Potential side effects and precautions associated with Meftal Spas usage

By ankita bose Thu, 16 May 2024

Meftal Spas Tablet is an antispasmodic and painkiller tablet used for the management of conditions such as abdominal pain and spasms, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and menstrual cramps. It contains mefenamic acid and dicyclomine. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles and reducing pain and inflammation, relieving discomfort associated with these conditions.

What are the uses of Meftal Spas Tablet?

Meftal Spas Tablet is used in the following conditions:

  • Menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea: This tablet addresses menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea. This tablet helps to ease uterine muscle spasms and reduce inflammation, providing relief from the pain associated with menstruation.
  • Stomach pain: This tablet also provides relief from abdominal pain. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the abdominal area, helping to alleviate discomfort associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal spasms.
  • Spasms in the intestine: This tablet also relieve spasms in the intestines. This is particularly beneficial for conditions where abnormal contractions of the intestinal muscles lead to pain and discomfort.

How Does Meftal Spas Tablet Work to Provide Relief?

Meftal Spas Tablet contains 2 components. Dicyclomine in Meftal Spas is an antispasmodic agent. It eases muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. It does so by calming the smooth muscles in the gut, including the intestines. This helps alleviate spasms, cramps, and discomfort linked with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal problems.

Mefenamic Acid, another compenent in Meftal Spas is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It operates by reducing the production of certain chemicals known as prostaglandins. These prostaglandins contribute to inflammation, pain, and fever. By lowering their levels, Mefenamic Acid helps relieve pain and inflammation.

What are the common side effects of Meftal Spas Tablet?

The common Meftal Spas side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Flatulence
  • Constipation
  • Indigestion
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Light-headedness
  • Drowsiness
  • Weakness

To lower the chance of side effects, it's best to take Meftal Spas Tablet with food. Having it with a meal can reduce the risk of stomach upset. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or weak, avoid sudden movements. Don't drive or do tasks that need focus until you feel better. Sit comfortably until the side effects go away.

Is Meftal Spas Tablet safe for children?

Meftal Spas Tablet isn't suitable for kids under 12 years old. Consult a doctor to find safer and more suitable pain relief options for children of this age.

What are the safety precautions associated with Meftal Spas Tablet?

Follow the below mentioned precautions for safe use of Meftal Spas:

  • Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Meftal Spas Tablet, as it may increase the risk of adverse side effects.
  • Driving: This tablet may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness and blurred vision. Refrain from driving or operating machinery after taking this tablet.

  • Use in older adults: Elderly patients with heart, kidney and liver impairment should exercise caution when taking this tablet. Discuss your medication and medical condition with your doctor before taking this tablet.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders or history of gastro ulceration: Meftal Spas Tablet can cause severe gastrointestinal (GI) complications, including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation in the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, which can be life-threatening. It is essential to exercise extreme caution when using it with a history of ulcer disease or GI bleeding. Those history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding who use NSAIDs are at increased risk of developing GI bleeding compared to those without these risk factors.
  • Hypertension: The medication can potentially affect blood pressure regulation, making it unsuitable for individuals with hypertension.
  • Heart problems: Meftal Spas can cause fluid retention and oedema and may potentially worsen heart conditions.
  • Kidney impairment: This tablet should not be used in patients with severe kidney impairment. It can aggravate the existing kidney problems, potentially leading to further complications.
  • Liver impairment: Meftal Spas Tablet may affect liver function, making it a concern for individuals with pre-existing liver issues.
  • Pre-existing asthma: The medication may trigger or worsen asthma symptoms, posing a risk to individuals with a history of asthma.
  • Myasthenia gravis: Meftal Spas may have adverse effects in individuals with Myasthenia Gravis, a neuromuscular disorder, potentially worsening muscle weakness.
  • Intestinal obstruction: The medication can affect intestinal motility, making it inappropriate for individuals with intestinal obstruction.
  • Ulcerative colitis: Meftal Spas may exacerbate symptoms or complications associated with ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Prostatic hypertrophy: This tablet may impact urinary function and worsen symptoms in individuals with prostatic hypertrophy, a condition affecting the prostate gland.

What other medicines should be avoided while taking Meftal Spas Tablet?

Please consult your doctor if you are taking other medication simultaneously with Meftal Spas Tablet. Inform your doctor if you are taking immunosuppressive medications (methotrexate), antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics (digoxin) , antidiabetics, corticosteroids, anti-Glaucoma medications, diuretics, anticoagulants (warfarin), immunosuppressive medications (methotrexate), antihistamines, antacids, antidepressants, and other NSAIDs (aspirin). The concurrent use of these medicines with Meftal Spas can cause potential side effects.

What is the daily dose of Meftal Spas Tablet?

The right dose of Meftal Spas Tablets you need might be different depending on your health. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Usually, grown-ups can take 1 to 2 tablets three times a day for 3 to 5 days when they have menstrual pain. But don't take more than that for more than a week.

What happens if you take too many Meftal Spas Tablets in a day?

If you take too many tablets daily, you might feel sleepy, sick to your stomach, throw up, or have a headache. You might also have blurry vision, big pupils, dizziness, dry mouth, or nervousness. If you have any of these symptoms, get medical help right away, even if they don't seem serious at first. You can easily get this medicine through an online medicine order, but make sure to follow the precautions, avoid taking other medicines, and avoid exceeding the daily recommended dose.

Does Meftal Spas Tablets Cause Kidney Damage?

Taking this tablet for a long time can harm the kidneys, and cause conditions like renal papillary necrosis. It is a condition where parts of the kidneys called papillae die due to lack of blood supply or other factors, potentially leading to kidney problems. Taking this tablet for prolonged periods may potentially cause renal papillary necrosis due to its effects on kidney function and blood flow.

Some patients rely on certain kidney chemicals called prostaglandins to keep their kidneys working well. This tablet may lower these chemicals, reducing blood flow to the kidneys and worsening kidney conditions. People at highest risk include those with heart failure, kidney issues, liver problems, those on diuretics and antihypertensives, and older adults. It's best that patients with severe kidney problems should avoid taking this tablet.