Mefenamic Acid for Seniors: Safety, Dosage & Guidelines
A clear guide on using mefenamic acid in older adults, covering safety issues, proper dosing, contraindications, drug interactions and practical tips for clinicians and caregivers.
Mefenamic Acid in the Elderly: Risks, Alternatives, and What You Need to Know
When older adults need pain relief, mefenamic acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for mild to moderate pain and menstrual cramps. Also known as Ponstan, it's sometimes prescribed—but it’s far from the safest choice for seniors. Many don’t realize that what works for a 40-year-old can be dangerous for someone over 65. The body changes with age: kidneys don’t filter as well, stomach lining thins, and the heart becomes more sensitive to fluid shifts. Mefenamic acid puts extra stress on all three.
That’s why NSAIDs in seniors, a broad category including ibuprofen, naproxen, and mefenamic acid. Also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, they carry higher risks than most people think. Studies show older adults on NSAIDs are 2–4 times more likely to have stomach bleeding, and up to 30% develop kidney problems within months. Mefenamic acid doesn’t have a magic safety switch—it’s just as risky as others in this group. It also interacts badly with common meds like blood thinners, diuretics, and even some blood pressure pills. If you or a loved one is taking it, ask: Is this really necessary? Could something gentler do the job?
For chronic pain—like arthritis or back pain—there are better options. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often the first choice, as long as liver function is normal. Topical creams with diclofenac or menthol work well for localized pain without hitting the gut or kidneys. Physical therapy, heat wraps, or even low-dose antidepressants can help too. And if you’re already on mefenamic acid, don’t stop cold turkey—talk to your doctor about tapering safely.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical comparisons and warnings about drugs like mefenamic acid, how they affect older bodies, and what safer alternatives actually work. You’ll see how common pain relievers interact with heart meds, why some NSAIDs are riskier than others, and what symptoms to watch for when things go wrong. This isn’t theory—it’s what people over 65 need to know to avoid hospital visits and stay off dangerous combinations.
