Drug Class: Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Mefenamic acid (Vamgesic) is non-steroidal agent with demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activity in laboratory animals. Mefenamic acid was found to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and to compete for binding at the prostaglandin receptor sites in animal models.
Pharmacokinetics: Mefenamic acid (Vamgesic) is absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract.
Peak Plasma Concentration: 1-4 hours after ingestion.
Plasma Elimination Half-life: 2-4 hours.
Mefenamic acid (Vamgesic) is extensively bound to plasma proteins. Small amounts have been detected in breast milk. Over 50% of a dose may be recovered in the urine, as unchanged or conjugates of Mefenamic acid and its metabolites.
Mefenamic acid (Vamgesic) is indicated for the relief of pain including muscular, rheumatic, dental, post-operative and postpartum pain and headache.
Initial dose of 500mg followed by 250mg every 6 hours as needed. Should not be given for longer than 7 days at a time.
6 months and older: 6.5mg/kg body weight every 6-8 hours or as prescribed by the physician.
Overdose and Treatment: Following accidental overdosage, the stomach should be emptied immediately by inducing emesis or by gastric lavage, followed by administration of activated charcoal.
Vital functions should be monitored and supported.
Hemodialysis is of little value since mefenamic acid and its metabolite are firmly bound to plasma proteins.
Seizures, acute renal failure, coma, confusion state, vertigo, and hallucination have been reported with mefenamic acid overdoses. Overdose has led to fatalities.
Vamgesic is contraindicated in patients with: Known hypersensitivity to Mefenamic acid, ASA or any NSAIDs.
Previous or active peptic ulceration.
Use with caution in patients with cardiac, liver and renal disease. Dose adjustment like using the lowest effective dose and monitoring of renal and liver functions.
Not to be given to those patients who have history of: Stroke: cerebrovascular accident (CVA); Heart attack: Myocardial infarction (MI); Coronary artery bypass graft: CABG; Uncontrolled hypertension; Congestive heart failure (CHF).
Mefenamic acid (Vamgesic) should not be given to patients with ulceration or inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract. Use with caution in patients with impaired renal or liver function.
Since there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, this drug should be used only if the potential benefits to the mother justify the possible risk to the fetus. It is not known if mefenamic acid or its metabolite crosses the placenta.
Trace amounts of mefenamic acid may be present in breast milk and transmitted to the nursing infant.
The common side effects occurring during therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally at generally gastro-intestinal; these are usually mild and reversible but in some patients peptic ulcer and severe gastrointestinal bleeding have been reported. These adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract may be associated with inhibition of the form of cyclooxygenase known as cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and NSAIDs that are highly selective inhibitors of the form known as COX-2 may have less gastro-intestinal toxicity.
The common side effects occurring during therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally at generally gastro-intestinal; these are usually mild and reversible but in some patients peptic ulcer and severe gastrointestinal bleeding have been reported. These adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract may be associated with inhibition of the form of cyclooxygenase known as cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and NSAIDs that are highly selective inhibitors of the form known as COX-2 may have less gastro-intestinal toxicity.
See table.
Click on icon to see table/diagram/image
Store at temperatures not exceeding 30°C.
M01AG01 - mefenamic acid ; Belongs to the class of non-steroidal antiinflammatory and antirheumatic products, fenamates.
Vamgesic cap 500 mg
100's (P700/box)
Vamgesic oral susp 50 mg/5 mL
60 mL x 1's (P94.8/box)
Sign Out
Click on icon to see table/diagram/image
Continue with Google
Sign up with email
Already a member?
Sign in
