🧴 Mefenamic Acid Oral Liquid 100 mg/5 mL (Pediatric Suspension)
📘 Description:
Mefenamic acid oral suspension (100 mg/5 mL) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in liquid form, used in children for treating fever, pain, and inflammation. This pediatric (P) formulation makes it easier to administer to children who cannot swallow tablets.
🔬 Nature / Mechanism of Action:
- Drug class: NSAID (fenamate class)
- Action: Inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) → blocks prostaglandin production → reduces fever, pain, and swelling
🩺 Prescription / Uses:
| Indication | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Fever | Especially if unresponsive to paracetamol |
| Toothache | Pain relief during teething or decay |
| Muscle/joint pain | Minor injuries, sprains |
| Ear infections | Pain relief in otitis media |
| Post-vaccination | Fever or pain after immunization |
| Throat pain | In pharyngitis or tonsillitis |
✅ Advantages:
- Faster relief of pain and fever than paracetamol
- Liquid form is easy to dose and child-friendly (flavored)
- Useful in dysmenorrhea (in older children/adolescents)
- Reduces inflammation as well as pain
⚠️ Precautions:
- Not recommended under 6 months of age
- Avoid in:
- Children with asthma triggered by NSAIDs
- Peptic ulcer history
- Kidney/liver impairment
- Dehydrated children (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Use for short-term only (max 7 days unless advised)
📏 Typical Pediatric Dosage:
| Weight (kg) | Dose (mg) | Volume (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 kg | 50 mg | 2.5 mL |
| 9–12 kg | 75 mg | 3.75 mL |
| 13–16 kg | 100 mg | 5 mL |
| 17–20 kg | 125–150 mg | 6.25–7.5 mL |
| 21–25 kg | 150–175 mg | 7.5–8.75 mL |
🕒 Dosing interval: Every 8 hours, maximum 3 times daily
📌 Duration: Usually prescribed for 3–5 days
📦 Storage:
- Store at room temperature (15–25°C)
- Shake well before each use
- Use within 30–60 days of opening