Mefenamic Acid is an Analgesic, Antipyretic, and used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a collective class of compounds widely used in several different types of indications. The drugs under this class have effects ranging from analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, cardio-protection, with varying levels of effectiveness. These are one of the most commonly available OTC (over the counter) drugs.
The most common of them include paracetamol, diclofenac, and aspirin. They are sometimes, also referred to as non- narcotic, non-opioid, or aspirin-like analgesics.
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Category of Drug | Mefenamic Acid is an Analgesics, Antipyretics, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs |
| Mechanism of Action | Mefenamic acid binds the prostaglandin synthetase receptors (1) COX-1 and COX-2. These receptors have a role as a significant mediator of inflammation. This, by inhibiting these receptors, the symptoms of pain are temporarily reduced. |
| Indications | 1. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis 2. Osteoarthritis 3. Dysmenorrhea is mild to moderate pain 4. Inflammation 5. Fever dental pain |
| Well Known Pharmaceutical Brands | MEFTAL- BLUE CROSS MEFANORM-SERUM INSTITUTE MEFKIND-P- MANKIND IBUCLIN-P- DR REDDYS MEFAST- EMCURE |
| Available dosage forms | 1. TABLETS 2. CAPSULES 3. SUSPENSION |
| Storage conditions | Store protected from light and moisture |
| Dose | Initial dose: 500 mg orally Maintenance dose- 250 mg every 6 hours (SOS) |
| Structure (2) |  |
| Molecular details | 1. Molecular Weight- 241.28 g/mol 2. Molecular Formula- C15H15NO2 |
| IUPAC Name | 2-(2,3-dimethylanilino)benzoic acid |
| Pharmacokinetic properties | 1. Absorption- is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. 2. Volume of distribution- 1.06 L/kg 3. Protein binding- 90% 4. Route of elimination- The fecal route 5. Half-life- 2 hours 6. Clearance=21.23 L/hr |
| Contraindications | 1. Known hypersensitivity to mefenamic acid 2. Patients who have experienced asthma 3. Peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery 5. Active ulceration or chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract 6. Interactions |
| Precautions | 1. Hepatic effects 2. Anaemia 3. Asthma |
| Adverse Effects | 1. Gastrointestinal experiences 2. bronchospasm, 3. anemia, 4. dizziness, 5. edema |
| Pregnancy Category | C |
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