Mefenamic Acid Tablets 500mg

What are Mefenamic Acid tablets?

Mefenamic Acid tablets are a powerful painkiller belonging to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) class of drugs. Other more common drugs from this family of drugs include Ibuprofen & Aspirin. Mefenamic Acid are the only specifically licensed NSAID for menorrhagia (heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding).

How to buy Mefenamic Acid online

You can use our online prescription service to buy Mefenamic Acid online in the UK. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK and offer free delivery and next day delivery. Any website that claims to sell Mefenamic Acid tablets without a prescription is operating illegally and you could be purchasing counterfeit / fake tablets.
Upon completion of your order, our independent prescriber will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then receive a prescription and dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.

How it works

Mefenamic Acid belongs to the NSAID class of drugs. They work by reducing the high level of prostaglandin in the lining of the uterus. Prostaglandin is thought to be a contributor to heavy periods and period pain.
It is important to note Mefenamic Acid does not reduce the number of days a period lasts.

How to take Mefenamic Acid

The usual dose for Mefenamic Acid is 500 mg three times daily taken with food. This can be adjusted according to response and should be started on the first day of bleeding, continued until the bleeding stops, or reduces to satisfactory levels.
It is important to take Mefenamic Acid with food to help protect the stomach and to take Mefenamic Acid for the shortest possible time at the lowest dose.

Mefenamic Acid and other painkillers

Mefenamic Acid can be taken with other painkillers as long as they do not belong to the class of NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Diclofenac, Celecoxib or Etoricoxib. Be wary if you purchase any combination medicines such as cold & flu as they may contain a NSAID, speak to the pharmacist if you are unsure.
Mefenamic Acid can be safely taken with Paracetamol and codeine as these work differently to Mefenamic Acid.

Mefenamic Acid side effects

Like any medication Mefenamic Acid can cause side effects these include confusion, headaches, ringing in the ears, changes in vision, feeling lethargic, feeling dizzy and rashes. If any of these symptoms occur and do not go away, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
More rare but serious side effects include severe indigestion, heartburn, vomiting blood or dark particles, blood in your stools, a frequent sore throat, signs of jaundice such as yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, feeling faint or short of breath, blood in your urine and slow or irregular heart beat. Call 111 or your doctor if you experience any of the mentioned. If you experience a high temperature, feel sick or start being sick, get confused, have a headache, neck stiffness and sensitivity to light or experience chest pains call 999.

Who cannot take Mefenamic Acid

Mefenamic Acid may not be suitable if you:

1. Have previously had an allergic reacion to Mefenamic Acid
2. Have a stomach ulcer
3. Have a stomach bleed
4. Are currently or trying to become pregnant
5. Have a history of bleeds related to NSAID use
6. Have a history of stomach ulcers related to NSAID use
7. Suffer with IBS
8. Have epilepsy
9. Have liver or kidney problems
10. Have recurrent stomach ulcers
11. Have suffered with severe heart failure

Mefenamic Acid interactions

The following drugs interact with Mefenamic Acid if you take any of the following contact your doctor:

1. Other NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen
2. Blood thinning medication such as Apixaban, Warfarin
3. Anti-platelet medication such as Clopidogrel
4. Thiazide diuretics such as Bendroflumethiazide
5. Anti-depressants such as Fluoxetine, Escitalopram
6. Corticosteroids such as Beclometasone
7. Cancer treatments such as Sunitinib

If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your doctor, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together.
A full list of interactions can be found here: Mefenamic Acid interactions.

Mefenamic Acid and fertility

Mefenamic acid can make it more difficult to become pregnant, avoid taking them if you are trying for a baby.

Mefenamic Acid and pregnancy

Mefenamic acid should be avoided if possible during pregnancy. After a discussion with your doctor it may be deemed safe to take during the first 6 months of pregnancy, but should be avoided during the last 3 months as it can delay the onset of labour.

Mefenamic Acid and breastfeeding

Mefenamic acid should be avoided if possible during breastfeeding as it passes into the milk. Do not take these tablets while breast feeding unless advised to by your doctor.

Mefenamic Acid and driving

These tablets can cause drowsiness, if this happens do not drive or operate machinary. Make sure you know how the tablets will affect you before driving. If they do not cause drowsiness it is safe to drive while taking them.

Mefenamic Acid and alcohol

Alcohol should be avoided while taking these tablets as it can lead to stomach irritation and an increased likelihood of stomach bleeds.

Period pain help

You can try some self-care either instead of or alongside treatment to help treat period pain such as:

1. Stopping smoking
2. Excercise – a gentle swim, walk or cycle can help
3. Heat – apply a heat pad, take a hot bath or a hot water bottle on your stomach
4. Massage – massage your lower abdomen in a light cirular motion
5. Relaxation – yoga, meditation or pilates can help distract from the pain
6. Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS) – this is a small device that delivers a mild electrical shock to your stomach, which has been shown to help reduce pain

Mefenamic Acid alternatives

Alternatives you can try include:

• Paracetamol tablets - Can also be taken alongside Mefenamic Acid
• Ibuprofen tablets
• Naproxen tablets
• Solpadeine Max Tablets - Can also be taken alongside Mefenamic Acid
• Rest & Recuperation

More Mefenamic Acid information

If you would like more information, you can find the SPC here.