Mefenamic acid

"Mefenamic acid" - a drug that has been widely used in arthrology, treatment of diseases of infectious and inflammatory nature, relief of cerebral symptoms.

This drug belongs to the group of pharmacological substances of the phenamates - substances with anti-inflammatory effect. "Mefenamic acid" has established itself as an excellent antipyretic and analgesic.

The drug has a complex mechanism of action, which involves direct participation in inflammatory reactions. "Mefenamic acid" (active substance) reduces the synthesis of specific substances (mediators), which include prostaglandins, kinins, serotonin. In addition, it significantly reduces the activity of proteolytic enzymes by lysosomes, directly participating in the first two phases of inflammation: exudation, proliferation. Other effects of this drug include: stabilization of cell membranes and protein ultrastructure, decreased vascular permeability and swelling of affected tissues, increased serotonin activity, increased cell resistance, stimulation of regeneration processes. The analgesic effect of the drug lies in the direct effect on the central mechanism of pain sensitivity, as well as local effects on the inflammatory focus. Antipyretic properties are associated with the direct blocking of the synthesis of prostaglandins, the effect on the center of thermoregulation in the brain. Another feature is the stimulation of interferon production, which directly enhances the proliferative properties of the active substance.

Mefenamic acid has a sufficiently high absorption coefficient. Maximum concentration is achieved two to four hours after admission. The level of drug in the blood is always proportional to its dose taken. Transport in the vascular bed of this drug substance occurs by binding to albumins. The half-life of the active substance is three hours. Approximately sixty percent is excreted in urine in almost unchanged form, twenty-five - with feces.

"Mefenamic acid" has a fairly broad spectrum of action, which is explained by the many effects that the active substance exerts. The main diseases, with the symptoms of which the given drug successfully copes, are nonspecific polyarthritis, acute rheumatism, neuralgia, myalgia, arthralgia, Bechterew's disease, cold, periodontitis. The drug is also intended for relief of headaches, dental pains, fever attacks, signs of menstrual cycle disorders.

For "mefenamic acid" there are a number of contraindications, the main ones of which are hypersensitivity, the presence of peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach, inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, hematopoiesis, kidneys. During pregnancy, lactation should be limited to the use of this drug.

Interaction with other groups of drugs is another property that is characterized by mefenamic acid. The instruction for the preparation describes in detail all possible reactions and complications. When interacting with "Analgin" and salicylates, the anti-inflammatory effect is enhanced. The drug also increases prothrombin time when taken with anticoagulants.

The main side effects of mefenamic acid are disorders of the digestive tract, manifested by dyspeptic and motor disorders. With prolonged use of this drug can develop hemolytic anemia.