Mefenamic acid

Mefenamic acid is a member of the anthranilic acid derivatives (or fenamate) class of NSAID drugs, and is used to treat mild to moderate pain, including menstrual pain, and is sometimes used to prevent migraines associated with menstruation. It is not widely used in the United States due to its side effects and high cost compared to other NSAID drugs.:334 Mefenamic acid is a member of the anthranilic acid derivatives (or fenamate) class of NSAID drugs, and is used to treat mild to moderate pain, including menstrual pain, and is sometimes used to prevent migraines associated with menstruation. It is not widely used in the United States due to its side effects and high cost compared to other NSAID drugs.:334 Its name derives from its systematic name, dimethylphenylaminobenzoic acid. It was discovered and brought to market by Parke-Davis in the 1960s. It became generic in the 1980s and is available worldwide under many brand names like Maftal Spas. As of 2015 the cost for a typical course of medication in the United States is more than $200. Mefenamic acid is used to treat moderate pain and menstrual pain. There is evidence that supports the use of mefenamic acid for perimenstrual migraine headache prophylaxis, with treatment starting 2 days prior to the onset of flow or 1 day prior to the expected onset of the headache and continuing for the duration of menstruation. Mefenamic acid is recommended to be taken with food. Known mild side effects of mefenamic acid include headaches, nervousness, and vomiting. Serious side effects may include diarrhea, hematemesis (vomiting blood), hematuria (blood in urine), blurred vision, skin rash, itching and swelling, sore throat and fever.:334 It has been associated with acute liver damage. In 2008 the US label was updated with a warning concerning a risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in pregnancy. Like other members of the anthranilic acid derivatives (or fenamate) class of NSAID drugs, it inhibits both isoforms of COX and prevents formation of prostaglandins. Scientists led by Claude Winder from Parke-Davis invented mefenamic acid in 1961, along with fellow members of the class of anthranilic acid derivatives, flufenamic acid in 1963 and meclofenamate sodium in 1964.:718 U.S. Patent 3,138,636 on the drug was issued in 1964.:918–919