Drotaverine 80 mg + Mefenamic acid 250mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Drotaverine 80 mg + Mefenamic acid 250mg Uses

Drotaverine and Mefenamic acid is an oral medicine belonging to the category of antispasmodics and anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID), which is used to treat the following conditions: 

1. Abdominal pain due to stomach or intestinal spasms 
2. Menstrual pain (period cramps) 
3. Biliary colic (pain due to gallbladder stones) 
4. Renal colic (pain due to kidney stones) 
5. Uterine spasms       

Drotaverine 80 mg + Mefenamic acid 250mg side effects 

More Common  

1. Nausea  
2. Vomiting  
3. Stomach pain  
4. Acidity or indigestion  
5. Diarrhea  
6. Dizziness  
7. Headache  
8. Weakness or tiredness         

Less Common 

1. Stomach ulcer or bleeding (black stools, blood in vomit, severe stomach pain)  
2. Severe allergy (rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing)  
3. Liver problems (yellow eyes/skin, dark urine)  
4. Kidney problems (less urine, swelling in legs)  
5. Low blood pressure       

How Drotaverine + Mefenamic acid works 

This combination works in two ways to relieve painful cramps and spasms. Drotaverine is an antispasmodic medicine that helps relax the muscles in organs like the uterus, stomach, intestines, and urinary tract, which reduces cramping and spasm pain. Mefenamic acid is a pain-relieving anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) that blocks the chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Together, this combination helps reduce crampy pain, spasm, and discomfort, especially in conditions like period pain, stomach cramps, or abdominal pain. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy or Hypersensitivity

If you are allergic to this medicine, you should avoid it because it may cause serious allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or breathing difficulties. Seek medical help immediately if these occur.

Liver Problems

If you have liver disease or a history of liver problems, inform your doctor before taking this medicine because it may worsen your condition or require dose adjustment.

Kidney Problems

If you have kidney issues, tell your doctor before starting this medicine because the drug may accumulate in the body and increase the risk of side effects.

Low Blood Pressure

If you already have low blood pressure, use this medicine with caution because it may further lower your blood pressure and cause dizziness or fainting.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor before taking this medicine, because its safety during pregnancy has not been fully established. 

Drotaverine + Mefenamic acid Interaction with Food Product 

Taking it after meals may help reduce stomach discomfort. There are no major food restrictions, but alcohol should be avoided as it may increase dizziness or lower blood pressure. Always follow your doctor’s advice while using this medicine. 

Drotaverine + Mefenamic acid Interaction with Other Medicines  

Avoid taking Drotaverine + Mefenamic acid with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:

Drotaverine + Mefenamic acid Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

Drotaverine: (1Z)-1-[(3,4-diethoxyphenyl)methylidene]-6,7-diethoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-isoquinoline 

Mefenamic Acid: 2-(2,3-dimethylanilino)benzoic acid 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Drotaverine + Mefenamic acid exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

It is not recommended to take this combination more than the prescribed dose by doctor, as it may cause severe overdose symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, tremors, restlessness, and rapid heartbeat.

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature. 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 
3. Keep out of reach of children. 

Directions for use 

1. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.  

Drotaverine + Mefenamic acid Summary 

Drotaverine 80 mg + Mefenamic Acid 250 mg is a combination medicine used to relieve painful cramps and spasms, especially in period pain, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, intestinal spasms, and colicky pain. Drotaverine helps relax the muscles and reduce spasms, while Mefenamic acid helps reduce pain and inflammation. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, acidity, diarrhea, dizziness, and headache.  

Rare but serious side effects may include stomach bleeding, allergy, liver or kidney problems, and low blood pressure. Overall, this medicine is helpful for cramp-like pain and spasmodic discomfort and gives relief by reducing both muscle spasm and pain. 

FAQ’s

What are the uses of Drotaverine? 

Drotaverine is used to relieve muscle spasms and cramps. It helps relax smooth muscles and reduces pain in conditions stomach cramps, menstrual pain, kidney stone pain, gallbladder pain, and intestinal spasms.

Is Drotaverine safe during pregnancy? 

Drotaverine is sometimes prescribed during pregnancy for uterine spasms or abdominal pain. However, it should only be taken under medical supervision. Do not self-medicate during pregnancy. 

How does Drotaverine work? 

Drotaverine works by relaxing smooth muscles. It inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase (PDE), which helps reduce muscle contractions. This relaxation reduces pain caused by spasms. 

What are the common side effects of Drotaverine? 

Drotaverine may cause mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and weakness. 

 What are the uses of Mefenamic Acid tablets? 

Mefenamic Acid tablets are used to treat menstrual pain (period pain), mild to moderate body pain, headache, toothache, muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, inflammation, and fever. 

How many times a day should Mefenamic Acid be taken? 

Mefenamic Acid is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day, as prescribed by the doctor. It should be taken after food to reduce stomach irritation, and the exact dose depends on the patient’s condition and age. 

What is the mechanism of action of Mefenamic Acid? 

 Mefenamic Acid works by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which reduces the production of prostaglandins chemicals in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. 

Can Mefenamic Acid be used during pregnancy? 

Mefenamic Acid is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the last 3 months, as it may harm the unborn baby. It should only be used if clearly prescribed by a doctor.  

 What is the drug class of Mefenamic Acid? 

Mefenamic Acid belongs to the class of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). 

Reference 

1. PubChem. Drotaverine [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2026 [cited 2026 Feb 26]. Available from 
2. Drotaverine [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. Available from 
3. PubChem. Mefenamic Acid [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from 
4. Mefenamic Acid (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Available from 
5. DrugBank. Mefenamic acid [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. 2022. Available from 

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.