Mefenamic acid in prevention of premature labour

Women at risk of premature delivery were divided randomly into 2 groups of 80 each. Mefenamic acid 500mg 3 times a day or a placebo was given in a double blind fashion. Preterm delivery occurred in 15% of the treated group and 40% of the control group (p < 0.005). The mean birth weight in the test group was higher as compared to the controls. There were no cases of foetal malformations in either of the groups. The results support the use of Mefenamic acid in preventing premature labour.