What each one is for, how to take it, side effects and warnings, side by side from the official labels.
| Naproxen | Mefenamic Acid | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A painkiller (NSAID) | A painkiller (NSAID) |
| Used for | Naproxen tablets and naproxen sodium tablets are indicated for: the relief of the signs and symptoms of: • rheumatoid arthritis • osteoarthritis • ankylosing spondylitis • Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Naproxen tablets and naproxen sodium tablets… | Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of mefenamic acid capsules and other treatment options before deciding to use mefenamic acid capsules. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goal… |
| Usual adult dose | Not on the label | Adults and adolescents ≥14 years of age, the recommended dose is 500 mg as an initial dose followed by 250 mg every 6 hours as needed, usually not to exceed one week. |
| Children | Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Naproxen tablets may not allow for the flexible dose titration needed in pediatric patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. | Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 14 have not been established. |
| Prescription (U.S.) | Yes | Yes |
| Common side effects | The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: • Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] • GI Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation [ see Warnin… | The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events (see Warnings ) GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation (see Warnings ) Hepatotoxicity (see Warnin… |
| Serious warning | GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infar… | GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarct… |
| Pregnancy | 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of NSAIDs, including naproxen tablets and naproxen sodium tablets, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction leading to olig… | Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of NSAIDs, including mefenamic acid, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, ne… |
From the official U.S. labels. Brands and strengths differ between countries.
Neither official label mentions the other. That does not prove they are safe together: ask a pharmacist, and use the free interaction checker.
Check them togetherNaproxen is a painkiller (NSAID) and Mefenamic Acid is a painkiller (NSAID). Naproxen is used for: Naproxen tablets and naproxen sodium tablets are indicated for: the relief of the signs and symptoms of: • rheumatoid arthritis • osteoarthritis • ankylosing spondylitis • Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Naproxen tablets and naproxen sodium tablets… Mefenamic Acid is used for: Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of mefenamic acid capsules and other treatment options before deciding to use mefenamic acid capsules. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goal…
Neither official label mentions the other. That does not prove they are safe together: ask a pharmacist, and use the free interaction checker.
It depends on what you are treating, your health and other medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which one suits you; this page shows what each official label says.