Mephenaminic Acid
Mephenaminic Acid - General Information
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. It is an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. [PubChem]
Pharmacology of Mephenaminic Acid
Mephenaminic Acid, an anthranilic acid derivative, is a member of the fenamate group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. Similar to other NSAIDs, mefenamic acid inhibits prostaglandin synthetase.
Mephenaminic Acid for patients
Ponstel, like other drugs of its class, can cause discomfort and, rarely, more serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, which may result in hospitalization and even fatal outcomes. Although serious GI tract ulcerations and bleeding can occur without warning symptoms, patients should be alert for the signs and symptoms of ulcerations and bleeding, and should ask for medical advice when observing any indicative sign or symptoms. Patients should be apprised of the importance of this follow-up.
Patients should report to their physicians signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, skin rash, weight gain, or edema.
Patients should be informed of the warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity (e.g., nausea, fatigue, lethargy, pruritus, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness, and "flu-like" symptoms). If these occur, patients should be instructed to stop therapy and seek immediate medical therapy.
Patients should also be instructed to seek immediate emergency help in the case of an anaphylactoid reaction.
In late pregnancy, as with other NSAIDs, Ponstel should be avoided because it may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus.
NSAIDs are often essential agents in the management of arthritis and have a major role in the treatment of pain, but they also may be commonly employed for conditions which are less serious.
Physicians may wish to discuss with their patients the potential risks and likely benefits of NSAID treatment, particularly when the drugs are used for less serious conditions where treatment without NSAIDs may represent an acceptable alternative to both the patient and physician.
Mephenaminic Acid Interactions
Aspirin: As with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of Ponstel and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects.
Methotrexate: NSAIDs have been reported to competitively inhibit methotrexate accumulation in rabbit kidney slices. This may indicate that they could enhance the toxicity of methotrexate. Caution should be used when NSAIDs are administered concomitantly with methotrexate.
ACE inhibitors: Reports suggest that NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors. This interaction should be given consideration in patients taking NSAIDs concomitantly with ACE inhibitors.
Furosemide: Clinical studies, as well as post-marketing observations, have shown that NSAIDs can reduce the natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides in some patients. This response has been attributed to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. During concomitant therapy of Ponstel with furosemide, the patient should be observed closely for signs of renal failure, as well as to assure diuretic efficacy.
Lithium: NSAIDs have produced an elevation of plasma lithium levels and a reduction in renal lithium clearance. The mean minimum lithium concentration increased 15% and the renal clearance was decreased by approximately 20%. These effects have been attributed to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis by the NSAID. Thus, when NSAIDs and lithium are administered concurrently, subjects should be observed carefully for signs of lithium toxicity.
Warfarin: The effects of warfarin and NSAIDs on GI bleeding are synergistic, such that users of both drugs together have a risk of serious GI bleeding higher than users of either drug alone.
Antacids: In a single dose study (n=6), ingestion of an antacid containing 1.7-gram of magnesium hydroxide with 500-mg of mefenamic acid increased the Cmax and AUC of mefenamic acid by 125% and 36%, respectively.¹
A number of compounds are inhibitors of CYP2C9 including fluconazole, lovastatin and trimethoprim. Drug interaction studies of mefenamic acid and these compounds have not been conducted. The possibility of altered safety and efficacy should be considered when Ponstel is used concomitantly with these drugs.
Mephenaminic Acid Contraindications
Ponstel is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to mefenamic acid. Ponstel should not be given to patients who have experienced asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, rarely fatal, anaphylactic-like reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients.
Ponstel is contraindicated in patients with active ulceration or chronic inflammation of either the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract.
Ponstel should not be used in patients with preexisting renal disease.
Additional information about Mephenaminic Acid
Mephenaminic Acid Indication: For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, and mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever.
Mechanism Of Action: Mephenaminic Acid binds the prostaglandin synthetase receptors COX-1 and COX-2, inhibiting the action of prostaglandin synthetase. As these receptors have a role as a major mediator of inflammation and/or a role for prostanoid signaling in activity-dependent plasticity, the symptoms of pain are temporarily reduced.
Drug Interactions: Alendronate Increased risk of gastric toxicity
Methotrexate The NSAID increases the effect and toxicity of methotrexate
Anisindione The NSAID increases the anticoagulant effect
Dicumarol The NSAID increases the anticoagulant effect
Acenocoumarol The NSAID increases the anticoagulant effect
Warfarin The NSAID increases the anticoagulant effect
Lithium The NSAID increases serum levels of lithium
Cyclosporine Monitor for nephrotoxicity
Food Interactions: Take with food. Avoid alcohol.
Generic Name: Mefenamic acid
Synonyms: Not Available
Drug Category: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Mefenamic acid: Acide Mefenamique; Bafameritin-M; Bafhameritin-M; Bonabol; Coslan; HL 1; In-M; Lysalgo; Mefacit; Mefanamic Acid; Mefenacid; Mefenaminsaeure; Mephenamic Acid; Mephenaminic Acid; Methenamic Acid; Namphen; Parkemed; Ponalar; Ponstan; Ponstan Forte; Ponstel; Ponstil; Ponstyl; Pontal; Tamany Bonsan; Tanston; Vialidon;
Absorption: Mefenamic acid is rapidly absorbed after oral administration.
Toxicity (Overdose): Oral, rat LD50: 740 mg/kg. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.
Protein Binding: 90%
Biotransformation: Mefenamic acid undergoes metabolism by CYP2C9 to 3-hydroxymethyl mefenamic acid, and further oxidation to a 3-carboxymefenamic acid may occur. The activity of these metabolites has not been studied. Mefenamic acid is also glucuronidated directly.
Half Life: 2 hours
Dosage Forms of Mephenaminic Acid: Capsule Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: 2-[(2,3-dimethylphenyl)amino]benzoic acid
Chemical Formula: C15H15NO2
Mefenamic acid on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mefenamic_acid
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals