Tanston

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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 Tanston

What is Tanston? Composition, Class, and General Purpose

Property Description
Active ingredient Mefenamic Acid
Form Solid oral forms (tablets, capsules)
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General purpose Relief of pain, inflammation, and fever
Origin Synthetic (Anthranilic Acid Derivative)

What Type of Medicine is Tanston (Mefenamic Acid)?

Tanston is a prescription-only medicinal preparation identified by the generic chemical substance Mefenamic Acid, which serves as the sole active ingredient. This compound is classified within the high-level pharmacological category of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). The NSAID classification signifies that the drug's fundamental general purpose is to provide simultaneous analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory (swelling-reducing), and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects. Mefenamic Acid is an orally active drug within the anthranilic acid derivative class.

Composition and Pharmaceutical Classification of Mefenamic Acid

The active constituent, Mefenamic Acid, is a synthetic compound derived from anthranilic acid, placing it specifically within the fenamate subgroup of NSAIDs. As a single-ingredient product, Tanston is formulated to deliver Mefenamic Acid for systemic activity throughout the body. The medicine is manufactured for oral administration and is supplied in common solid dosage forms such as film-coated tablets or capsules. Mefenamic Acid has a specific chemical structure, and as a member of the fenamate class, it possesses distinct pain and inflammation relief properties that set it apart from other NSAID families like the propionic acid derivatives.

What is the General Purpose of This NSAID?

The primary, high-level purpose of Mefenamic Acid is to broadly relieve mild to moderate acute pain and reduce inflammation. Mefenamic Acid is intended for the short-term management of acute symptoms, acting as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. This general action means the drug is typically used for episodic pain relief—for instance, temporary discomfort—rather than for long-term chronic management.

Regulatory References

  1. Mefenamic Acid (UNII: 367589PJ2C)

What side effects are possible with Tanston?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The following information on adverse reactions and safety restrictions for Tanston is based on governmental regulatory documents.

Adverse Reactions by System-Organ Class The most frequently reported adverse reactions are generally related to the Gastrointestinal system, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other affected systems include the Nervous system (e.g., convulsions), Immune system (hypersensitivity reactions), and Vascular disorders (thromboembolic events).

Classification Examples of Adverse Reactions (MedDRA System Organ Class)
Rare (1/10,000, <1/1,000) Thromboembolic events, allergic skin reactions, colour vision disturbances, retinal/artery occlusion.
Very Rare (<1/10,000) Hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis), digestive effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
Not Known Convulsions (particularly with misuse or high intravenous doses).

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Restrictions Serious reactions include anaphylaxis and various thromboembolic events (arterial or venous thrombosis at any site). The drug is typically contraindicated in patients with a history of thromboembolic disease, a history of convulsions, or known fibrinolytic conditions following consumption coagulopathy.

Key Safety Considerations

  • Thrombotic Risk: Use in patients with a history of thromboembolic events or a family history of thrombophilia is generally restricted to cases with a strong medical indication and under strict supervision.
  • Renal Impairment: A dose reduction is officially recommended for patients with renal insufficiency due to increased blood concentration.
  • Visual Disturbance: Patients who experience any visual changes must be withdrawn from treatment, and specialist ophthalmological examinations are recommended.

Population Notes Caution is advised when using Tanston during pregnancy (it crosses the placenta) and breast-feeding (it passes into breast milk at a low concentration). Its co-administration with combination hormonal contraceptives is generally restricted due to an increased risk of thrombosis.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose: When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

An overdose occurs when a toxic amount of a substance is taken, which can be accidental or intentional. Recognizing the signs of a drug overdose and acting quickly is critical, as it constitutes a medical emergency. The specific symptoms of a Tanston overdose depend heavily on its active chemical class, dose, and whether it was taken with other substances, such as alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.

Immediate, life-saving medical help is required if a person exhibits any of the following severe signs:

Overdose Presentation (General) Physiological Systems Affected
Severe respiratory distress (slow, shallow, or stopped breathing) Respiratory, Central Nervous System
Profound lethargy or unresponsiveness (cannot be roused or woken up) Central Nervous System
Signs of circulatory compromise (pale, clammy skin; bluish lips or fingernails) Cardiovascular
Seizures or loss of consciousness/coma Neurological

If an overdose is suspected, call the local emergency number immediately. Do not leave the person alone. If they are unconscious but breathing, carefully place them on their side in the recovery position to prevent choking. Attempt to gather any information about what drug was taken, how much, and when. Even if the person appears stable after initial treatment, subsequent medical monitoring is necessary, as the drug's effects can return or worsen. Follow all instructions given by emergency services personnel until professional help arrives.

Therapeutic Uses of Tanston

Tanston (Mefenamic Acid) is commonly used to provide symptomatic relief across key therapeutic domains by targeting symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states and physical discomfort. It is generally applied in conditions marked by episodic or fluctuating symptom patterns, aiming to support patient comfort during periods of heightened distress.


Pain and Symptom Management in Women's Health

This medication is applied in situations involving certain distressing symptoms, being commonly used to address the characteristic cramping pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods). It is considered relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort, and it may play a role in managing heavy menstrual flow in cases of menorrhagia. The use of this medication contributes to improved comfort during these symptomatic periods.


Acute Symptom Relief and Indications

Tanston is applicable across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, primarily for the management of mild to moderate acute pain. This includes symptom clusters such as musculoskeletal aches, pain following minor dental or surgical procedures, and systemic fever. This supportive relief contributes to improved day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods by easing the overall symptom load. This medication may assist with maintaining functional stability when symptoms interfere with routine activities.

Quick Fact: Support for Acute Symptomatic Episodes This medication is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes where symptoms related to physical discomfort and inflammatory processes escalate temporarily.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Tanston (mefenamic acid) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) primarily indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain, including menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea). It is generally approved for use in adults and adolescents aged 14 and older.


Who Should Exercise Caution or Not Use Tanston?

Tanston is contraindicated in several patient groups due to the risk of serious adverse effects. You must not use this medication if you:

  • Have a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to mefenamic acid, aspirin, or other NSAIDs.
  • Have active stomach or intestinal ulcers, or a history of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation.
  • Are scheduled to have or have recently had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
  • Have severe kidney impairment or severe, uncontrolled heart failure.

Use of Tanston requires careful medical consideration and monitoring in individuals with conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure (hypertension), mild to moderate kidney or liver disease, pre-existing blood clotting disorders, or those who are elderly. Pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, and breastfeeding women should also avoid Tanston unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Tanston (Mefenamic Acid) has specific interaction patterns documented in regulatory labeling, categorized by risk and effect on co-administered substances. The medicine is formally contraindicated for the treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Concomitant use with other systemic Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided due to the documented increase in gastrointestinal adverse events.

A critical category involves Pharmacodynamic Interactions that increase risk. Co-administration with anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) enhances their effect, requiring close monitoring due to an increased risk of bleeding. Similarly, combining Tanston with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Corticosteroids increases the regulatory-noted risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Furthermore, the medicine interferes with the anti-platelet effect of low-dose Aspirin, potentially diminishing its intended benefit.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions alter drug concentrations. Tanston reduces the renal clearance of both Lithium and Methotrexate, resulting in elevated plasma levels of those medicines. Conversely, antacids containing Magnesium Hydroxide can significantly increase the rate and extent of Mefenamic Acid absorption. Regarding timing, the regulatory label advises a separation, stating that the drug must not be taken for 8–12 days following the administration of Mifepristone. Population-specific warnings note that elderly patients are at increased risk of renal impairment when the drug is combined with certain anti-hypertensives, such as ACE Inhibitors or ARBs.

Mechanism of Action

How Tanston Works: Mechanism of Action

Tanston (Mefenamic Acid) exerts its fundamental action by acting as a nonselective inhibitor of the Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme system, primarily targeting both the COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms. These enzymes are key regulatory components of the Arachidonic Acid Cascade. This targeted molecular blockade suppresses the enzymatic synthesis of various prostaglandins, which are influential, localized physiological mediators.

The inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis leads to a significant suppression of the signaling cascade responsible for sensitization of peripheral afferent nerve endings and tissue-level vascular and permeability responses. This mechanism modulates the physiological processes associated with localized vasodilation and heightened afferent neural signaling by limiting the availability of sensitizing chemical mediators at the site of activity.

The drug's activity affects both the local periphery and the central nervous system. Centrally, it suppresses the action of Prostaglandin E2 ( PGE2) in the hypothalamus. This unique dual-site modulation leads to a lowering of an elevated core body temperature set-point, simultaneously with the reduced responsiveness of peripheral afferent nerve endings.

Dosage and Administration Information

The administration of Tanston (Mefenamic Acid) follows specific parameters. The medicine is utilized for oral administration, typically supplied as 250 mg capsules or 500 mg film-coated tablets. The usage protocol describes that the drug is taken with food or milk and a full glass of water.

Instruction Category Parameter
Route of administration Oral administration only.
Dosing schedule (Adults) Initial dose of 500 mg, followed by a maintenance dose of 250 mg.
Course duration limit Maximum of 7 days for acute pain; 2 to 3 days for painful periods (dysmenorrhea).

Classification Parameter
Frequency pattern Every six hours (q6h) or Three times daily (TID), taken as needed for acute symptoms.
Age-group rules The adult regimen is specified for patients 14 years of age and older.
Special procedural conditions Dosing for menstrual symptoms is designed to start at the onset of bleeding and associated pain.

The procedural structure involves initiating therapy with the 500 mg dose, followed by continued use of the 250 mg dose at the specified frequency. This pattern is limited to the short-term duration defined for each condition. For older adults, the approach includes the use of the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to align with established usage principles. This overall protocol ensures that Mefenamic Acid is used in a targeted, intermittent manner.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Tanston (Mefenamic Acid)


Evidence for Use in Primary Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramping Pain)

Research has explored its application in conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations, such as the cramping pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea. The evidence for this application primarily involves Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). Researchers monitored patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and the overall intensity of the pain, often over a few consecutive menstrual cycles. The findings describe patterns observed in the studies where studies measured patient-reported changes in symptoms compared to those taking a placebo. The evidence contributes to the broader evidence landscape regarding outcomes related to measured symptom metrics for this condition. Long-term effects are not fully established; follow-up durations were limited to cycles immediately following the start of treatment.


Evidence for Use in Mild to Moderate Acute Pain

Research was studied for outcomes related to physical discomfort in the context of mild to moderate acute pain, such as that experienced after minor surgical procedures. This research relies mainly on short-term, single-dose RCTs that were evaluated in populations of adult individuals experiencing established moderate to severe pain. The studies monitored outcomes related to daily functioning and the time until rescue medication was used. Studies describe patterns related to the rate of patient-reported change compared to a placebo. However, the scientific literature indicates that the sample sizes were modest in some of the key systematic reviews supporting this use. Follow-up durations were limited, focusing on acute symptom changes.


Evidence for Use in Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Flow)

Research has explored its application in conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes, specifically in research exploring heavy menstrual flow (menorrhagia) in women without underlying pathology. Researchers examined outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance by objectively measuring menstrual blood loss (MBL) using standardized clinical tools across multiple cycles. The trials report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, describing patterns of reduction in objective menstrual blood loss compared to baseline or placebo measurements. Reported findings varied when compared directly against other non-NSAID treatments. Long-term effects are not fully established, and comparative evidence is lacking against all current therapeutic alternatives.


Gaps and Uncertainties in the Research Record

The evidence base, while providing context, still contains several research limitation frames. Sample sizes were modest in some key acute pain studies, and long-term effects are not fully established for any of the indications. Data for certain groups remain insufficient, as there are limited studies evaluating the medication's application in older adults or individuals with multiple pre-existing conditions (comorbidities). The research helps contextualize existing information but is best viewed as describing group patterns under specific, controlled conditions, rather than providing certainty for individual outcomes.

Key Studies & References

  1. Randomised trial of mefenamic acid versus tranexamic acid in management of menorrhagia (J. & S., 2017)
  2. Mefenamic acid and diclofenac in the treatment of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea in dysfunctional uterine bleeding: a randomized comparative study (Kumar et al., 2018)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Tanston (FAQ)

Q: Is Tanston used to treat anxiety?

Tanston is not approved by regulatory bodies for the treatment of anxiety. Its primary use, according to the official product labeling, is for the management of [Specific Approved Indication]. Any use outside of the approved indication is considered off-label and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Q: Can I stop taking Tanston if I feel better?

It is generally recommended not to stop taking Tanston abruptly. Discontinuing the medication suddenly may lead to withdrawal symptoms or a return of symptoms. If you wish to stop treatment, your healthcare provider may suggest a gradual reduction in the dose.

Q: How long does it take for Tanston to start working?

The timeframe for experiencing the full therapeutic effect of Tanston can vary among individuals. Some people may notice initial changes within a few weeks, but the full intended benefit may take several weeks or longer to become established, as indicated by clinical information.

Q: Is Tanston safe to take during pregnancy?

The official prescribing information states that using Tanston during pregnancy should be carefully evaluated. There may be potential risks to the fetus. A healthcare provider can weigh the potential benefits against the risks when making a treatment decision.

How should Tanston be stored and disposed of?

Storage Conditions

Tanston (Mefenamic Acid) must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, specifically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F), with permitted excursions up to 30 C. The product must be protected from light and moisture, and must not be frozen or exposed to excessive heat. It is required to be kept in its original, tightly closed container and stored out of the sight and reach of children and pets.


Disposal Instructions

The preferred method for discarding unused or expired Tanston is via a drug take-back program. The product must not be flushed down a sink or toilet. If a take-back option is unavailable, the medicine should be mixed with an undesirable substance, placed in a sealed container, and disposed of in the household trash, with personal information scratched out from the label.

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

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