Publication:

Randomised trial of mefenamic acid versus tranexamic acid in management of menorrhagia

Background The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of mefenamic acid, a non-inflammatory drug with tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic drug in management of menorrhaghia.

Methods Randomised trial of women attending outpatient department of St. Philomena’s hospital, Bangalore with complaints of menorrhagia. Fifty four patients with complaints of menorrhagia were randomly assigned to receive either mefenamic acid 500 mg tid (group A- 24 patients) or tranexamic acid 1 gm TID (group B- 26 patients) from day one to day five for three consecutive menstrual cycles.

Results Reduction in menstrual blood loss as assessed by pictoral blood loss assessment chart was more in group B (50%) than in Group A (30%) (ANOVA, covariates with F=59.647, p 0.05).

Conclusions Both mefenamic acid and tranexamic acid were effective in management of menorrhagia. Tranexamic acid was significantly superior to mefenamic acid in terms of reduction in menstrual blood loss.