Fenamic acid

Fenamic acid is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain and inflammation. It is a derivative of anthranilic acid, and is the parent compound of several widely used medications, including mefenamic acid and meclofenamic acid.

History

Fenamic acid was first synthesized in the 1960s by the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. It was developed as part of a larger effort to create new NSAIDs that were more effective and had fewer side effects than existing drugs.

Pharmacology

Fenamic acid works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain. It does this by blocking the action of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the production of prostaglandins.

There are two types of COX enzymes: COX-1 and COX-2. Fenamic acid is a non-selective inhibitor, meaning it blocks both types of enzymes. This makes it effective at reducing inflammation and pain, but it can also cause side effects, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.

Medical uses

Fenamic acid and its derivatives are used to treat a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, menstrual pain, and migraine headaches. They are also used to reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains.

Side effects

Like all NSAIDs, fenamic acid can cause side effects. The most common are gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach ulcers and bleeding. It can also cause kidney problems, particularly in people who have pre-existing kidney disease or who take the drug for a long time.

See also

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
• Mefenamic acid
• Meclofenamic acid