Over the past two days I have written about whether you can take Cyclopam and Meftal Spas together, and which one works better for stomach pain. Today I want to talk about something most people completely ignore when they buy Meftal Spas — the side effects.
And I am not talking about the small print on the leaflet that nobody reads. I am talking about the real warnings that a pharmacist would tell you face to face before handing you this medicine.
Because Meftal Spas is one of the most casually purchased medicines in India. Women buy it every month for period pain without thinking twice. And for most people, most of the time, it is fine. But there are things you must know — especially after 2022.
First — what is actually in Meftal Spas?
Meftal Spas contains Mefenamic Acid 250mg and Dicyclomine 10mg. Mefenamic Acid is an NSAID — a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the same family as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac. Dicyclomine is an antispasmodic that relaxes gut muscles.
Understanding this matters because most of the side effects of Meftal Spas come from the Mefenamic Acid — not the Dicyclomine.
The common side effects I see regularly
These are the side effects I have personally seen patients come back and report at my pharmacy counter. These are not rare — they happen more often than people realize.
1. Acidity and stomach irritation
This is the most common complaint I hear. Mefenamic Acid irritates the stomach lining. When someone takes Meftal Spas on an empty stomach — which happens very often because period pain hits early in the morning before breakfast — the stomach burning can be severe. I have had patients come to my pharmacy saying the period pain is gone but now they have worse acidity than before.
My rule — always take Meftal Spas after food. Always. No exceptions. Even a small snack is better than nothing.
2. Nausea and vomiting
This is partly from the stomach irritation and partly a direct effect of Mefenamic Acid. Some people feel queasy within 30 minutes of taking Meftal Spas. If this happens regularly to you, it is a sign your body does not tolerate Mefenamic Acid well and you should speak to a doctor about alternatives.
3. Diarrhoea
NSAIDs can affect the gut lining and cause loose motions in some people. I have seen this particularly in people who take Meftal Spas on multiple consecutive days. If you are getting diarrhoea along with your period cramps after starting Meftal Spas, the medicine may be causing it.
4. Dizziness and drowsiness
Dicyclomine — the antispasmodic component — causes drowsiness in many people. This is why I always advise patients not to drive or operate machinery after taking Meftal Spas. Several girls have told me they feel very sleepy during their periods — sometimes it is the pain, but sometimes it is the medicine.
5. Dry mouth
Again from Dicyclomine. Anticholinergic effects cause reduced saliva production. Drink plenty of water when taking this medicine.
⚠️ Pharmacist Warning
If you experience severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, black stools, or extreme weakness after taking Meftal Spas — stop the medicine immediately and go to a doctor. These can be signs of stomach bleeding — a serious NSAID complication.
The 2022 DRESS Syndrome Warning — What Every Indian Woman Must Know
In late 2022, India's drug regulator CDSCO — the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation — issued a serious safety alert about Mefenamic Acid and a rare but life-threatening condition called DRESS Syndrome.
DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is a severe allergic reaction that affects multiple organs — the skin, liver, kidneys, and lungs. It is rare, but when it happens, it is very serious and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
The CDSCO alert asked doctors and pharmacists to warn patients about this risk and to monitor anyone on Mefenamic Acid for early warning signs.
Warning signs of DRESS Syndrome to watch for:
These symptoms usually appear 2 to 8 weeks after starting the medicine:
- High fever that does not come down
- Widespread skin rash — spreading, red, painful
- Swollen lymph nodes in neck, armpits, or groin
- Swelling of face or eyelids
- Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
🚨 If you see these symptoms after taking Meftal Spas
Stop the medicine immediately and go to a hospital emergency. Do not wait. DRESS Syndrome is a medical emergency. Tell the doctor you have been taking Mefenamic Acid — this helps them diagnose faster. Early treatment saves lives.
To be clear — DRESS Syndrome is rare. The vast majority of people who take Meftal Spas never experience it. But because the consequences are so serious, every person taking this medicine should know these warning signs. In my pharmacy, I now mention this to every new patient I dispense Meftal Spas to.
Who should NOT take Meftal Spas
This is important. There are certain groups of people who should completely avoid Meftal Spas or only take it under strict medical supervision:
People with stomach ulcers or gastritis — Mefenamic Acid will make these conditions significantly worse. Never take it if you have a history of ulcers.
People with kidney problems — NSAIDs reduce blood flow to the kidneys and can cause kidney damage with regular use. If your kidneys are already compromised, avoid Mefenamic Acid completely.
People with liver disease — Both Mefenamic Acid and Dicyclomine are processed by the liver. Liver disease patients should avoid this medicine.
Pregnant women — Mefenamic Acid is particularly dangerous in the third trimester as it can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the baby — a serious heart defect. Avoid completely during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by a gynaecologist.
People with glaucoma — Dicyclomine increases intraocular pressure and is dangerous for glaucoma patients.
People with heart conditions — NSAIDs increase the risk of heart attack and stroke with long-term use, especially in people who already have heart disease.
Children under 14 years — Meftal Spas is not recommended for young children. Always consult a paediatrician.
💊 Pharmacist Tip from Santosh
Every month in my pharmacy I see the same pattern — a woman buys Meftal Spas for period pain, takes it on an empty stomach, and comes back two days later with terrible acidity. The pain is gone but now she has a new problem. My advice — always eat something before taking this medicine, even if it is just two biscuits and a glass of water. Your stomach will thank you.
How to take Meftal Spas safely
If you are going to take Meftal Spas — and it is a very effective medicine when used correctly — here are the rules I give every patient:
Always after food. No exceptions. Even a light snack.
Do not take more than 3 tablets in 24 hours. The standard dose is one tablet three times a day. Do not exceed this thinking more will work faster.
Do not take for more than 3 to 5 consecutive days without medical advice. It is not meant for chronic daily use.
Do not drive after taking it. Dicyclomine causes drowsiness.
Drink plenty of water. NSAIDs can affect the kidneys — staying hydrated reduces this risk.
Stop immediately and see a doctor if you develop any rash, fever, severe stomach pain, or the DRESS warning signs mentioned above.
Frequently asked questions
Is Meftal Spas safe to take every month for periods?
Taking it for 2 to 3 days during your painful period days each month is generally considered acceptable. But if you need it every single cycle without fail, please see a gynaecologist. Severe period pain (dysmenorrhea) can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis that needs proper treatment.
Can I take an antacid with Meftal Spas to protect my stomach?
Yes — taking an antacid or a PPI like Pantoprazole along with Meftal Spas can help protect the stomach lining. Many doctors prescribe both together. But do not decide this on your own — ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Meftal Spas is making me very sleepy. Is this normal?
Yes — Dicyclomine causes drowsiness as a known side effect. This is normal but you should not drive or do tasks requiring concentration after taking it. If the drowsiness is very severe, speak to your doctor about alternatives.
I got a rash after taking Meftal Spas. What should I do?
Stop the medicine immediately and see a doctor the same day. Any rash after starting a new medicine should be evaluated by a doctor — especially after the CDSCO DRESS syndrome warning for Mefenamic Acid. Do not ignore even a mild rash.
What is a safer alternative to Meftal Spas for period pain?
Ibuprofen (400mg after food) is a commonly used alternative NSAID for period pain. Some doctors also prescribe Naproxen. For milder cramps, Paracetamol with a hot water bottle can be surprisingly effective. But speak to your gynaecologist for the right recommendation based on your specific situation.
📌 Also read:
→ Can I Take Cyclopam and Meftal Spas Together?
→ Cyclopam vs Meftal Spas — Which Works Faster for Stomach Pain?
✏️ Written & reviewed by
Santosh Kumar Nayak
Registered Pharmacist · B.Pharm, D.Pharm
✓ Verified Pharmacist Odisha State Pharmacy CouncilSantosh is a registered pharmacist from Odisha, India with both B.Pharm and D.Pharm qualifications. He writes evidence-based health content drawn from real pharmacy experience — focused on making medicines, supplements, and everyday health topics easy to understand for everyone.