The quick and simple solution to body pain? Getting your hands on pain medicine or a pain reliever. But when you’re in between options, you wonder: how are they different and what suits your condition best?
Take Mefenamic Acid and Ibuprofen. These are two of the common types of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that help reduce pain, fever, and inflammation.1 Both drugs share a common set of effects, and they are often compared, with people claiming that one works better than the other.
To help you make an informed decision on which pain medication is best for your needs, let's take a closer look at Mefenamic Acid and Ibuprofen.
Pain Management
Labeled as NSAIDs, both Mefenamic Acid and Ibuprofen are taken to help manage or ease the pain. Which one is better? It depends on how or what you’ll be using these meds for.
On one hand, Ibuprofen is commonly used to treat mild-to-moderate pain, inflammation, and fever. On the other hand, Mefenamic Acid is typically used for more severe types of pain. Commonly, the latter is used on pain associated with menstrual cramps, as it is believed to be more suited for this purpose2.
Although both can assist in relieving menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) in women, studies have suggested that Mefenamic Acid may be more helpful than Ibuprofen.3 This might be due to the drug’s property of selectively suppressing prostaglandin production.4 Moreover, Mefenamic Acid may have a more targeted effect on uterine contractions, which can cause menstrual pain.5
Aside from menstruation, Mefenamic Acid may also be more helpful than Ibuprofen for treating joint pains associated with rheumatoid arthritis.6 Studies show that Mefenamic Acid was beneficial in reducing swelling and enhancing joint mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.7
Recommended Dosage
The dosing schedule reflects how the medication is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. It also measures the duration and intensity of a drug’s effect.8
The dosages and frequency of administration for Mefenamic Acid and Ibuprofen may differ depending on each individual's health status. The recommended dose for Ibuprofen is typically between 400 mg every 4 hours,9 while the recommended dose for Mefenamic Acid is typically 500 mg every 8 hours.10
Given its frequency, taking Mefenamic Acid can be less disruptive in one's daily routine. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to avoid the hassle of taking multiple pills per day. And for some, it can be cost-efficient as you won't need as many tablets.
Potency and Mode of Action
Both Ibuprofen and Mefenamic Acid work by inhibiting an enzyme that makes our body more sensitive to pain as a result of tissue damage, injury, or infection.11
Mefenamic Acid specifically targets an enzyme that’s responsible for producing prostaglandins.12 Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that induce inflammation, pain, and fever. In contrast, Ibuprofen also inhibits the same enzyme but to a lesser, slower extent than Mefenamic Acid. This means that Ibuprofen may take longer to reduce pain and inflammation in the body.13
Side Effects
The usual side effects of NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and allergic reactions. In a few instances, they may also lead to intestinal lesions, especially if you take them orally for an extended time. Other than that, long-term use or high doses can also increase the risk of kidney damage, heart attack, or stroke.14
Compared to some other NSAIDs, Mefenamic Acid may have a lower risk of causing stomach problems.15 Mefenamic Acid is less likely to cause stomach problems because it only targets the enzymes which are responsible for pain and inflammation while leaving COX-1 (enzymes of the stomach lining) untouched.
Drug Interaction
A drug interaction occurs when two or more medications (or drugs) interact with each other and alter the way they work in the body. This can lead to unexpected or harmful effects, such as reducing the effectiveness of one or both medications and increasing the risk of side effects such as stomach ache, dry mouth, or drowsiness.16
Compared to other NSAIDs, Mefenamic Acid has fewer drug interactions. So, it can be taken together with other medications with significantly fewer risks. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, may have other unpleasant effects such as the risk of overdose and reduced medication effectiveness when taken with other medicines like blood thinners, corticosteroids, and certain antidepressants.17
Why Should You Switch to Mefenamic Acid?
Ibuprofen or Mefenamic Acid – both have similar goals of helping alleviate pain. But, Mefenamic Acid's benefits include less side effects and fewer drug interactions - making it an ideal pain relief medication.
Consider switching to medication that delivers the same pain relief effects with a low risk of side effects. Make the switch now. Try the No. 1 Mefenamic Acid brand Dolfenal®! Bilis-ginhawa na subok na, Dolfenal the most doctor-prescribed Mefenamic Acid!
- Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal®) helps relieve different types of pain including headache, dental pain, postoperative and postpartum pain, primary dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia.
- It also helps alleviate musculoskeletal and joint disorders including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal®) is available in all leading drug stores and pharmacies nationwide.
If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
Source: PMDI, IQVIA SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC., reprinted with permission
This certifies that the attached prescription data of brands under MEFENAMIC ACID among 700 doctors covering the period: MAT December 2024 (January 2024 – December 2024)
References:
Pain Management:
1 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
2 A double-blind comparison of a propionic acid derivative (ibuprofen) and a fenamate (mefenamic acid) in the treatment of dysmenorrhea - PubMed
3 Mefenamic Acid in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Related Diseases - V Gligore, H D Bolosiu, 1974
4 Effects of mefenamic acid on menstrual hemostasis in essential menorrhagia - PubMed
5 Effects of mefenamic acid on menstrual hemostasis in essential menorrhagia 2 - PubMed
Supporting Document Menstruation:
6 Mefenamic Acid for Period Pain - The Lowdown
8 Mefenamic Acid in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Related Diseases - V Gligore, H D Bolosiu, 1974
9 Mefenamic Acid in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Related Diseases - V Gligore, H D Bolosiu, 1974
10 Overview of Pharmacokinetics - Clinical Pharmacology - MSD Manual Professional Edition
11 Ibuprofen (oral route) - Mayo Clinic
12 Mefenamic Acid: MedlinePlus Drug Information
13 Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs at the Molecular Level - PMC
Supporting Source:
14Prostaglandins: What It Is, Function & Side Effects
15 Mefenamic Acid: MedlinePlus Drug Information
16 Side effects of ibuprofen - NHS
17 The 10 Common Medications That Can Interact with Ibuprofen - GoodRx
Other Sources:
18 Mefenamic acid for pain and inflammation
10 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
20 Paracetamol and selective and non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
21 Drug Reactions: MedlinePlus
22 Drug Interactions: What You Should Know | FDA
23 The Antipyretic Effect of High-Dose Paracetamol Versus Mefenamic Acid in the Treatment of Febrile Children
24 Side effects of ibuprofen - NHS
25 Ibuprofen: MedlinePlus Drug Information
Other Supporting Sources:
26 Mefenamic Acid (Ponstel): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD
27 Mefenamic Acid: MedlinePlus Drug Information
28 Mefenamic acid (oral route) - Mayo Clinic
29 Mefenamic Acid - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
30 Mefenamic acid (oral route) - Mayo Clinic
31 Ibuprofen (oral route) - Mayo Clinic
32 Effects of mefenamic acid on menstrual hemostasis in essential menorrhagia - PubMed
33 The vascular effects of COX-2 selective inhibitors - Australian Prescriber
34 COX-2 Inhibitors: What They Are, Uses & Side Effects
35 IQVIA Certification
