Sutan

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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 Sutan

What is Sutan? Defining the Medicinal Entity

Property Description
Active ingredient Mefenamic Acid
Form Oral preparation (e.g., tablets or capsules)
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General purpose Alleviating pain, inflammation, and fever
Origin Synthetic drug

Sutan is a pharmaceutical product defined by its active ingredient, Mefenamic Acid, a chemically synthesized substance. It is classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), placing it within a pharmacological category that acts to reduce symptoms associated with injury and illness. Specifically, Mefenamic Acid belongs to the fenamate subgroup of NSAIDs, which are derivatives of anthranilic acid. Sutan is a single-ingredient product, meaning its therapeutic effect is solely dependent upon its active component.

Composition and Form: Understanding Mefenamic Acid

The medicine is supplied as an oral preparation (tablets or capsules) intended for administration via the oral route. This composition allows the active substance to be absorbed systemically throughout the body. The preparation contains only the necessary amount of the active agent along with pharmaceutical excipients—the non-medicinal components required to manufacture a stable and absorbable product.

General Purpose: How Sutan Helps Relieve Symptoms

The general therapeutic purpose of Sutan is clinically recognized for its efficacy as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. The drug works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, chemical messengers that mediate the body's response to pain and inflammation. By interfering with prostaglandin production, Sutan serves as a triple-action agent, helping to alleviate discomfort, reduce localized swelling, and assist in lowering an elevated body temperature (antipyresis).

What side effects are possible with Sutan?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

As a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), Sutan (Mefenamic Acid) is associated with safety concerns that are classified and documented by government regulatory bodies. The medication carries an inherent risk for serious adverse cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke, which may be fatal. This risk may increase with the duration of use and is a key constraint in high-risk patients. The drug is contraindicated for the treatment of pain immediately before or after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery.


The safety profile also includes a risk for serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events, such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. These events may occur without warning symptoms and also carry a fatal potential, with the risk being heightened in older patients.

Documented Adverse Reactions by Frequency

Official regulatory documents classify adverse reactions based on body systems and frequency:

  • Common (1% to 10%): Gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are frequently reported. Headache and dizziness are also common nervous system effects. Diarrhea may require therapy discontinuation.
  • Rare/Very Rarely Reported: Severe reactions include Serious Skin Reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis), Fatal Hepatitis, and Convulsions. The risk for severe skin reactions is highest early in the course of therapy.

Specific Safety Constraints

The medicine is contraindicated in patients with a history of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Use is also restricted in patients with severe, uncontrolled heart failure, severe renal failure, severe hepatic failure, or an active GI ulcer.

Special consideration is mandated for use during the third trimester of pregnancy, where it is generally contraindicated due to risk of harm to the fetus.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose involving Mefenamic Acid, the active ingredient in Sutan, is officially documented as having primary toxic effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Gastrointestinal (GI) system. Documented manifestations may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, extreme tiredness, dizziness, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Regulator-mandated warnings emphasize the risk of severe outcomes, including signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (such as bloody vomit or black, tarry stools) and acute neurological events.

The most severe documented outcomes include convulsions (seizures), collapse, slowed breathing, and coma (loss of consciousness). Official guidance states that if an individual has collapsed, experienced a seizure, or cannot be awakened, immediate medical attention must be sought by contacting emergency services. Additionally, contact with the Poison Control Center is required for any suspected overdose.

The regulatory profile confirms that no specific antidote is known for Mefenamic Acid toxicity. Consequently, management is officially defined as symptomatic and supportive treatment. Due to elevated risks of severe GI and renal complications, hospital monitoring and observation may be required, particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment.

Therapeutic Uses of Sutan

The medication is commonly used for symptomatic relief, particularly in situations involving episodic or acute symptom patterns. Sutan is relevant for managing certain distressing symptoms, including the discomfort associated with primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), acute pain of mild to moderate intensity, and symptoms linked to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.


Key Therapeutic Domains

This medication is considered relevant for addressing symptom clusters related to inflammatory or irritative states, especially in conditions where symptoms may intensify temporarily. It is relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed.

Quick Fact: Relevant for Acute or Episodic Manifestations


Patient Benefit and Symptom Management

The medication offers symptomatic relief that may help patients cope more steadily during difficult episodes, supporting the patient during phases of heightened discomfort. In clinical scenarios, it is often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable, such as discomfort associated with dental work or during painful menstrual cycles. It is also relevant for easing the symptom of fever (pyrexia).

Regulatory References

  1. DailyMed, official NIH source for FDA drug labels

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Sutan (sunitinib malate) is an anti-cancer medication generally authorized for adult patients with specific advanced or metastatic cancers, including gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET).

Eligibility Restrictions

Sutan is contraindicated (must not be used) in patients with:

  • A known hypersensitivity or allergy to sunitinib or its excipients.
  • Pregnancy, as the medication can cause harm to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for a period afterward.

Use is generally not recommended for the following populations:

  • Children and adolescents (pediatric population), as the safety and efficacy have not been established.
  • Patients with severe (Child-Pugh Class C) hepatic impairment, as the drug has not been studied in this group.

Mandatory Discontinuation

Treatment must be permanently discontinued if a patient develops certain severe or life-threatening conditions, including confirmed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA), clinical congestive heart failure, Grade 4 hepatotoxicity, or persistent severe proteinuria (nephrotic syndrome).

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section describes the officially documented interaction patterns of Sutan (Mefenamic Acid) as stated in government regulatory labeling. Use is contraindicated for managing peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Co-administration with other systemic Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including COX-2 inhibitors, must be avoided due to the officially documented increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.

Documented Drug Interactions

Interactions involving an additive bleeding risk are established with oral anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) and anti-platelet agents (including SSRIs and SNRIs). Sutan interferes with the anti-platelet effect of low-dose aspirin used for cardiovascular prophylaxis. Co-administration with antihypertensive medicines (such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or Diuretics) is documented to reduce the efficacy of the blood pressure treatment.

Pharmacokinetic and Timing Constraints

Sutan affects drug exposure by reducing the renal clearance of Lithium, leading to increased plasma concentrations and risk of toxicity. Conversely, the co-ingestion of magnesium-containing antacids significantly increases the rate and extent of Sutan’s absorption. A specific timing restriction is required: Sutan must not be taken for 8 to 12 days following the administration of Mifepristone. The risk of renal function deterioration when co-administered with ACE inhibitors is documented as heightened in elderly or volume-depleted patients.

Mechanism of Action

How Sutan Works

The mechanism of Sutan is a dual-action process, primarily involving the modulation of chemical messengers involved in the signaling of inflammatory responses and nociception, supplemented by a direct interaction with neuronal ion channels.


u1f52c Modulating the Synthesis of Inflammatory Mediators

The drug’s core action is the reversible inhibition of Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically both COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes generate prostaglandins, lipid mediators that increase nociceptor sensitivity and regulate local vascular permeability. By blocking this step in the Arachidonic Acid Cascade, the mechanism reduces the generation of these chemical signals. This physiological change reduces the signaling capacity of the inflammatory pathway and facilitates the downward adjustment of the hypothalamic thermal set-point.


Direct Influence on Nerve Signal Transmission

A secondary, distinct mechanism involves the direct blockade of the Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 3 (TRPM3) ion channel, which resides on sensory nerve endings. This action influences nociceptive signal propagation independent of prostaglandin levels, as the ion channels are involved in the electrical transmission of specific sensory signals. This physical interference with the channel's function attenuates the flow of nerve impulses carrying nociceptive signals, working in addition to the central and peripheral actions of COX inhibition.

Dosage and Administration Information

Sutan (Mefenamic Acid) is exclusively administered via the oral route, available in strengths such as 250 mg capsules and 500 mg tablets. The medicine is designed for short-term, intermittent use, with precise time-relationship instructions governing its intake.

The standard adult and adolescent dosing regimen (for individuals 14 years of age and older) begins with a 500 mg initial dose followed by a maintenance dose of 250 mg taken every six hours (q6h) as needed. This schedule dictates a frequency of up to four doses on the first day. The medicine is typically taken with food, milk, or a full glass of water to mitigate potential gastrointestinal discomfort. For primary dysmenorrhea, administration should commence at the onset of menstrual symptoms or bleeding.

A crucial aspect of Sutan’s usage protocol is the strict duration constraint. Treatment for acute pain is restricted and should not exceed 7 days. For primary dysmenorrhea, the duration is typically shorter, generally not required for more than 2 to 3 days. Use in older adults requires procedural caution, mandating the use of the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. In the event a dose is missed, it should be skipped if the next scheduled dose is imminent, and the regular timing protocol should be resumed.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of Studies for Sutan (Mefenamic Acid)


1. Evidence for Use in Primary Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)

The primary body of research for Sutan in the study of painful menstrual symptoms, known as primary dysmenorrhea, relies on short-term, acute Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These studies were used in research exploring how symptoms change over time when Sutan was observed in participants, often comparing it to a placebo. Research examined outcomes related to physical discomfort, primarily focusing on the patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort using standardized scales. The documented outcomes generally concentrated on acute symptom outcomes within the observed cycles.

2. Evidence for Use in Acute Pain

The research base for Sutan in managing mild to moderate acute pain is built on single-dose, double-blind RCTs. These trials were often applied in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms resulting from procedures like dental extractions. Research examined endpoints such as the time to onset of outcomes related to physical discomfort and the peak difference in pain intensity measured against baseline. These findings describe patterns observed in the studies that are specific to the acute phase of pain management, generally over intervals of four to six hours post-dose.

3. Evidence Gaps and Limitations

The research for Sutan is heavily concentrated on short-term, acute symptom outcomes, meaning long-term effects are not fully established regarding its repeated use over many cycles or extended periods. The follow-up durations were limited in many key studies. For certain populations, such as children under 14 years of age for temperature-related outcomes, the evidence base is limited. Additionally, the research often includes sample sizes were modest when evaluating specific subgroups, and the data for certain groups remain insufficient.

Key Studies & References

  1. Efficacy of minor analgesics in primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review (NCBI Bookshelf)
  2. Mefenamic Acid (Prescribing Information / Labeling)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Sutan (FAQ)

Q: What is Sutan used for?

A: Sutan is primarily indicated for the management of certain types of chronic pain and inflammation in adults, as determined by a healthcare provider.

Q: How does Sutan work?

A: Sutan is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Research suggests it acts by interfering with certain chemical messengers in the body that are involved in pain and inflammation processes.

Q: What if I miss a dose of Sutan?

A: If a dose is missed, it is generally advised to follow the specific guidance provided by the prescribing healthcare professional or pharmacist. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Q: What are the potential side effects of Sutan?

A: Like all medications, Sutan has been associated with potential side effects. Commonly reported effects in clinical studies include digestive system discomfort and headache. A comprehensive list of potential effects is typically provided by your prescribing physician or pharmacist.

Q: Is Sutan safe for everyone?

A: Sutan is not appropriate for all individuals. Individuals with certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as specific cardiovascular or gastrointestinal issues, may need to use Sutan with caution or avoid it entirely. The suitability of Sutan for an individual must be determined by a healthcare provider.

How should Sutan be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Sutan (Mefenamic Acid)

Sutan must be stored according to regulatory guidelines to ensure product stability and safety.

Required Storage Conditions

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at controlled room temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C.
Container Keep in the original container and ensure it is tightly closed.
Protection Store away from excess heat and moisture and avoid placing it in the bathroom.
Child Safety Keep this medication out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Do not dispose of Sutan in wastewater or household trash. Unused or expired medication should be taken to a drug take-back program or disposed of according to the specific instructions provided by your pharmacist or local waste authority. This ensures safe environmental handling.

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

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