Structure of mefenamic acid
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Mefenamic acid

Mefenamic acid (IUPAC nomenclature: N-2,3-xylylanthranilic acid) is a non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drug used to treat pain, including menstrual pain. It is commercially available as PonstelĀ®. It is also prescribed as an antipyretic drug. It is typically prescribed for oral administration. more...

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Mefenamic acid decreases inflammation (swelling) and uterine contractions by a still unknown mechanism. However it is thought to be related to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.

Patients with known liver deficiency may be prescribed lower doses. This is because hepatic metabolism plays a significant role in mefenamic acid elimination. Kidney defficiency may also cause accumulation of the drug and its metabolites in the excretory system. Therefore patients suffering from renal conditions should not be precribed mefenamic acid.

Side effects

Mefenamic acid is known to cause an upset stomach, therefore it is recommended to take prescribed doses together with food or milk. Instances of drowsiness may also occur. As such, it is recommended to avoid driving or consuming alcohol while taking this medication.

Other known mild side effects of mefenamic acid include headaches, nervousness and vomiting. Serious side effects may include diarrhea, bloody vomit, blurred vision, skin rash, itching and swelling, sore throat and fever. It is advised to consult a doctor immediately if these symptoms appear while taking this medication.

Sources

  • MedlinePlus Drug Information: Mefenamic Acid. Last accessed September 28, 2005.
  • Ponstel Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Studies, Metabolism - Mefenamic Acid - RxList Monographs. Last accessed September 28, 2005.

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Physicians blackball black balls - Chinese herbal medicine contains mefenamic acid and diazepam - Brief Article
From Science News, 5/14/94

Many patients with debilitating diseases such as arthritis seek out alternative treatments, studies show. But one such option, the Chinese "black ball," contains much more than the 20 herbs its manufacturers advertise, according to researchers.

Black balls come loaded with a tranquilizer and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

These additional ingredients make some users quite ill, Peter S. Marshall of St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center in Minnesota reported April 29 at the Clinical Research Meeting in Baltimore. He and coauthor Elie Gertner, also at St. Paul-Ramsey, examined five people in the last 3 months who fell ill after taking black balls. The patients suffered primarily from gastrointestinal problems and drowsiness.

The researchers analyzed the black balls that these patients used and found that the balls contained the sedative diazepam, Marshall says. Two black balls would make someone quite sleepy, yet some manufacturers recommend taking 6 to 12 per day, Marshall says. These so-called herbal drugs, which look like gumballs, also had a significant amount -- about 100 milligrams -- of mefenamic acid, an anti-inflammatory.

Black balls are available in stores across the United States and through mail-order catalogs. Their manufacturers tout them as safe, drugfree cures for arthritis, asthma, migraines, and more, Marshall says. As with many herbal medicines, it's difficult to track down who manufactures the balls or what goes into them, he contends.

"Many, many people take [black balls] without having problems," Marshall adds. Doctors need to be aware that their patients might be using these potentially risky remedies, he says. Other researchers have found drugs, including steroids, in herbal medicines.

COPYRIGHT 1994 Science Service, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

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