caution and the use of the lowest possible dose are advised. For pediatric use, administration is limited to patients aged 14 years and older. If a scheduled dose is missed, it is recommended to skip it and resume the regular schedule, and not to double the next dose. Dosage adjustments may be necessary for individuals with hepatic or renal dysfunction due to the drug's elimination pathways.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Mefenan

Evidence for Use in Primary Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)

Research examined how symptoms change over time in Primary Dysmenorrhea, with studies including several randomized clinical trials (RCTs). These were applied in trials assessing short-term or episodic symptom patterns in young women experiencing moderate to severe menstrual pain. Researchers monitored outcomes related to physical discomfort and measured changes in pain intensity and the duration of pain during the menstrual cycle.

Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level. Research examined whether participants used additional, or rescue, pain medication. Studies monitored responses over defined time intervals, usually covering two or three consecutive menstrual cycles, with findings help contextualize how patients reported their experience. Long-term effects are not fully established, and results apply only to the populations studied.


Evidence for Use in Mild to Moderate Acute Pain

Mefenan was evaluated in research for Mild to Moderate Acute Pain in conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes, such as pain experienced after minor surgical procedures like dental extractions. Studies explored short-term symptom changes using single-dose trials that were often randomized and placebo-controlled. These research scenarios monitored patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort over a very short time frame, usually four to six hours after a single dose.

Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to the defined time intervals and the overall outcomes related to physical discomfort reported by participants compared to a placebo. Current data show patterns related to use only during a period of increased symptom activity, as Mefenan was studied for short-term use, restricted to not more than seven days in total. The evidence is limited because follow-up durations were limited.


Research Structure for Symptomatic Support (Inflammation and Fever)

This agent was studied for its actions on outcomes linked to inflammatory or irritative states and fever control. The general drug class (NSAID) research provides insight into short-term changes related to outcomes linked to inflammatory or irritative states and fever control. The research examined temporary physiological imbalance by monitoring study outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance.


What Is Still Uncertain About Mefenan (Evidence Gaps)

While the research provides context for the approved short-term uses, evidence highlights what is known and what is still uncertain.

  • Long-Term Effects: Long-term effects are not fully established for chronic use, as the drug is intended only for acute episodes.
  • Comparative Evidence: Comparative evidence is lacking for many direct trials comparing Mefenan against every other similar pain reliever.
  • Special Populations: Data for certain groups remain insufficient, particularly for children under 14 years old. Subgroup findings for older adults are also noted for further study.

Key Studies & References

  1. Mefenamic Acid - LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf (Pharmacology and Safety Context)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Mefenan (FAQ)

Q: What are the primary medical conditions Mefenan is officially approved to treat?

Regulatory documents state that Mefenan is officially indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain across various conditions. It is also approved for the specific treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, which is the medical term for menstrual cramps.

Q: Does Mefenan carry a risk of increasing blood pressure?

Official product information indicates that Mefenan, like other NSAIDs, can be associated with the onset of new high blood pressure (hypertension) or may worsen existing hypertension. The warnings section for the drug notes that blood pressure monitoring is a required caution.

Q: Can taking Mefenan affect kidney function over time?

Long-term use of medications in this class, according to official warnings, has been documented to result in renal injury. While Mefenan is intended for short-term use, patients with pre-existing kidney issues or those taking certain other medications are generally considered to be at the greatest risk.

Q: What are the known signs of a severe allergic reaction to Mefenan that require immediate attention?

Severe allergic reactions require professional medical attention. Signs noted in official documents include shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of the face or throat, or slurred speech. The development of a skin rash or blisters accompanied by a fever is noted in official documentation as a serious sign of hypersensitivity.

Q: What is the connection between Mefenan and the risk of liver damage?

Regulatory documents note that, though rare, serious liver-related problems have been reported. Official documents describe signs such as the yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or unexplained flu-like symptoms.

Q: Does Mefenan cause fluid retention or swelling in the legs and ankles?

Official product information indicates that Mefenan can cause fluid retention and edema, which is swelling typically seen in the hands, feet, or lower legs. Official information specifies that caution is required for patients with conditions such as heart failure regarding this effect.

Q: Are there any specific dietary considerations when taking Mefenan?

Regulatory administration conditions describe the requirement to take the medication with food or milk. Additionally, official warnings advise that consuming alcohol while taking the medication may increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding.

Q: Why is Mefenan often prescribed for only a limited number of days?

Official documents restrict the use of Mefenan to short periods, generally not exceeding seven days in total. This limitation is required to minimize the potential risk for serious side effects, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal thrombotic events.

Q: Are there studies examining Mefenan use in pediatric populations?

The medication is officially indicated only for patients aged 14 years and older. Regulatory information states that the safety and effectiveness for children younger than 14 years have not been established in the capsule and tablet forms.

Q: What information is available on Mefenan's potential to interact with diabetes medications?

Regulatory drug interaction profiles indicate that Mefenan may increase the effects of certain oral diabetes medications. This effect is specifically noted for drugs belonging to the sulfonylurea class, and the drug interaction profile notes that professional monitoring of blood sugar may be required.

Q: Can Mefenan cause changes in hearing, such as ringing in the ears?

Official adverse reactions documentation includes reports of both tinnitus, which is ringing or buzzing in the ears, and hearing loss. Documentation states that these effects have been reported as adverse reactions.

Q: Is it possible for Mefenan to cause severe anemia?

Official warnings state that Mefenan can cause a decrease in hemoglobin. In rare instances, it has been associated with more severe conditions like autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Q: How quickly should I expect Mefenan to start providing pain relief?

According to the drug's pharmacokinetic profile, maximum concentration levels in the blood are typically reached between two to four hours after taking a single oral dose. This concentration helps determine when the medication is working most actively in the body.

Q: What is the typical duration of effect for a single dose of Mefenan?

The drug's elimination half-life, which reflects how long the medication remains active, is officially noted to be approximately two hours. This short half-life is a key factor in determining the frequency of administration.

Q: Is Mefenan generally suitable for patients with a history of asthma?

Official warnings state that Mefenan is contraindicated in patients who have had asthma, hives, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. The product information states that caution is required when used in patients with pre-existing asthma who do not have a known sensitivity to aspirin.

Q: What are the known effects of Mefenan on fertility?

Official regulatory documents indicate that Mefenan may impair female fertility. Official documents state that the medication is not generally recommended for women who are trying to conceive or who are undergoing investigation for infertility.

Q: Are there different brand names for the drug Mefenan in different countries?

The active ingredient in this product is Mefenamic Acid. Official regulatory sources show that while it may be known by a common brand name like Ponstel in one market, Mefenamic Acid products are sold under different brand names, such as Ponstan, in other international markets.

How should Mefenan be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal of Mefenan (Mefenamic Acid) must strictly adhere to the conditions mandated by regulatory documents to maintain drug potency and ensure safety.

Required Storage Conditions

Condition Regulatory Requirement
Temperature Store at controlled room temperature, typically not exceeding 30°C .
Protection Must be protected from light and stored away from excessive heat and moisture .
Container Keep in the original container and ensure the container is tightly closed .
Child Safety Mandatory to keep out of sight and reach of children and to lock safety caps .

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Mefenan must be disposed of according to local pharmaceutical waste regulations . The official recommendation is to utilize a drug take-back program or an authorized collection point. The product should not be discarded in household trash or poured into wastewater unless specifically instructed by official labeling .

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

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