Never give your child this popular fever reducer, it is unsafe

What is mefenamic acid

Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins – substances responsible for pain, inflammation, and fever.

Effects of the drug

The drug actually combines three actions:

• Fever-reducing – affects the body’s temperature control center;

• Pain-relieving – decreases pain sensitivity;

• Anti-inflammatory – suppresses inflammation;

At first glance, it seems like a logical choice for fever. But the key question is safety.

Side effects to be aware of

Mefenamic acid carries a high risk of complications. The most common include:

• Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, gastritis, diarrhea, bleeding);

• Blood disorders (anemia, low platelet count);

• Negative impact on the kidneys, especially with repeated or long-term use.

Position of international organizations

The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend mefenamic acid for children due to its toxicity and high risk of side effects. WHO also does not include it in its list of fever treatments. Instead, ibuprofen and acetaminophen remain the first-line medications.

For lowering fever, it’s best to choose proven and recommended drugs – acetaminophen or ibuprofen – and follow the correct dosage.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.