Mefalth 500mg Tablets

Mefalth Tablet is a pain-relieving medicine commonly used for conditions like joint and muscle pain, headaches, fever, post-operative pain, and menstrual cramps. It contains mefenamic acid, a type of NSAID that helps reduce pain and inflammation by blocking certain chemical substances in the body. Because it can irritate the stomach, it’s best to take it with or after food to reduce discomfort.

Avoid using this medicine for longer than prescribed, as prolonged use may increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding. Always follow your doctor’s instructions, and if your pain does not improve or worsens, seek medical advice.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose include diarrhoea, drowsiness, ringing sound in ears, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, mental confusion, excitation, coma, drowsiness, fainting and occasionally fits. If you think you have taken too much of Mefalth Tablet, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

If you have missed a dose of Mefalth Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Mefenamic acid works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandin by blocking the enzyme responsible for prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandin is an inflammatory mediator that is implicated in conditions of pain, swelling and inflammatory responses.

Directions for Use

This medicine can be taken with or without meals, but if you have a sensitive stomach, it is preferably taken with meals.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take the Mefalth Tablet during pregnancy?

Mefalth Tablet should not be used by a pregnant woman, as it can cause heart abnormalities in the growing foetus. It can also delay labour and can increase bleeding tendency in both mother and child if used during labour and also lead to threatened pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take the Mefalth Tablet while breastfeeding?

Mefalth Tablet passes into the breastmilk and may cause harm to the nursing infant. Thus, it is recommended to avoid the use of this medicine while breastfeeding unless it is prescribed by your doctor.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed the Mefalth Tablet?

You may experience dizziness, visual disturbance, a spinning head, drowsiness after taking Mefalth Tablet. So, it is advised to be careful and cautious while driving and operating machines.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Mefalth Tablet?

You should avoid consuming alcohol along with Mefalth Tablet. It can increase the risk of liver disease and stomach bleeding.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are an older adult as there are chances of stomach/intestinal bleeding.
• You have breathing-related disorders or asthma. You are prone to seasonal allergies, rhinitis and other lung and throat problems, need to be very cautious.
• You are suffering from a heart problem, liver or kidney problem or if you are taking water pills, the doctor may ask to monitor kidney function tests.
• You are suffering from high blood pressure or heart problem, close monitoring of heart parameters are required during the treatment.
• You experience stomach aches and pain as there are chances of development of intestinal or stomach bleeding with this medicine especially if you are a regular smoker and an alcoholic.
• You may develop skin allergies like skin rashes, itching, papules, blisters, etc.
• You are suffering from an autoimmune disorder, systemic lupus erythematosus or you have fits, caution is advised.
• You have high blood pressure and heart problem or any risk which can give heart problems like diabetes and high cholesterol as you may experience swelling and water retention during the treatment.
• It can impair fertility, so it is not recommended for women trying to conceive and taking any treatment for it.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to this Mefenamic acid or any of the ingredients of Mefalth Tablet.
• If you have a condition of inflammation, swelling and pain in your digestive tract.
• If you have or ever had problems of intestinal bleeding or stomach ulcers with or without the use of painkillers.
• If your heart, liver or kidneys are not working properly or you have any health condition related to these organs.
• If you have a history of an allergic reaction like breathing problems and skin allergy upon using painkillers like aspirin or Ibuprofen.
• Mefalth Tablet should not be used for the pain after bypass surgery of the heart and in pregnant women during the third trimester.

Side effects

• Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation and stomach discomforts.
• Stomach and intestinal bleeding can be sometimes fatal especially in the elderly.
• Blood disorders like anaemia, skin rashes, itching, redness and papules formation.
• Headache, dizziness, weakness, irregular heartbeats, breathing problems and blurred vision.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Mefenamic acid may enhance the effect of oral anticoagulants like warfarin, therefore close monitoring of bleeding parameters is advised.
• Medicines containing lithium used to treat the mental condition if taken along can lead to lithium toxicity.
• Concomitant use of other painkillers is not advised as it can increase the side effects of this medicine.
• Medicines such as steroids, antidepressants, medicines to stop blood clotting and pain killers should not be used simultaneously as there is an increased risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding.
• You may experience fits upon concomitant use of antibiotics like Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin with this medicine.
• There should be a minimum gap of 10-12 days on the use of Mifepristone with this medicine as it can reduce the effect of Mifepristone.
• Medicine like Digoxin used for heart failure should not be used along with this medicine as Mefenamic acid can induce heart failure and reduce the effectiveness of heart failure medicine.
• Medicines like Methotrexate, Ciclosporin, Tacrolimus and some hypertension medicines (furosemide) increase the risk of kidney damage when taken with this medicine.
• Other medicines like Probenecid, Zidovudine and oral anti-diabetic medicines should be used cautiously.
• Discuss with your doctor any other medicines, herbal preparations and supplements you are taking currently to avoid any possible interactions.

Storage and disposal

• Store Mefalth Tablets below 25°C.
• Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do pain killers cause gastrointestinal bleeding?

Pain killers are known to work by interfering with the production of a chemical called prostaglandins. Certain prostaglandins help in protecting the stomach lining from the corrosive effects of stomach acid, as well as playing a role in maintaining the natural, healthy condition of the stomach lining. Painkillers reduce the formation of prostaglandins and can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding.

Is Mefalth Tablet addictive?

No, Mefalth Tablet is not addictive but it is advised not to give this medicine if anyone else has the same condition as you without consulting a doctor.

Will Mefalth Tablet reduce bleeding?

No, Mefalth Tablet does not reduce the bleeding. This medicine reduces pain, inflammation and swelling. It mainly provides relief from menstrual pain.

Can Mefalth Tablet be taken for stomach pain?

Yes, Mefalth Tablet is effective in relieving stomach pain and cramps associated with the menstrual cycle.

Can I take tab Mefalth Tablet on empty stomach?

No, you should take Mefalth Tablet with food or after your meals to avoid any stomach discomforts.

What are the side effects of Mefalth Tablet?

Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache are a few side effects of Mefalth Tablet. However, these symptoms are usually mild and resolve on your own. Also, everyone doesn't have to experience the same.

Can I take two Mefalth Tablet?

No. Usually, Mefalth Tablet should be taken as per the need. However, it is advised to take this medicine in the exact dose and duration prescribed by the doctor. Overdosing of Mefalth Tablet include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, drowsiness, ringing sound in ears etc. Do not exceed the prescribed dose and duration.