Meftal 500 Tablet

Meftal 500 is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) that contains mefenamic acid as its active ingredient. It is primarily used to relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation associated with various conditions, including muscle and joint pain, toothaches, post-operative pain, and menstrual cramps. By blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals responsible for pain, swelling, and inflammation, Meftal 500 helps to alleviate discomfort.

Meftal 500 may cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach discomfort. It is crucial to inform your doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen. Before taking this medicine, you should also disclose any pre-existing health conditions you may have, such as asthma, stomach ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure, or liver or kidney disease.

Meftal 500 should be taken with food to minimize the risk of stomach upset. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dose and duration of treatment. Prolonged use of this medicine can lead to liver dysfunction and may also affect female fertility, so it is recommended to use it for the shortest possible time.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, you should consult your doctor before taking this medicine, as it may pose risks to both you and the baby. Concomitant use with other painkillers, steroids, blood thinners, and certain antidepressants can increase the risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding. It is also important to use caution if you are taking medicines for heart failure, high blood pressure, or mental conditions, as Meftal 500 may interfere with their effectiveness or increase the risk of kidney damage.

Always inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include diarrhoea, drowsiness, ringing sound in ears, headache, nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, excitation, drowsiness, tinnitus, fainting and occasionally fits. If you think you have taken too much of Meftal 500 tablet, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose of Meftal 500 tablet, 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?

Meftal 500 tablet works 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 Meftal 500 tablet as a whole with a sufficient amount of water
• Take the medicine as instructed by your doctor and don't change doses of this medicine without consulting the doctor

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Meftal 500 tablet during pregnancy?

It is advised not to take Meftal 500 tablet during pregnancy especially in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. It may affect the fetus adversely. It can also prolong or delay the labour, increase the risk of bleeding. 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 Meftal 500 tablet while breastfeeding?

Meftal 500 tablet 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 Meftal 500 tablet?

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 Meftal 500 tablet?

Although there is no known interaction between alcohol and Meftal 500 tablet, it is essential to consult your physician if you have a habit of consuming alcohol regularly.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have a breathing-related disorder or asthma. You are prone to seasonal allergies, rhinitis and other lung and throat problems and 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 a heart problem, close monitoring of heart parameters is required during the treatment.
• You experience stomach pain, bleeding in vomiting or black-coloured stools, then immediately inform your doctor
• You may develop skin allergies like skin rashes, itching, papules, blisters, etc.
• If you are suffering from an autoimmune disorder, systemic lupus erythematosus, or you have a problem with fits, caution is advised.
• You have high blood pressure and heart problems or any risk which can cause heart problems like diabetes and high cholesterol, as you may experience swelling and water retention during the treatment.
• Caution is needed in the elderly, use only for the number of days advised by your doctor.
• Meftal 500 can impair fertility, so it is not recommended for women trying to conceive or taking any treatment for it.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to this mefenamic acid or any of the ingredients of Meftal 500 tablet
• If you have inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers in the stomach or intestine
• If you have or ever had problems with intestinal bleeding or stomach ulcers with or without the use of painkillers
• If your heart, liver or kidneys are not working correctly or you have any health condition related to these organs
• If you have a history of allergic reactions like breathing problems and skin allergies 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

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Stomach discomfort

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 painkillers 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 use between the use of Mifepristone and 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.

Interactions with food items

It is advisable to take Meftal 500 with food. This can help prevent gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea and stomach pain, which can occur when taking NSAIDs on an empty stomach.

Storage and disposal

• Store the Meftal 500 tablets below 25°C in a clean and dry place.
• Keep away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Meftal 500 be taken for fever?

No, this is a painkiller medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain.

What is meftal 500 tablet used for?

Meftal 500 tablet is used to relieve mild to moderate pain in adults. Meftal 500 is used for tooth pain, pain due to sports injury, muscle pain, back pain, migraine & pain and cramps associated with periods.

Can Meftal 500 tablet relieve my toothache?

Meftal 500 tablet can be used for toothache if prescribed by your doctor. Do not self-medicate.

Does Meftal 500 tablet make me sleepy?

Yes, Meftal 500 tablet may cause sleepiness, make you feel dizzy and weak. Avoid driving or performing activities that require mental alertness

Does Meftal 500 tablet stop the menstrual bleeding?

Meftal 500 tablet is a pain killer and has no role in menstrual bleeding. It is essentially helpful in relieving pain and cramps during the menstrual cycle. It functions by blocking the production of a substance called prostaglandin, which is responsible for generating pain, swelling and inflammation.

Can prolonged treatment with Meftal 500 tablet affect my liver?

Yes, prolonged treatment with Meftal 500 can cause liver dysfunction. So it is recommended to use this medicine only if the doctor recommends it.

Can Meftal 500 tablet affect female fertility?

There might be a risk of female infertility after using mefenamic acid. So caution is advised in females who are having problems in conceiving.

Can we take Meftal 500 on an empty stomach?

Meftal 500 should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset or as advised by the doctor.

Can I take Meftal 500 every month?

Yes, you can take Meftal 500 every month. Doctors recommend taking Meftal 500 tablets for the shortest possible time. It is not prescribed for regular use. The doctor will decide the dose and duration, depending on what you are taking it for and how well it helps your symptoms. Therefore, you should take this medicine only after consulting a doctor.

What does Meftal 500 contain?

Meftal 500 tablet contains mefenamic acid as its active ingredient.

What are the side effects of Meftal 500?

One may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation after taking the Meftal 500 tablet, but not everybody gets them. These side effects normally go away with time, but if you feel the side effects persist, you should consult your doctor.