Glare

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

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 Glare

Property Description
Active ingredient Mefenamic Acid
Form Capsules or Tablets (Oral)
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General purpose Pain, fever, and inflammation relief
Origin Synthetic, Anthranilic Acid Derivative

Defining Glare: What Type of Medicine is Mefenamic Acid?

Glare is the trade name for a medicinal product containing the single active ingredient Mefenamic Acid, which is classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). This classification defines a group of compounds sharing a common therapeutic profile, a profile supported by pharmacological studies.

Mefenamic Acid is a synthetic compound chemically identified as an Anthranilic Acid Derivative, distinguishing it from other NSAIDs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen. It is notably a non-narcotic agent, meaning its pain-relieving effects are achieved without altering central nervous system function in the manner of opioids. It is typically manufactured for the oral route of administration and supplied as either a capsule or a tablet, containing the pure active substance along with pharmaceutical excipients.

Glare's Composition and General Function

The overall purpose of Glare is to provide relief from discomfort by exerting a triple action: it is analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory (reducing swelling), and antipyretic (fever-reducing). The ability to achieve these effects is rooted in its mechanism as a COX inhibitor (Cyclooxygenase inhibitor), which means it interferes with the body's production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. The medicine is used to inhibit the production of substances that cause pain and swelling.

This functional profile defines the drug's core benefit, as it addresses both the sensation of pain and the underlying process of inflammation simultaneously, which is characteristic of its use in conditions involving acute physical discomfort. The reliable delivery of the active substance via a solid oral dosage form ensures the systemic distribution required to interrupt the chemical cascade responsible for these widespread symptoms.

What side effects are possible with Glare?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information for Glare (Mefenamic Acid)

The safety profile for Glare, which contains the NSAID Mefenamic Acid, is characterized by adverse reactions formally documented by governmental regulatory bodies (such as the FDA and EMA). These effects are categorized by the physiological system involved and by frequency of occurrence, ranging from common to very rare.

Official Adverse Reaction Categories

Adverse effects are most frequently associated with Gastrointestinal Disorders, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Other system-organ classes involved include Nervous System Disorders (headache, dizziness), Renal and Urinary Disorders, and Blood and the Lymphatic System Disorders.

Serious Adverse Reactions

Regulatory documents emphasize the risk of serious adverse reactions, which can occur at any time during treatment. These include potentially life-threatening Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation. The label also highlights the risk of serious Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events, such as Myocardial Infarction and Stroke, with the risk potentially increasing with the duration of use. Rare but serious Skin Reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome) are also documented, with the highest risk noted early in the course of therapy.

Safety Considerations

The medicine is subject to specific safety constraints. It is contraindicated in individuals with active gastrointestinal ulceration, severe cardiac failure, severe renal failure, or severe hepatic failure. Furthermore, the elderly population is documented to have an increased frequency and severity of adverse reactions, particularly fatal GI events.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Officially documented manifestations of Glare (Mefenamic Acid) overdose primarily involve the Central Nervous System (CNS) and major organs. Overdosage may present with serious signs, including convulsions or seizures, confusional states, and coma. Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain are also documented in regulatory sources.

Severe and life-threatening outcomes reported include acute renal failure, metabolic acidosis, and the risk of significant gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation; fatalities have been reported. Immediate medical attention is required following any suspected accidental overdosage. Urgent help is necessitated by any symptom involving a change in mental status, seizure activity, or difficulty breathing, as vital functions must be monitored and supported.

Regulatory guidance states that no specific antidote is known for acute NSAID toxicity. Management is therefore restricted to symptomatic and supportive care. This includes procedures such as administration of activated charcoal, with intravenous diazepam specified for the control of prolonged or recurrent seizures. Regulatory bodies mandate that patients should be admitted for observation for at least 12 hours. Population notes highlight an increased risk for serious consequences in elderly or debilitated patients, and adolescents may be more susceptible to seizures following an overdose.

Therapeutic Uses of Glare

Glare: Main Therapeutic Uses

Glare is a prescribed medication utilized for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult patients. It is indicated when diet and physical exercise alone do not achieve adequate blood glucose control.


Primary Indications and Benefits

The primary use of Glare is to help lower high blood sugar levels associated with type 2 diabetes. The medication works by supporting the body's processes for glucose metabolism. This action helps the body to regulate circulating blood sugar (glucose), promoting a return to a more balanced state of glycemic control.

Maintaining blood sugar within an established target range is a fundamental goal in the management of type 2 diabetes. Achieving and sustaining this glycemic control is an important aspect of a comprehensive treatment plan, often involving both medication and necessary lifestyle modifications.


Quick Facts

Therapeutic Domain
Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Helps lower high blood sugar levels
Supports adequate blood glucose control
Promotes a balanced state of glycemic control

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus guidance

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Glare?

Glare (Mefenamic Acid) eligibility is strictly defined by regulatory labeling based on pre-existing conditions and physiological status.


Absolute Contraindications

Glare is contraindicated and must not be used by patients who have experienced hypersensitivity to aspirin or other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Use is also prohibited for individuals with severe failure of the kidneys, liver, or heart. Patients with active gastrointestinal ulceration, chronic inflammation, or a history of GI bleeding/perforation related to prior NSAID therapy must also avoid this medicine. Glare is contraindicated during the last trimester of pregnancy and for treating pain following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery.


Age-Group Eligibility and Restrictions

The medicine is eligible for adults and adolescents 14 years of age and older. Use in children under 14 years is generally not established for oral capsule/tablet forms. Older adults may use Glare but should do so with caution due to a higher documented risk of serious adverse gastrointestinal events.


Conditional Use

Specific conditions require caution and monitoring, including pre-existing mild-to-moderate heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, or impaired (not severe) kidney or liver function. Additionally, the medicine is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding or those actively attempting to conceive.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Glare Interactions with other medicines and products

Glare is a substrate for the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4/5 and the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which are critical components of drug metabolism and transport. This dependence forms the primary basis for clinically significant drug interactions documented in official regulatory labeling.

Interaction Restrictions

Co-administration with strong inhibitors or strong inducers of both CYP3A4/5 and P-gp is generally contraindicated or must be avoided. Strong inhibitors can significantly increase Glare’s systemic exposure, potentially leading to elevated levels. Conversely, strong inducers can substantially decrease exposure, risking a loss of therapeutic effect.

Other Interacting Agents

Interacting Product Category Regulatory Constraint Mechanism Basis
Acid-Reducing Agents (e.g., PPIs, H2-Antagonists, Antacids) Requires specific dosing separation or avoidance to prevent reduced absorption. Reduced solubility and bioavailability due to increased gastric pH.
QT-Prolonging Medicines Requires close patient monitoring for additive effects. Additive pharmacodynamic risk of prolonging the QT interval.

Co-administration with moderate inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4/5 and P-gp typically requires dose adjustment for the co-administered drug or increased clinical monitoring. These constraints are explicitly defined in official government labeling to ensure appropriate use and risk mitigation.

Mechanism of Action

How Glare Works


Modulating Receptor Signaling

Glare acts primarily by engaging a defined subset of receptors within relevant central and peripheral pathways. This interaction doesn't necessarily block the receptor but modulates its activity, altering the dynamics of signaling in defined neural or humoral pathways. This targeted activity is used to influence core mechanisms and is relevant where rapid adjustment of receptor or enzyme activity is needed.


Intervention in a Signaling Cascade

Following its interaction with the primary target, Glare operates within a well-characterized molecular cascade associated with high activation levels. It modulates signaling sequences that are characterized by high activation levels. By initiating or blocking specific signaling events, this mechanism results in the regulation of high-level physiological responses, contributing to a reduction in signal amplitude within targeted pathways and the attenuation of downstream effects from high mediator activity.


Influencing Systemic Feedback Regulation

The overall action of Glare is aligned with domains that require targeted pathway adjustment. The drug's mechanism influences feedback regulation within key systems, modifying physiological parameters that lead to an altered steady state. This adjustment dampens signaling, which ultimately defines the observed mechanistic outcome.

Dosage and Administration Information

Glare (Mefenamic Acid) is administered exclusively through the oral route, supplied as either 250 mg capsules or 500 mg tablets. The standardized approach to dosing involves a single 500 mg initiating dose, followed by a 250 mg maintenance dose taken every six hours (q6hr) as needed. This regimen defines an intermittent, acute-use schedule consistent with its function.

For proper administration, Glare should be taken with food or milk to help mitigate the potential for gastrointestinal irritation. When used for primary dysmenorrhea, the therapy is started at the onset of bleeding and associated pain. A core principle guiding its use is the requirement to apply the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration.

Treatment duration is strictly time-constrained. For general acute conditions, the course of therapy is generally limited to seven days. When managing primary dysmenorrhea, the duration is typically shorter, confined to two to three days per cycle. Use in geriatric patients requires careful consideration, often limiting the dose due to potential age-related organ changes. This structured protocol ensures the medicine's use remains confined to acute, short-term management.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence: Overview of Studies for Glare (Mefenamic Acid)

The research evidence details studies that evaluated Glare in conditions associated with acute pain and episodic symptoms, reflecting its classification as an NSAID. The existing data primarily derive from controlled clinical trials and meta-analyses.


Research Focused on Acute Mild to Moderate Pain

Research has explored Glare in conditions characterized by acute or disruptive episodes of pain, such as muscular strains, dental procedures, and short-term post-operative discomfort. The main evidence comes from short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These studies were used in research exploring how symptoms change over time. Researchers primarily monitored patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and the timing of initial reported relief.

Studies monitored patterns observed related to changes in high symptom activity during the study period over the course of these short episodes. The results of the research are confined to the populations studied, and follow-up durations were limited. Therefore, long-term effects are not fully established for managing recurring acute pain episodes or continuous use in this context.


Research Focused on Primary Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Pain)

Glare was studied for the symptomatic experience of primary dysmenorrhea, which includes conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations of pain associated with menstruation. Research examined outcomes related to outcomes capturing phases of heightened symptom activity, primarily focusing on measured changes in the perceived intensity of menstrual pain.

While research describes patterns related to changes in the severity of pain during these cycles, comparative evidence is lacking against the full range of alternative NSAIDs. Additionally, the evidence is derived from studies conducted during periods of increased symptom activity and is structured around cyclic use. Data for continuous use outside of the menstrual phase remain insufficient.


Research Gaps and Unanswered Questions

The existing studies provide limited insight into the medicine's potential role, if any, in influencing the underlying progression of chronic diseases like arthritis; the research only describes symptomatic changes. Findings were variable in some comparative trials where Glare was studied for comparison against other NSAIDs. Furthermore, the short follow-up durations mean that researchers have not fully characterized the long-term impact or sustained performance of the medicine over several years for any of the conditions for which it was evaluated in.

Key Studies & References

  1. Mefenamic acid and diclofenac in the treatment of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea in dysfunctional uterine bleeding: a randomized comparative study
  2. Interpreting the Benefit and Risk Data in Between-Drug Comparisons: Illustration of the Challenges Using the Example of Mefenamic Acid versus Ibuprofen
  3. Mefenamic Acid (LiverTox - Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Glare (FAQ)

Q: What happens if Glare is taken with alcohol?

Regulatory documents indicate that taking Glare with alcohol may increase the risk of serious side effects. These risks include potentially life-threatening issues such as gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. This interaction is a key consideration noted in the product information.

Q: What is the brand name and generic name for Glare?

The name Glare is the product's trade or brand name. Its active ingredient, Mefenamic Acid, is recognized as the generic name for the medicine.

Q: How long does it take for Glare to start working after I take a dose?

The medicine is generally absorbed rapidly. According to official studies, the drug usually reaches its highest concentration in the bloodstream approximately two to four hours after a dose. This time reflects drug absorption, but the onset of pain relief may vary among individuals.

Q: Is Glare an opioid or narcotic pain reliever?

No, Glare (Mefenamic Acid) is not an opioid or narcotic. It is classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) and is considered a non-narcotic agent for pain relief.

Q: Is it safe to take Glare if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Official safety information states that Glare is contraindicated, meaning it must not be used, during the last trimester of pregnancy. Furthermore, it is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding because small amounts of the medicine enter breast milk.

Q: How does Glare work to relieve pain and swelling?

The medicine's action is understood to be related to the inhibition of an enzyme called prostaglandin synthetase (COX). This mechanism results in a decrease in the body’s production of prostaglandins, which are the natural chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.

How should Glare be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal of Glare (Mefenamic Acid) must strictly follow official regulatory guidelines to ensure stability and safety.

Storage Requirements

  • Temperature: Store Glare capsules/tablets at controlled room temperature, specifically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). Brief temperature excursions between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F) are permitted.
  • Protection: The container must be kept tightly closed to protect the medicine from moisture and excess heat. Store away from direct light.
  • Prohibited Environments: The medicine should not be stored in the bathroom and must be kept from freezing.
  • Child Safety: Keep all medication out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Glare should be disposed of by taking it to a medicine take-back program. As Glare is not on the FDA's flush list, it must not be flushed down the toilet or poured down a drain. If a take-back program is unavailable, the official guidance is to mix the medicine with an unappealing substance (like used coffee grounds) and place the mixture in a sealed container before disposal in the household trash.

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

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