What is Dolin Tablet used for? A Comprehensive Guide

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Mefenamic acid, the active ingredient in medications like Dolin, has been approved for use since 1967 for short-term pain relief. So, what is Dolin Tablet used for? It is primarily prescribed for mild to moderate pain, especially menstrual cramps.

Quick Summary

Dolin Tablet, containing the active ingredient Mefenamic Acid, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain, including menstrual cramps, dental pain, and headaches.

Key Points

Active Ingredient: Dolin is a brand name, and when used for pain, its active ingredient is typically Mefenamic Acid, a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID).
Primary Use: It is most commonly prescribed for the short-term relief of mild to moderate pain, especially menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea).
Mechanism: Mefenamic Acid works by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which reduces the body's production of pain- and inflammation-causing prostaglandins.
Administration: It should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset and used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, typically not more than 7 days.
Important Risks: Like other NSAIDs, it carries risks of gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke.
Contraindications: It should be avoided by individuals with a history of stomach ulcers, kidney disease, severe heart failure, or an allergy to aspirin/other NSAIDs.
Prescription Required: Mefenamic Acid is generally available by prescription only.

Understanding Pain and the Role of Dolin

Pain is a complex and unpleasant sensory experience that signals potential or actual tissue damage. It is the body's natural defense mechanism, but when it becomes persistent, it can significantly impact quality of life. Inflammation often accompanies pain, characterized by redness, swelling, and heat. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications widely used to manage these symptoms. Dolin, a brand name for a medication containing the active ingredient Mefenamic Acid, falls into this category. It is prescribed for the short-term treatment of mild to moderate pain from various conditions.

What is the Active Ingredient in Dolin?

The brand name "Dolin" can be associated with different active ingredients depending on the formulation and region. For instance, 'Dolin Plus' may contain Tramadol and Paracetamol, while other versions might contain Escitalopram or Dosulepin for treating depression and anxiety. However, when referred to as a pain reliever, Dolin commonly contains Mefenamic Acid. Mefenamic acid is an NSAID that provides analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects. This article will focus on Dolin as Mefenamic Acid.

How Dolin (Mefenamic Acid) Works

Mefenamic acid's mechanism of action involves the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are responsible for producing prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that play a crucial role in mediating pain and inflammation in the body. By blocking COX enzymes, Mefenamic Acid reduces the production of prostaglandins. This leads to a decrease in inflammation, a reduction in the sensitization of nerve endings to pain signals, and ultimately, the alleviation of pain. It is particularly effective for conditions like primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) because it lowers the levels of prostaglandins in the uterine lining.

Primary Uses of Dolin Tablet

Dolin (Mefenamic Acid) is indicated for short-term therapy, typically not exceeding seven days, for a variety of conditions.

Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea): This is one of the most common uses for Mefenamic Acid. It effectively reduces uterine muscle contractions and pain associated with menstruation.
Mild to Moderate Pain: It is used for acute pain relief from headaches, muscle aches, and pain following dental procedures or surgery.
Pain from Muscle and Joint Injuries: It can provide short-term relief from pain associated with sprains, strains, and tendonitis.

Administration and Important Considerations

It is strongly recommended to take Mefenamic Acid with food or a full glass of milk to minimize the risk of stomach upset. The medication should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration to reduce the risk of side effects. Always follow the prescription provided by a healthcare professional regarding administration and frequency.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Like all NSAIDs, Mefenamic Acid carries a risk of side effects.

Common Side Effects: These can include stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, and headache.
Serious Side Effects: Although less common, serious side effects can occur. These include an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and kidney or liver problems. Patients with a history of heart disease, kidney disease, or stomach ulcers should use this medication with extreme caution.

It is crucial to tell your doctor about any pre-existing conditions, especially asthma, high blood pressure, or allergies to aspirin or other NSAIDs, before taking this medication. Mefenamic acid should not be taken during the last trimester of pregnancy as it can harm the unborn baby.

Comparison with Other Common Pain Relievers

When choosing a pain reliever, it's helpful to understand the differences between the options.


Feature	Mefenamic Acid (Dolin)	Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)	Paracetamol (Acetaminophen/Tylenol)
Drug Class	NSAID	NSAID	Analgesic & Antipyretic
Primary Function	Anti-inflammatory and pain relief	Anti-inflammatory and pain relief	Pain and fever reduction
Best For	Menstrual pain, dental pain	Muscle pain, headache, inflammation	General pain, fever; first choice for fever
Stomach Upset	Common; should be taken with food	Common; should be taken with food	Less likely to cause stomach upset
Liver/Kidney Risk	Risk to both kidneys and liver with long-term use	Risk to kidneys and stomach with long-term use	Primarily a risk to the liver, especially with high doses or alcohol
Availability	Prescription only in many regions	Over-the-counter and prescription	Over-the-counter

Conclusion

What is Dolin Tablet used for? In its Mefenamic Acid formulation, it is a potent and effective prescription NSAID for the short-term management of mild to moderate pain, with a particular strength in treating menstrual cramps. Its effectiveness stems from its ability to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, thereby reducing both pain and inflammation. However, due to its potential for gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects, it must be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest duration necessary. Understanding its mechanism, uses, and risks allows for its safe and appropriate application in pain management.

For more detailed medical information, consult authoritative sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Frequently Asked Questions

Mefenamic Acid is an effective NSAID used for mild to moderate pain. Some research suggests it is a more potent analgesic than paracetamol, particularly for conditions like menstrual and dental pain.

Yes, it is generally considered safe to take Mefenamic Acid and Paracetamol together, as they work in different ways. However, you should not take it with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Always consult your doctor before combining medications.

Drowsiness or dizziness can be a side effect of Mefenamic Acid, but it is not one of the most common ones, affecting a small percentage of users.

Mefenamic Acid is absorbed rapidly, with peak plasma levels reached in 2 to 4 hours after taking an oral dose. You should start to feel pain relief within this timeframe.

People with a history of peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, severe heart, kidney, or liver disease, or those with an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs should not take Mefenamic Acid. It is also not recommended for women in their third trimester of pregnancy.

No, Mefenamic Acid is intended for short-term use, generally for one week or less. Long-term use increases the risk of serious side effects, including stomach bleeding, kidney damage, and cardiovascular events.

No, Dolin containing Mefenamic Acid is not an antibiotic. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and does not treat bacterial infections. Some other formulations with the brand name 'Dolin' might contain Doxycycline, which is an antibiotic, highlighting the need to check the active ingredient.