Mefenamic Acid Use During Pregnancy

Safety Profile and Recommendations

Early pregnancy exposure to NSAIDs, including mefenamic acid, shows no clear evidence of increased risk of miscarriage or teratogenicity, according to the American College of Rheumatology 1, 2
If mefenamic acid is used between 20-30 weeks gestation, it should be limited to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration (maximum 7-10 days), as recommended by the American College of Rheumatology 1, 2
For third trimester exposure, immediate discontinuation and fetal assessment for ductal constriction and oligohydramnios is necessary, as advised by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends monitoring for signs of fetal renal dysfunction and cardiovascular complications after mefenamic acid exposure 2

The American College of Rheumatology recommends hydroxychloroquine for rheumatologic conditions during pregnancy 1, 2
The American College of Rheumatology also recommends sulfasalazine (with folate supplementation) for inflammatory conditions during pregnancy 1, 2
The American College of Rheumatology suggests azathioprine for inflammatory conditions during pregnancy 1, 2
The American College of Rheumatology advises colchicine at doses of 1-2 mg/day for pain management during pregnancy 1, 2
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends low-dose glucocorticoids (≤10 mg daily prednisone) for inflammatory conditions during pregnancy 2