Mefenamic Acid 500mg

[gailforce1]

I have recently been prescribed these tablets for heavy periods. This morning I am bleeding heavily and have taken one but wondered if I could take 2 as an initial dose to try and get the flow under control?
Does anyone know how long you should take them for, have to say GP was less than informative.
TIA

[pooroldme]

What does the prescription advise? Best call the pharmacist and ask. I think you take as needed ( number of days) but I don't think you double the dose.

[gailforce1]

Script says take one 3 x day. Thought I could double initial dose only to try and get things under control quicker! Just for the moment please could I adopt your nickname pooroldme! Bathroom and bedroom have both resembled a slaughterhouse at different times this morning!!

[MrsHoarder]

I've been prescribed it for heavy periods, but I was told to start taking it 3 days before my period was due to start. I don't think double dosing is safe unless advised.

[pooroldme]

Have you been told that Ibuprofen works as well?

[MrsHoarder]

And that the two wouldn't be mixed as they're from the same class if drugs

[gailforce1]

Thanks all, took one mid morning and another at lunchtime. Read the leaflet and realised that you cannot take ibuprofen as well. Now all I need is a tampon with a higher absorbency than Tampax super plus!

[VenusRising]

That's Ponstan isn't it?

You can take paracetamol with it, but not another non steroidal anti imflamatory, so not ibruprofen.

Be careful with the dosage, you don't want to OD or cause liver damage. You can also trigger an asthma attack, so always stick to the dose.

Have you tried a mooncup? I use a mc and then a large pad: seems to catch the deluge and clots better than a tampon. I change it every hour or so for the first day or so, if I'm flooding.

I find if I take it the day before I start, (if I can predict!) it makes a difference and takes an edge off the awful first day cramps, when I'm at my clottiest, and most in pain.

[QueenOfCats]

I could be wrong here, but mefenamic acid is only used for pain as far as I know. It's a NSAID so thins the blood.

Tranexamic acid is what is used to reduce bleeding, but doesn't help with pain, so can be taken with painkillers.

Please don't take a double dose!

[QueenOfCats]

Just done a quick google - mefenamic acid does reduce bleeding but is an NSAID, so anyone sensitive to ibuprofen etc shouldn't take it.

Tranexamic acid is better at reducing bleeding, doesn't contain a painkiller so can be taken with painkillers too.

[VenusUprising]

That's right QueenOfCats: Ponstan, or mefenamic acid is an NSAI so can trigger an asthma attack if used. Avoid ibuprofen with it. Paracetamol is fine.