Adco-Mefenamic Acid contains mefenamic acid, an anti-inflammatory painkiller from Adcock Ingram. It is best known for period pain, where it eases both the cramping and the heaviness of bleeding. It is also used for general pain, dental pain, muscular pain and fever, and comes as 250 mg capsules and a paediatric suspension.
What is Adco Mefenamic Acid?
Adco-Mefenamic Acid contains mefenamic acid, a South African generic from Adcock Ingram. It is registered in two forms:
| Form | Strength | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | Mefenamic acid 250 mg | Adults and older children |
| Suspension | Mefenamic acid 50 mg/5 ml | Children, dosed by weight |
It is a pharmacy-scheduled medicine, obtained through a pharmacist rather than taken from the open shelf. Check your own pack, as the schedule differs between the capsule and the suspension.
Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) belonging to the fenamate group. Like other NSAIDs it blocks cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, cutting production of prostaglandins — the messengers behind inflammation, swelling, pain and fever.
The same active ingredient appears in South Africa under several brand names, including Ponstan, Ponstel, Ponac, Fenamin and Sandoz Mefenamic Acid. Being given one when you expected another is ordinary generic substitution — the medicine is the same.
Where mefenamic acid stands slightly apart from other NSAIDs is in menstrual conditions. Beyond blocking prostaglandin production, it also appears to interfere with the action of prostaglandins already present, which may explain why it is so often the specific choice for period pain and heavy periods.
What is Adco Mefenamic Acid commonly used for?
- Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) — its signature use. Prostaglandins cause the uterine contractions behind menstrual cramping, and mefenamic acid reduces them.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), where it can reduce blood loss as well as pain — an effect simple painkillers do not have.
- Headache and dental pain.
- Muscular and joint pain, including after injury.
- Post-operative and post-childbirth pain.
- Fever, including in children at the suspension strength.
- Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, for symptom relief.
For period pain it works best started early — at the first sign of pain or bleeding rather than once cramping is well established — because it prevents prostaglandin build-up more effectively than it reverses it.
It treats symptoms, not causes. Persistently heavy or severely painful periods deserve investigation rather than indefinite self-treatment, as they can point to conditions such as fibroids or endometriosis that have their own treatments.
How Adco Mefenamic Acid fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Simple analgesics | Paracetamol (Donapan, Panado) | Pain and fever; little effect on inflammation |
| Fenamate NSAIDs | Mefenamic acid (Adco-Mefenamic, Ponstan) | Pain and inflammation; notable for menstrual use |
| Other non-selective NSAIDs | Ibuprofen, diclofenac | Pain and inflammation |
| COX-2 selective | Celecoxib | Anti-inflammatory, gentler on the stomach |
| Corticosteroids | Prednisone | Powerful anti-inflammatory, given as courses |
All NSAIDs share a family of cautions around the stomach, kidneys and heart. See the pain, inflammation and musculoskeletal medicines hub.
What to check before using Adco Mefenamic Acid
Do not take it alongside another anti-inflammatory. Ibuprofen, diclofenac and aspirin are NSAIDs too, and combining them raises the risk of stomach bleeding without improving pain relief. Check period-pain and cold-and-flu products for these ingredients.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor first if you:
- Have had a stomach ulcer, gastritis or gut bleeding.
- Have inflammatory bowel disease — mefenamic acid can worsen colitis, and diarrhoea is a notably common effect with this particular NSAID.
- Have kidney or liver disease.
- Have heart failure, high blood pressure, or a history of heart attack or stroke.
- Have asthma.
- Are pregnant. NSAIDs are generally avoided, particularly after around 20 weeks and in the third trimester.
- Are breastfeeding.
- Take warfarin or another blood thinner.
- Take an ACE inhibitor or ARB with a diuretic — that trio plus an NSAID can precipitate kidney injury.
- Take lithium or methotrexate.
- Are giving it to a child. Children are dosed by weight using the suspension; adult capsules are not suitable for young children.
Take it with food, follow the pack instructions, and use it for the shortest period that works. This page does not set doses.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Diarrhoea is the effect most characteristic of mefenamic acid. It is more common with this NSAID than with most others, and it is not something to push through — persistent diarrhoea while taking it should prompt stopping and a conversation with a pharmacist or doctor, since it can signal inflammation of the bowel.
Other common effects are indigestion, nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache and dizziness.
Stop and seek medical attention urgently if you notice:
- Vomiting blood, or vomit like coffee grounds.
- Black, tarry stools.
- Severe stomach pain, or bloody diarrhoea.
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
- A spreading rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- Much less urine than usual, or swollen ankles.
- Chest pain, breathlessness, or sudden one-sided weakness.
Mefenamic acid is also significantly more dangerous than most NSAIDs in overdose, where it can cause seizures. Treat any overdose as an emergency and go to hospital with the packaging, even if the person seems well.
See a doctor if period pain is severe enough to stop you functioning, if periods are unusually heavy, if pain persists beyond a few days, or if you need it every month indefinitely — those are reasons to look for a cause.
Related medicine guides
- Browse Pain, Inflammation & Musculoskeletal Medicines guides
- Read: Prednisone used for
- Read: Donapan used for
Frequently asked questions
What is Adco-Mefenamic Acid 250 mg used for? Mainly period pain and heavy periods, and also headache, dental pain, muscular and joint pain, and fever. Each capsule contains mefenamic acid 250 mg.
What is Adco-Mefenamic Acid syrup used for? The 50 mg/5 ml suspension is the paediatric form, used for pain and fever in children and dosed by weight. Ask a pharmacist for the correct amount for your child.
Is it the same as Ponstan? Yes, in active ingredient — both are mefenamic acid. The manufacturer differs.
Does it stop heavy periods? It can reduce menstrual blood loss as well as pain, which is why it is often chosen for heavy periods. Persistent heavy bleeding still needs a medical assessment.
Can I take it with paracetamol? They are different medicines and are sometimes used together on advice. Do not combine it with another anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen.
Why does it cause diarrhoea? Diarrhoea is a recognised and relatively common effect of mefenamic acid specifically. If it happens, stop and speak to a pharmacist or doctor rather than continuing.
When should I start taking it for period pain? It generally works best begun at the first sign of pain or bleeding, rather than after cramping is established.