Dicyclomine + Mefenamic acid is a tablet used to relieve menstrual pain and cramps. It blocks the chemical messenger cyclooxygenase enzymes, or COX, thereby relaxing the inflammation of muscles. It basically helps relax muscles due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
This combination tablet offers a dual mechanism of action, helping to ease muscle tension and inflammation, making it a valuable option for managing menstrual discomfort.
Dicyclomine works as an antispasmodic to reduce muscle contractions in the stomach by relieving them. Mefenamic acid blocks COX enzymes and stops the chemical messenger so that fewer prostaglandins are produced, which in turn reduces pain and inflammation. Some dicyclomine uses and mefenamic acid uses are the following:
Menstrual cramps, nausea, bloating, muscle spasms, and discomfort
Abdominal and Stomach pain
Fever
Fracture-related injuries
Minor Surgeries
Tooth Decay
Soft Tissue Swellings
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Joint Pain
Dicyclomine + Mefenamic acid should be taken after eating food and swallowed with water, otherwise, it may upset your stomach. It should be taken in all at once, without breaking, chewing, or crushing it.
The dosage and duration of administration will depend upon your doctor’s advice based on your symptoms and health condition.
Some dicyclomine side effects are
Blurred vision
Acidity
Dryness in the mouth
Dizziness
Visual hallucinations
Indigestion
Itching
Increased sweating
Nausea
Nervousness
Sleepiness
Weakness
Increase in blood pressure
Skin rash & swelling
Vomiting
You should increase your water intake while taking Dicyclomine + Mefenamic acid. Also, rinse your mouth regularly and follow oral hygiene. Sugarless candies can help with increased dryness caused by this medicine. Other precautions include the following:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take it without consulting the doctor.
As the medicine causes drowsiness and dizziness, it is not advisable to drive if you are taking it.
Do not consume alcohol along with it, as it may further increase drowsiness. The risk of stomach-related problems increases.
Patients with pre-existing liver conditions must not take it without the doctor’s advice. Caution must be taken while taking it. The medicine is not recommended for those with severe liver diseases.
Patients with kidney diseases are advised to take Dicyclomine + Mefenamic acid with caution. The dose can be adjusted by the doctor if the medicine is needed. Those with terminal kidney disease must avoid it.
People with glaucoma, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate, problems with the heart, liver, or kidneys, and thyroid problems must not consume the medicine without a doctor’s consultation.
A blood clotting test is suggested if Dicyclomine + Mefenamic acid medicine is taken for a prolonged time. It can also cause a false positive reaction for the urinary bile test.
In case you miss the prescribed dosage of Dicyclomine + Mefenamic acid, you can take it as and when you recall it. However, you should avoid the missed dose if the next dose is due soon (at least maintain the 4-hour gap in between doses). Follow the dosages as per the set timings without doubling them to avoid any mishaps.
If someone overdoses, then they might pass out because of the ill effects it may cause on the brain. Many individuals might experience difficulty breathing. These are some serious signs calling for instant medical help without losing time. Hence, it is always advised to contact your medical doctor when you overdose on Dicyclomine + Mefenamic acid.
Dicyclomine + Mefenamic acid should be stored at room temperature, in a clean and dry place, away from heat and sunlight. Storing it in the bathroom is not suggested. Avoid places with moisture and keep them away from children.
The list of medicines with it may interact and cause problems, including:
Painkillers like Aspirin
Antipsychotic medicines - Quinidine, Lithium, Phenothiazine
Diuretic-Furosemide
Blood thinning medicines -Warfarin
Anti-diabetic-Glimiperide, Glibenclamide, Gliclazide
Anti-rheumatoid-Methrotrexate
Antibiotics-Amikacin, Gentamicin, Tobramycin, Cyclosporine
Antiemetic-Metoclopramide
Antiplatelet-Clopidogrel
Steroids
Immunosuppressant-Tacrolimus
Anti-HIV-Zidovudine
Cardiac glycoside-Digoxin
However, you should always consult your doctor if you are taking any of the medications, including the ones mentioned above, and whether it’s necessary to take Dicyclomine + Mefenamic acid as well. Your doctor or pharmacist might prescribe you a better alternative if necessary.
It becomes effective on the same day when you take it, or it might show results within 2 hours itself. It differs from person to person for the medicine to work. If a dose is missed, the results will be delayed until the next dose. In any case, the dose should not be doubled to get faster results.
Particulars |
Dicyclomine + Mefenamic acid |
Dicyclomine, Dextropropoxyphene, and Paracetamol |
Uses |
To relieve abdominal and menstrual cramps, stomach discomfort, and pain due to gas, infection, acidity and other gastrointestinal diseases |
It reduces cramps, fever and pain in the stomach and abdomen. |
Composition |
Dicyclomine (10mg), Simethicone (40mg) |
Dicyclomine (20mg), Dextropropoxyphene (500mg), Paracetamol 500 mg |
Storage Instructions |
Room temperature 10-30C |
Room temperature 15-30 C |
People who are already taking other medicines or have other pre-existing medical conditions must exercise precautions in order to avoid complications. It is always better to consult your doctor when taking Dicyclomine + Mefenamic acid or even for any other drug. The medicine is used for treating several symptoms. However, being wary and having all the information in advance is always safe for your health.
Dicyclomine and Mefenamic Acid are often combined in medications to relieve pain and discomfort. Dicyclomine is an antispasmodic that helps relax the muscles in the digestive tract, while Mefenamic Acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation. This combination works by addressing both muscle spasms and pain or inflammation in the abdominal area.
Dicyclomine and Mefenamic Acid can be used to relieve abdominal pain and discomfort, which may include colic pain. However, their use should be under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Yes, this combination is sometimes prescribed to alleviate period pain (dysmenorrhea) in women. It can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.
Dicyclomine is often used to relieve stomach aches caused by conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal issues, as it helps relax the muscles in the digestive tract.
Side effects of Mefenamic Acid may include stomach upset, nausea, and headache. Dicyclomine can cause side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision. The specific side effects and their severity can vary from person to person, so it's important to follow your doctor's guidance and report any adverse effects promptly.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8052875/ https://www.bluecrosslabs.com/img/sections/MEFTAL-SPAS_DS_Tablets.pdf
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.