It’s safe to say that many of us have heard of mefenamic acid, especially when dealing with toothaches, body pain, menstrual cramps, and similar discomforts. It’s a go-to remedy that offers quick relief, but have you ever thought about what this medication does inside your body? We often reach for it without a second thought, trusting that it will ease our pain, but understanding how it works and what it does can be eye-opening. From reducing inflammation to blocking pain signals, mefenamic acid plays a complex role in helping us feel better.
Mefenamic Acid Uses
If you're curious about how this common pain reliever works and its effects on your body, keep reading. We'll explain the science behind mefenamic acid in simple terms, helping you make a more informed decision the next time you consider taking it.
Blocking Pain Signals
Mefenamic acid works by reducing certain substances in the body called prostaglandins.1 Prostaglandins are powerful, hormone-like substances released by tissues throughout your body, from your skin to your stomach and lungs. Normally, when you get hurt or have inflammation, your body produces prostaglandins to signal pain and start the healing process. These signals cause the blood vessels to widen, leading to more blood flow, swelling, and pain. Mefenamic acid works by blocking the enzymes that produce prostaglandins, which reduces their levels and, in turn, lowers pain, swelling, and fever.2
Working at the Source
As mentioned earlier, mefenamic acid plays a significant role in reducing inflammation by targeting prostaglandin levels in the body. This reduction in prostaglandins helps to decrease the sensitivity of pain receptors in the affected area.3 As a result, the intensity of pain signals transmitted to the brain is diminished.
Mefenamic acid reduces pain at the spot where the pain is coming from (like a sore muscle) by making pain receptors less sensitive. This helps you feel less pain.
Lowering Body Temperature
While a fever is a natural defense mechanism, it can also be uncomfortable and disruptive. Prostaglandins play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including the body's response to infection. One of their functions is to raise body temperature as part of the inflammatory response.4 When you have an infection, prostaglandins are released in response to the invading pathogens, which can trigger a fever as the body attempts to create an environment less conducive to the growth of these pathogens.
Mefenamic acid helps manage this process by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. By blocking the enzymes responsible for their synthesis, specifically cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), mefenamic acid reduces the levels of these substances in the body.5 COX-1 is involved in many protective processes in the body.6 On the other hand, COX-2 is mostly involved in inflammation. As a result, it helps lower the elevated body temperature associated with fever, bringing it back down to a more normal range.
How to Use It
Mefenamic acid is usually taken by mouth, and how much you need depends on what you’re treating. It’s generally meant for short-term use because of the possible side effects, so it's important to stick to your doctor’s instructions.
Interactions with Other Medications
Mefenamic acid helps relieve pain, reduce swelling, and lower fever by blocking substances in the body that cause these symptoms. However, it’s important to use it carefully, especially if you have existing stomach, heart, or kidney issues.
Mefenamic acid can interact with other drugs, especially blood thinners, other pain relievers, and some blood pressure medications. These interactions can lead to complications like increased bleeding risk or kidney problems.
Now that you’ve learned about how mefenamic acid works in your body, it may be time to consider trying this medication.
Para sa bilis-relief na subok na (works in as fast as 15 minutes), consider taking the Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal).
Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal) helps target mild to moderate discomfort by working as a pain reliever. It is useful for people struggling with dental or tooth pain, headache, postoperative pain, postpartum
and menorrhagia.
Plus, Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal) may help provide relief to people dealing with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other musculoskeletal and Joint disorders.
Mefenamic Acid Dosage
It is recommended for adults and adolescents 14 years old and above. The ideal dose of this medicine is one (1) tablet every eight (8) hours, as needed, or as directed by your physician.
Do not take this medication for more than seven (7) days unless directed by your doctor
Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal) is available online and in leading drugstores nationwide.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Reference Code: U0201P112724D
References:
1. Ghlichloo I, Gerriets V. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/
2. Ricciotti, E., & FitzGerald, G. A. (2011). Prostaglandins and inflammation. Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology, 31(5), 986–1000. https://doi.org/10.1161/ATVBAHA.110.207449
3. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Mefenamic Acid. [Updated 2020 Jan 10]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548029/
4. Osilla EV, Marsidi JL, Shumway KR, et al. Physiology, Temperature Regulation. [Updated 2023 Jul 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507838/
5. Mefenamic acid: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank Online. (n.d.). DrugBank. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00784
6. Qureshi O, Dua A. COX Inhibitors. [Updated 2024 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549795/
7. Balli S, Shumway KR, Sharan S. Physiology, Fever. [Updated 2023 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562334/
Supporting References:
Prostaglandins and Inflammation - PMC
Prostaglandins: What are they?
Mefenamic Acid - LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf
Mefenamic acid inhibit transforming growth factor-beta type-1
Single dose oral mefenamic acid for acute postoperative pain in adults - PMC
