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Mefenamic acid
💊 Mefenamic acid is an NSAID that famously causes seizures in overdose. ⚠️ Consider activated charcoal if presenting early after overdose.
📖 About
- 📚 Always check the BNF or equivalent for up-to-date prescribing advice.
⚙️ Mode of Action
- NSAID: inhibits COX enzymes → ↓ prostaglandin synthesis → analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic effects.
💊 Indication & Dose
- Acute pain requiring analgesia: Adults → 500 mg PO TDS.
- Commonly used for dysmenorrhoea and short-term pain relief.
🔗 Interactions
- See BNF for full details (e.g. ↑ risk of bleeding with anticoagulants, GI toxicity with corticosteroids, renal impairment with ACEi/diuretics).
⚠️ Cautions
- Acute porphyria.
- Active or recent GI bleeding/ulceration.
- Cardiac disease: heart failure, IHD.
⛔ Contraindications
- Active/recurrent GI ulceration or bleeding.
- Severe heart failure.
- Previous hypersensitivity to NSAIDs (e.g. aspirin-induced asthma).
💥 Side Effects
- 🚨 Seizures in overdose (classic exam point).
- GI irritation, dyspepsia, bleeding, ulceration.
- AKI due to NSAID nephrotoxicity.
- Headache, dizziness, skin rash.
📌 UK Exam Pearls
- 🧠 Mefenamic acid is one of the few NSAIDs associated with seizures in overdose.
- ⚡ Commonly tested in context of dysmenorrhoea treatment.
- 🚫 Avoid in patients with history of GI bleed or severe cardiac disease.
- 💉 Activated charcoal may be considered in acute overdose (within 1 hour).
- 🇬🇧 Always phrase exam answers as “check BNF for dosing and contraindications.”
📚 References
📝 Revisions
- 2025 – Updated with exam pearls and overdose caution.
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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