INN monograph
Mefenamic acid / Paracetamol
Non-opioid analgesic / antipyretic · POM
Review pending · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Component monographs (multi-source pipeline); Professional class pharmacology (Non-opioid analgesic / antipyretic)
Verify before clinical use
This monograph does not yet include a traceable source link. Confirm dose, contraindications, interactions, and regulatory status against the current SmPC and Kenya STG/EML.
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- [Mefenamic acid] Active peptic ulcer / GI bleeding.
- Severe heart failure.
- NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (aspirin-sensitive asthma) for non-selective agents.
- Third trimester pregnancy (ductus arteriosus, oligohydramnios — class warning).
- Severe renal impairment for many agents.
- Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs. [Paracetamol] Severe active hepatic disease / acute liver failure.
- Hypersensitivity.
- Chronic heavy alcohol use — use reduced maximum daily dose or avoid.
Precautions
- [From component Mefenamic Acid] Renal impairment, asthma, infection and other treatable organic causes before prescribing for menorrhagia, possible NSAIDs cross sensitivity.
- 10a, 12, B
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Dosing is indication-, age-, weight- and organ-function-specific for this INN. Do not use class averages for high-risk patients. Confirm the exact regimen in the current SmPC and Kenya Standard Treatment Guidelines. Typical professional workflow: (1) confirm indication, (2) check renal/hepatic function, (3) screen interactions/allergies, (4) select dose/route/duration, (5) define monitoring.
Paediatric
Paediatric dosing is weight- and age-based; use a paediatric formulary / SmPC. Do not extrapolate adult tablets without calculation.
Renal
Generally safe; prolonged high dose rare associations — prefer careful use in advanced CKD.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
PRIMARY toxicity organ in overdose; therapeutic doses usually safe if daily limits respected.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Fixed-dose/multi-ingredient product.
- Clinical details partially inherited from component monographs: Mefenamic Acid, Paracetamol.
- Confirm combination SmPC for exact dosing.
Safety
Adverse effects
- [From component Mefenamic Acid] GI disturbances, peptic ulceration, asthma, blood dyscrasia, allergic reactions, renal failure, visual disturbances, ear pain, headache, dizziness drowsiness, and glucose intolerance in diabetes, palpitations.
Use
Indications
- Painful conditions requiring analgesia where NSAIDs are not contraindicated
- primary dysmenorrhoea.
- Clinical selection for Mefenamic acid / Paracetamol should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
- Class context: Non-opioid analgesic / antipyretic.
- Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.
Pharmacology
Mode of action
Combination product.
Full mechanism text
Combination product. Component mechanism (Mefenamic Acid): Inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase [COX-1 and COX-2] enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGH2.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | 30–60 minutes oral |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4–6 hours |
| Route | ORAL / RECTAL / IV |
| Metabolism | (glucuronidation/sulfation); toxic NAPQI pathway via CYP2E1 when pathways saturated or glutathione depleted. |
| Half-life | ~2–3 h; prolonged in liver disease/overdose. |
Full PK/PD text
Rapid oral absorption. Hepatic metabolism (glucuronidation/sulfation); toxic NAPQI pathway via CYP2E1 when pathways saturated or glutathione depleted. Half-life ~2–3 h; prolonged in liver disease/overdose.
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| No brands linked yet. | |||
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
[Mefenamic acid] Avoid in third trimester. Earlier pregnancy: use only if needed; prefer paracetamol first-line. [Paracetamol] Analgesic/antipyretic of choice in pregnancy when needed; use lowest effective dose/shortest duration.
Lactation
Compatible with breastfeeding at standard doses.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Component monographs (multi-source pipeline); Professional class pharmacology (Non-opioid analgesic / antipyretic)
Clinical review date not recorded.
No traceable source URL is currently attached.
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.