Mefenamic Acid

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** An anthranilic acid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic activities. Mefenamic acid inhibits the activity of the enzymes cyclo-oxygenase I and II, resulting in a decreased formation of precursors of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. The resulting decrease in prostaglandin synthesis, by prostaglandin synthase, is responsible for the therapeutic effects of mefenamic acid. Mefenamic acid also causes a decrease in the formation of thromboxane A2 synthesis, by thromboxane synthase, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation.

**Synonyms:** - 2-((2,3-Dimethylphenyl)amino)benzoic Acid - Anthranilic Acid, N-2,3-xylyl- - MEFENAMIC ACID - Ponstel