About Mefenamic Acid + Dicyclomine 250 mg/10 mg Tablet
Mefenamic Acid + Dicyclomine 250 mg/10 mg Tablet contains Mefenamic Acid 250 mg + Dicyclomine 10 mg. This combination is used to relieve cramping pain, such as period pain and stomach or intestinal cramps. Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain, and dicyclomine is an antispasmodic that relaxes tight muscles in the gut and womb. It is usually taken with food, for a short time.
Uses of Mefenamic Acid + Dicyclomine 250 mg/10 mg Tablet
- Painful periods (menstrual cramps)
- Cramping pain in the stomach or intestines
- Spasm-type abdominal pain, as advised by your doctor
Benefits
In period pain
It eases cramping pain by relaxing the muscles of the womb and reducing pain chemicals, which can help you carry on with daily life.
In abdominal cramps
It relaxes the muscles of the gut, easing spasm and the pain that comes with it. Tell your doctor if the pain is severe, keeps coming back or comes with fever or vomiting.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Dry mouth
- Nausea or indigestion
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
Get medical help if you notice
- Diarrhoea that is severe or does not stop — stop the medicine and contact your doctor
- Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood or severe stomach pain (signs of stomach bleeding) — stop and get medical help straight away
- Difficulty passing urine, fast heartbeat or confusion — contact your doctor
- Eye pain with blurred vision — seek medical help
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or after food. Use it only for as long as needed.
How it works
Mefenamic acid blocks the making of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain and cramping. Dicyclomine blocks a nerve signal (acetylcholine) that makes the muscles of the gut contract, so the muscles relax.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It can add to drowsiness and increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Pregnancy Unsafe
Generally avoided in pregnancy. NSAIDs like mefenamic acid must not be used in the last three months of pregnancy. Use only if your doctor specifically advises it.
Breastfeeding Unsafe
Dicyclomine is not recommended while breastfeeding. Ask your doctor for another option.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Kidney Caution
Use with caution in kidney disease and only if your doctor advises it. It is not suitable in severe kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in liver disease. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember if you still need it. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it with food to lower the chance of stomach upset.
- Stop it and see your doctor if you get diarrhoea or a rash.
- Do not take other painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin with it unless your doctor says so.
- Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, difficulty passing urine, stomach ulcers or bowel blockage.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Anthranilic acid derivative (mefenamic acid); tertiary amine (dicyclomine)
- Therapeutic class
- Pain relief / antispasmodic
- Action class
- NSAID + anticholinergic antispasmodic
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other NSAIDs, including aspirin | Higher risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding |
| Blood thinners such as warfarin | Higher risk of bleeding |
| Antihistamines, some antidepressants and other anticholinergic medicines | Can add to dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and drowsiness |
| Blood pressure medicines and water tablets (diuretics) | Their effect may be reduced, and the risk of kidney problems may increase |
| Lithium and methotrexate | Their blood levels may rise |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Mefenamic acid and dicyclomine prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: mefenamic acid; dicycloverine). Pharmacist review pending.