Meftal 250 DT Tablet

Meftal-250 DT tablet is a painkiller used to provide relief from pain such as pain associated with joints, bones, muscles, fever, headache, post-operative and menstrual pain. It contains mefenamic acid, which belongs to the Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) class of medicine. It preferably should be taken with food or after food.

This medicine can sometimes cause stomach discomfort and irritation. Use Meftal-250 DT tablet as directed by the doctor and do not take it for a longer duration than that prescribed as there is a risk of bleeding and ulcers with this medicine. If the pain persists, consult your doctor.

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 Meftal-250 DT tablet, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

If you have missed a dose of Meftal-250 DT 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

Take Meftal-250 DT tablet and dissolve it in a glass of water and drink it. 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 Meftal-250 DT during pregnancy?

Meftal-250 DT 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 Meftal-250 DT while breastfeeding?

Meftal-250 DT 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 Meftal-250 DT?

You may experience dizziness, visual disturbance, a spinning head, drowsiness after taking Meftal-250 DT. So, it is advised to be careful and cautious while driving and operating machines.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Meftal-250 DT?

You should avoid consuming alcohol along with Meftal-250 DT. 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 Meftal-250 DT.
• 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.
• Meftal-250 DT 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 Meftal-250 DT 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 Meftal-250 DT addictive?

No, Meftal-250 DT 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 Meftal DT 250 reduce bleeding?

No, Meftal-250 DT does not reduce the bleeding. This medicine reduces pain, inflammation and swelling. It mainly provides relief from menstrual pain.

Can Meftal-250 DT be taken for stomach pain?

Yes, Meftal-250 DT is effective in relieving stomach pain and cramps associated with the menstrual cycle.

Can I take tab Meftal-250 on empty stomach?

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

What are the side effects of Meftal?

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

Can I take two Meftal DT?

No. Usually, Meftal 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 Meftal include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, drowsiness, ringing sound in ears etc. Do not exceed the prescribed dose and duration.