Meflam Suspension 100ml

Meflam Susp contains Mefenamic acid. It is a Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine.

Dosage

Overdose

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

Missed a Dose

• If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

This medicine acts by interfering with the production of a chemical called prostaglandins, which is responsible for the inflammation, swelling and sensation of pain.

Directions for Use

• Take this medicine as instructed by your doctor
• Do not consume medicine directly from the bottle
• Use a proper measuring cup or spoon for the exact quantity
• Shake well before use and read the instructions on the bottle before use

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Meflam Susp during pregnancy?

It is not advised to take this medicine during pregnancy especially in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. It may affect the formation of the heart of growing fetus and can lead to growth abnormalities. It can also prolong or delay the labour, increase the risk of bleeding and can also induce a miscarriage. If you think you are pregnant or might become pregnant, discontinue the treatment and seek medical help for a safer alternative immediately.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Meflam Susp while breastfeeding?

It passes into the breast milk in small amounts. Thus, it should not be taken by breastfeeding women. Your doctor may prescribe you with some safer alternative or if it is really necessary for your health condition, you may be asked to discontinue breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Meflam Susp?

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

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Meflam Susp?

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

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• "If you are an older adult as there are chances of stomach/intestinal bleeding
• If you have breathing-related disorder or asthma. You are prone to seasonal allergies, rhinitis and other lung and throat problems, need to be very cautious
• If 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
• If you are suffering from high blood pressure or heart problem, close monitoring of heart parameters are required during the treatment
• If you experience stomach ache and pain as there are chances of development of intestinal or stomach bleeding with this medicine especially if you are a regular smoker and alcoholic
• If you may develop skin allergies like skin rashes, itching, papules, blisters, etc
• If you are suffering from autoimmune disorder, systemic lupus erythematosus or you have a problem of fits, caution is advised
• If 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 with fertility, so it is not recommended for the women trying to conceive to taking any treatment for it"

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to this Mefenamic acid or any of the ingredient of this medicine
• 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 allergic reaction like breathing problem and skin allergy upon using painkillers like aspirin or Ibuprofen
• This medicine 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 which can be sometimes fatal especially in 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, close monitoring of bleeding parameters is advised
• Medicine 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 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 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 medicine should be used cautiously

Storage and disposal

• Store the medicine at room temperature
• Keep it out of the reach of children

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 this medicine addictive?

• No, this medicine 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.