Buy Mefenamic Acid Online. No Consultation Fee, Free Next-Day Delivery
Get prescribed Mefenamic Acid for Period Pain by a UK clinician through a free video consultation*. No questionnaires, no hidden fees. You only pay for your medication if approved.
Other Related Treatments
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Mefenamic Acid Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Ponstan
About Mefenamic Acid
Mefenamic Acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It is also used to treat menstrual cramps. Mefenamic Acid blocks the production of prostaglandins, which reduces contraction of the uterus and pain during your period. It also reduces blood loss.
NowPatient offers Mefenamic Acid as a treatment for period pain only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Mefenamic Acid
- For the treatment of period pain
- Mefenamic Acid takes about 30 – 60 minutes to work
- Mefenamic Acid has some common side effects which include stomach pain and loss of appetite
- It can be dangerous if you take Mefenamic Acid with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Mefenamic Acid not suitable for?
Mefenamic Acid may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Mefenamic Acid if you:
- Are allergic to the active ingredient Mefenamic Acid
- Have had 2 or more episodes of a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding of the stomach
- Have severe kidney disease, heart or liver disease
- Take aspirin with a daily dose over 75 mg
- Have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Are at risk of heart problems, high blood pressure or stroke
How and where to get Mefenamic Acid?
You can buy Mefenamic Acid safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of period pain, you can discuss if Mefenamic Acid is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Mefenamic Acid for period pain
Mefenamic Acid is available as tablets and capsules when used for period pain. It is available in strengths ranging from 250 to 500 mg.
Information about how to take Mefenamic Acid for period pain
Mefenamic Acid should be taken as 500mg three times a day with or after food during your period.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Speak to a healthcare professional if you need further medical advice.
What happens if you take too much Mefenamic Acid?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Mefenamic Acid and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of Mefenamic Acid?
Side effects of Mefenamic Acid are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
Serious side effects include:
- Intestinal bleeding – vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, black tarry stools
- Stomach ulcers
- Worsening of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems such as yellowing of the skin, pale coloured stools, dark urine
- High blood pressure, heart failure
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or shortness of breath
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about taking Mefenamic Acid at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Mefenamic Acid. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
- Anti-coagulants such as warfarin
- Medicines for high blood pressure – captopril, atenolol, losartan
- Two or more NSAID painkillers, including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors
- Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Corticosteroids
- Methotrexate
- Diuretics
- Ciclosporin
- Lithium
- Zidovudine
Can Mefenamic Acid taken for period pain be taken long term?
Mefenamic Acid is approved to treat pain for no longer than seven days. It is approved to treat menstrual cramps for no more than 2 to 3 days.
Is there a herbal Mefenamic Acid?
No. Herbal Mefenamic Acid does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Mefenamic Acid?
Women can take Mefenamic Acid for the treatment of period pain. However, Mefenamic Acid passes into breast milk. Speak to your doctor before breast-feeding.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Mefenamic Acid?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Mefenamic Acid.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with period pain?
You can take paracetamol if you period pain is particularly bad, at the same time as you take Mefenamic Acid. You can also use heat pads on the abdomen area and lower back.
Alternatives to Mefenamic Acid
Alternatives for the treatment of period pain include other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, or celecoxib.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Related Articles
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Mefenamic Acid
What is Mefenamic Acid?
Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) belonging to the fenamate class. It is available as 250 mg and 500 mg capsules under the brand name Ponstan. Mefenamic acid is commonly prescribed in the UK for period pain (dysmenorrhoea), heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), and mild to moderate pain. It is a prescription-only medicine and is particularly useful for menstrual-related conditions because of its dual analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
What is Mefenamic Acid used for?
Mefenamic acid is primarily used for primary dysmenorrhoea (period pain), menorrhagia (heavy periods — it can reduce menstrual blood loss by approximately 25–30%), mild to moderate pain (headache, dental pain, muscular pain), and post-operative pain. It is also used for rheumatic conditions and osteoarthritis. Its particular efficacy for menstrual conditions makes it one of the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs for women’s health in the UK.
How does Mefenamic Acid work?
Mefenamic acid inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for inflammation, pain, and uterine contractions. In dysmenorrhoea, excessive prostaglandin production causes painful uterine cramps. By reducing prostaglandin levels, mefenamic acid relieves pain and also reduces the volume of menstrual bleeding. It may also have additional effects on prostaglandin receptors that enhance its analgesic properties.
What is the usual dose of Mefenamic Acid?
For period pain and heavy periods: 500 mg three times daily, starting on the first day of menstrual bleeding (or when pain begins) and continuing for the duration of symptoms (usually 2–5 days). For other pain: 500 mg three times daily. Always take mefenamic acid with or after food to reduce stomach irritation. Treatment for pain should not exceed 7 days unless directed by a doctor. Swallow capsules whole with water.
When should I start taking Mefenamic Acid for period pain?
For best results, start taking mefenamic acid at the onset of menstrual bleeding or as soon as period pain begins — ideally before the pain becomes severe. Early treatment allows the medication to suppress prostaglandin production before it reaches high levels. Some women find it helpful to start 1–2 days before the expected start of their period if the onset of pain is predictable. Continue for the duration of heavy bleeding or pain.
What are the side effects of Mefenamic Acid?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (more common with mefenamic acid than other NSAIDs), abdominal pain, and indigestion. Taking it with food reduces gastric side effects. Less common side effects include headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. Serious but rare effects include gastric ulceration and bleeding, kidney impairment, and severe skin reactions. Mefenamic acid should be stopped if diarrhoea occurs and persists. Long-term NSAID use carries cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.
Who should not take Mefenamic Acid?
Mefenamic acid should not be taken by people with active peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding, severe heart failure, severe kidney or liver impairment, or aspirin/NSAID hypersensitivity (including those with NSAID-induced asthma). Caution in patients with asthma, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or those taking anticoagulants. It is not recommended in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Can I take Mefenamic Acid during pregnancy?
Mefenamic acid should be avoided during the third trimester of pregnancy as NSAIDs can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, delay labour, and affect foetal kidney function. Use in the first and second trimesters should only be considered if clearly necessary and at the lowest dose for the shortest time. Paracetamol is the preferred analgesic throughout pregnancy.
How can I get Mefenamic Acid?
Mefenamic acid is a prescription-only medicine available from your GP or through online services like NowPatient. NowPatient offers online consultations with qualified UK prescribers for menstrual health concerns.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
Report to
OUR CUSTOMERS VIEW
What Customers Love About Our Service
We want everyone to be happy and healthy, that’s what keeps us going. Read what some of them have to say about us.
Medicines Experts
Meet Our Medical Team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
