A comparison of the antipyretic efficacy of mefenamic acid 125-MG suppository and 60-MG suspension in pediatric patients and an evaluation of the local tolerability of the suppositories

Abstract This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of mefenamic acid suppositories in 38 pediatric patients with fever. In Phase I, patients were randomly allocated to double-blind treatment with either a single mefenamic acid rectal suppository (125 mg) and a placebo oral suspension, or a single bioequivalent oral dose of mefenamic acid suspension (60 mg) and a placebo suppository. In Phase II, the patient received an active suppository every 6 hours, if required, to a maximum of three doses. Patients in both Phase I treatment groups responded, with no statistically significant differences between groups. The results demonstrate that mefenamic suppositories are as effective for antipyretic purposes as equivalent oral doses of mefenamic acid suspension, and that the suppositories are well tolerated.