Mefenamic Acid
Ponstel is the only mefenamic acid product on this shelf, available in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets for treating acute pain and period cramps.
Key points
- Mefenamic acid is an NSAID in the fenamate subclass, the same broad class as ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Like all NSAIDs, it carries a risk of heart attack or stroke that increases with longer use.
- Combining mefenamic acid with aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen raises the risk of stomach bleeding.
How does Mefenamic Acid work?
Mefenamic acid blocks an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase (COX), which your body uses to make the chemicals that trigger pain and swelling. With fewer of those chemicals produced, the pain signal weakens. It is listed under Pain & Anti-inflammatories for Acute Pain and Primary Dysmenorrhoea.
