Indication: For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, and mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever.
Pharmacology: Mefenamic acid, an anthranilic acid derivative, is a member of the fenamate group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. Similar to other NSAIDs, mefenamic acid inhibits prostaglandin synthetase.
Mechanism Of Action: Mefenamic acid binds the prostaglandin synthetase receptors COX-1 and COX-2, inhibiting the action of prostaglandin synthetase. As these receptors have a role as a major mediator of inflammation and/or a role for prostanoid signaling in activity-dependent plasticity, the symptoms of pain are temporarily reduced.
Drug Category: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; ATC:M01AG01
Absorption: Mefenamic acid is rapidly absorbed after oral administration.
Interactions:
DrugBank: Interactions for Mefenamic acid
Drug Interactions for Mefenamic acid:
Aspirin: As with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of Ponstel and aspirin is not generally
recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects.
Methotrexate: NSAIDs have been reported to competitively inhibit methotrexate accumulation in rabbit
kidney slices. This may indicate that they could enhance the toxicity of methotrexate. Caution should be used when
NSAIDs are administered concomitantly with methotrexate.
ACE inhibitors: Reports suggest that NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of ACE
inhibitors. This interaction should be given consideration in patients taking NSAIDs concomitantly with ACE
inhibitors.
Furosemide: Clinical studies, as well as post-marketing observations, have shown that NSAIDs can
reduce the natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides in some patients. This response has been attributed to
inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. During concomitant therapy of Ponstel with furosemide, the patient
should be observed closely for signs of renal failure, as well as to assure diuretic efficacy.
Lithium: NSAIDs have produced an elevation of plasma lithium levels and a reduction in renal lithium
clearance. The mean minimum lithium concentration increased 15% and the renal clearance was decreased by
approximately 20%. These effects have been attributed to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis by the NSAID.
Thus, when NSAIDs and lithium are administered concurrently, subjects should be observed carefully for signs of
lithium toxicity.
Warfarin: The effects of warfarin and NSAIDs on GI bleeding are synergistic, such that users of both
drugs together have a risk of serious GI bleeding higher than users of either drug alone.
Antacids: In a single dose study (n=6), ingestion of an antacid containing 1.7-gram of magnesium
hydroxide with 500-mg of mefenamic acid increased the Cmax and AUC of mefenamic acid by 125% and 36%,
respectively.¹
A number of compounds are inhibitors of CYP2C9 including fluconazole, lovastatin and trimethoprim. Drug
interaction studies of mefenamic acid and these compounds have not been conducted. The possibility of altered safety
and efficacy should be considered when Ponstel is used concomitantly with these drugs.
Chemical IUPAC Name: 2-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)aminobenzoicacid
Chemical Formula: C15H15NO2
Half Life: 2 hours
Drug Type: Approved Drug
# Accession No: APRD00730
CAS Registry Number: 61-68-7
Mefenamic acid News (When available)
Govt moves to break drug cartelJan 13, 2006 Manila Standard Today, For instance, Pagdanganan said that Ponstan, a painkiller, is sold at P15 per tablet. The government will sell it for only P7.50. ...
