"Mefenamic acid" - a drug that has been widely used in arthrology, treatment of diseases of an infectious-inflammatory nature, relief of cerebral symptoms.
This drug belongs to the group of pharmacological substances 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 consists in directly participating in the reactions of inflammation. "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 of lysosomes, directly participating in the first two phases of inflammation: exudation, proliferation. Other effects of this drug include: stabilization of cell membranes and protein ultrastructures, decreased vascular permeability and swelling of affected tissues, increased serotonin activity, increased cell resistance, stimulation of regeneration processes. The analgesic effect of the drug is a direct effect on the central mechanism of pain sensitivity, as well as a local effect on the inflammatory focus. Antipyretic properties are associated with direct blocking of the synthesis of prostaglandins, exposure to the center of thermoregulation in the brain. Another feature is the stimulation of the production of interferon, which directly enhances the proliferative properties of the active substance.
Mefenamic acid has a fairly high absorption coefficient. Maximum concentration is achieved two to four hours after ingestion. The level of a drug substance in the blood is always proportional to its dose. Transport in the vascular bed of a given drug substance occurs through binding to albumin. The half-life of the active substance is three hours. About sixty percent is excreted in the urine in an unchanged form, twenty-five percent - with feces.
"Mefenamic acid" has a fairly wide spectrum of action, which is explained by the many effects that the active substance has. The main diseases, the symptoms of which this drug successfully copes with, are non-specific polyarthritis, acute rheumatism, neuralgia, myalgia, arthralgia, ankylosing spondylitis, colds, periodontitis. The drug is also intended for the relief of headaches, toothaches, fever attacks, signs of an menstrual cycle disorder.
For Mefenamic Acid, there are a number of contraindications, the main of which are hypersensitivity, the presence of peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach, inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hematopoiesis, and kidneys. During pregnancy, lactation should be limited to the use of this drug.
Interaction with other groups of drugs is another property that characterizes mefenamic acid. The instructions for the drug describe 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 that mefenamic acid has are gastrointestinal disorders, manifested by dyspeptic and motor disorders. With prolonged use of this drug, hemolytic type anemia may develop.