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MEFTAL-500MG
(10)
MEFENAMIC ACID-500MG
NSAIDS-ANTIPYRETIC/ANALGESICS
BLUE CROSS
Product Details
Mefenamic Acid
Action
Indications
Contraindications
Route/Dosage
Interactions
Lab Test Interferences
Adverse Reactions
PrecautionsPatient Care Considerations
Administration/Storage
Assessment/Interventions
Patient/Family Education
(MEH-fen-AM-ik acid)Ponstel, PonstanClass: Analgesic/NSAID
Action Decreases inflammation, pain and fever, probably through inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity and prostaglandin synthesis.
Indications Relief of moderate pain lasting < 1 wk; treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Unlabeled use(s): Treatment of sunburn, migraine (acute attack), PMS.
Contraindications Patients in whom aspirin, iodides or any NSAID has caused allergic-type reactions; preexisting renal disease; active ulceration or chronic inflammation of GI tract.
Route/Dosage
Acute Pain
ADULTS & CHILDREN > 14 YR: PO 500 mg, followed by 250 mg q 6 hr prn. Usually not used longer than 1 wk.
Primary Dysmenorrhea
ADULTS & CHILDREN > 14 YR: PO 500 mg, followed by 250 mg q 6 hr starting with onset of bleeding and associated symptoms.
Interactions
Anticoagulants: Increased risk of gastric erosion and bleeding. Cyclosporine: Nephrotoxicity of both agents may be increased. Cytochrome P450: Exercise caution when coadministering mefenamic acid with drugs known to inhibit the isoenzyme 2C9. Lithium: Serum lithium levels may be increased. Methotrexate: Increased methotrexate levels. Salicylates: Additive GI toxicity.
Lab Test Interferences May cause prolonged bleeding time or false-positive reaction for urinary bile using diazo tablet test.
Adverse Reactions
CV: Edema; weight gain; CHF; altered BP; palpitations; chest pain; radycardia; tachycardia. CNS: Headache; vertigo; drowsiness; dizziness; insomnia. DERM: Rash; urticaria; purpura. EENT: Blurred vision; tinnitus; salivation; glossitis. GI: Diarrhea; dry mouth; vomiting; abdominal pain; dyspepsia; GI bleeding; ausea; constipation; flatulence. GU: Hematuria; proteinuria; dysuria; renal failure. HEMA: Decreased hematocrit; bleeding; neutropenia; leukopenia; pancytopenia; osinophilia; thrombocytopenia. HEPA: Mild elevations in liver function test results. RESP: Bronchospasm; laryngeal edema; rhinitis; dyspnea; pharyngitis; emoptysis; shortness of breath. OTHER: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia may occur if used long term.
Precautions
Pregnancy: Category C. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Not recommended for children < 14 yr. Elderly: Increased risk of adverse reactions. Diarrhea: If diarrhea occurs, reduce dosage or temporarily discontinue. GI toxicity: Bleeding, ulceration, or perforation can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Hypersensitivity: May occur; use with caution in aspirin-sensitive individuals because of possible cross sensitivity. Rash: Promptly discontinue if rash develops. Renal effects: Acute renal insufficiency, interstitial nephritis, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia and renal papillary necrosis may occur. Renal impairment: Lower doses may be necessary.
PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS
Administration/Storage
- Administer with meals, followed by full glass of water or milk to avoid GI and esophageal irritation. May be given with antacids if stomach upset occurs.
- Exercise caution when initiating treatment in patients with considerable dehydration. Rehydrate patients first and then start therapy with mefenamic acid.
- Store at room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant container.
Assessment/Interventions
- Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies. Note chronic alcohol use, fluid retention, nasal polyps, bronchospastic disease or hypersensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs.
- Weigh patient daily if fluid retention is a concern.
- Monitor carefully for hypersensitivity. Note any ecchymosis or rash.
- Monitor renal and liver function and blood studies throughout treatment.
- Monitor for diarrhea or blood in stools. If diarrhea occurs, notify physician. Dosage may need to be reduced or drug temporarily withheld.
- Notify physician if stomach pain develops or continues.
OVERDOSAGE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Acute renal failure, coma, grand mal seizures, muscle twitching, status epilepticus
Patient/Family Education
- Inform patient not to use drug for more than 1 wk. If given for dysmenorrhea, instruct patient to begin taking drug with onset of bleeding and associated symptoms.
- Warn patient about potential for bleeding and advise to notify other health care professionals that drug is being taken.
- Advise patient to discontinue medication if rash develops and to contact physician.
- Instruct patient to report these symptoms to physician: rash, visual problems, dark stools, decreased urinary output, persistent headache or stomach pain and unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Advise patient to avoid intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Instruct patient that drug may cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other activities requiring mental alertness.
- Caution patient to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing to avoid photosensitivity reaction.
- Instruct patient not to take otc medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen or other prescription drugs, without consulting physician.
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