What each one is for, how to take it, side effects and warnings, side by side from the official labels.
| Ibuprofen | Mefenamic Acid | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A painkiller (NSAID) | A painkiller (NSAID) |
| Used for | temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache toothache backache menstrual cramps the common cold muscular aches minor pain of arthritis temporarily reduces fever | 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 | Adults and children 12 years and over: take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist if pain or fever does not respond to 1 tablet, 2 tablets may be used. | 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 | Children under 12 years: ask a doctor. | Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 14 have not been established. |
| Prescription (U.S.) | No (over the counter) | Yes |
| Common side effects | you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding: feel faint have bloody or black stools vomit blood have stomach pain that does not get better you have symptoms of heart problems or stroke: chest pain slurred speech… | 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 | Not on the label | GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarct… |
| Pregnancy | If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use ibuprofen at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor b… | 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 togetherIbuprofen is a painkiller (NSAID) and Mefenamic Acid is a painkiller (NSAID). Ibuprofen is used for: temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache toothache backache menstrual cramps the common cold muscular aches minor pain of arthritis temporarily reduces fever 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.