Mefenamic acid capsules??

Question

im going to be taking mefenamic acid capsules for my periods.and the doctor said to start takin them when im next due. but do i take them all the time (ie like the pill) or only when i have my period?

please help and answer.

thanks

Answer 1

Hi!

I was prescribed Mefenamic Acid a couple of months ago due to really painful and quite heavy periods. Both the Doctor and Pharmacist told me that I should take the tablets when the pain occurs, which for me is just after my period starts, but for you, it could be a day beforehand etc.

Do not take the tablet all the time! It's not like the Pill. It's a painkiller -Mefenamic Acid is in a class of medications called NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Take the tablet with food, 3 times a day and you can take 1 every 6 hours - but only 3 times so only 18 hours when taking them back to back. You only need to take them when you're experiencing period pain, so usually about 3 - 4 days.

If further pain relief is necessary, you can take Paracetamol with this medication, because it isn't an NSAID. If you took an NSAID like aspirin or ibuprofen with Mefenamic Acid, you'd increase your chance of stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems, although I have taken ibuprofen sometimes because I didn't have any paracetamol, and I'm okay. Still, it would be safer just to stick to paracetamol if it's needed.

There are side effects to Mefenamic Acid - the most common is diarrhoea. However, if you're like me, you get an upset stomach with your period anyway. How do you tell if it's just you, or if it's the tablets? If you're having more upset stomachs than usual or if they're more painful etc, stop taking the tablets and speak to your doctor. You can look up the other side effects on the Internet and there should be information included with the medication.

That's all I can think of. Read the information sheet that comes in the tablet box and read the pharmacist's instructions. Oh yeah, Mefenamic Acid also makes your periods lighter - yay!

I hope this is what you wanted to know and that the tablets help you.

P.S. Obviously, what I was prescribed was just for me and my situation. I don't know if you can take more than 1 tablet 3 times a day or stuff like that, so if you're not sure, please check with your doctor.

Answer 2

Just during your monthly cycle most times they work well

Answer 3

hi

These can be taken a few days before you begin your period if you are regular and know when you are due on This will give the tablets time to start  working. Otherwise you  take them  as soon as you realize you have started  and continue to take them when your period is normally   heavy e.g .the first 3 or 4 days or longer . The dose is usually 1 or 2 tablets  three times daily . There is no need to take them after your period unless your doctor has told you different

Answer 4

Mefenamic acid is usually taken as a regular painkiller, not all the time. It's pretty strong and can also make you drowsy/dizzy. It's not terrific for your stomach either. I've been prescribed them before for headaches and I can tell you, they did nothing. I assume you're taking them because regular OTC painkillers don't work? Otherwise there's no reason you should be taking such a strong pill.

Anyway that's not the point, yes, you only take it for your period.