GENERIC NAME: meclofenamate
BRAND NAME: Meclomen
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Meclofenamate is a
nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever,
pain, and
inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic
relievers of
mild to moderate pain of many causes, including injury,
menstrual cramps,
arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Since the
response to
different NSAIDs varies from patient to patient, it is not
unusual for a
doctor to try different NSAIDs for any given condition.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: capsules: 50mg, 100mg
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container,
avoid
moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Meclofenamate is used for the treatment
of
inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis,
as well as soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis, and
bursitis.
Meclofenamate is immediately released into the blood and is
also used for
rapid relief of mild to moderate pain and menstrual cramps.
DOSING: Should be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Meclofenamate should be avoided by
patients
with a history of asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic
reactions to
aspirin or other NSAIDs. Rare but severe allergic reactions
have been
reported in such individuals. It also should be avoided by
patients with
peptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since this
medication can
aggravate both conditions. Meclofenamate is generally used with
caution in
patients taking blood thinning medications (anticoagulants),
such as
warfarin (Coumadin), because of increased risk of bleeding.
Patients also
taking cyclosporine (Sandimmune) can develop kidney toxicity.
Meclofenamate is not recommended in children as it has not been
adequately
studied in younger patients. Meclofenamate is not habit
forming. NSAIDs
should be discontinued prior to elective surgery because of a
mild
tendency to interfere with blood clotting. Meclofenamate is best
discontinued at least three days in advance of the procedure.
Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day are at
increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking
meclofenamate or
other NSAIDs.
PREGNANCY: Meclofenamate is generally avoided during
pregnancy .
NURSING MOTHERS: Meclofenamate is generally avoided in
nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients benefit from meclofenamate
and other
NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can
occur, and
generally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is often
desirable to use
the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The most
common side
effects of meclofenamate involve the gastrointestinal system.
It can cause
ulcerations, abdominal burning, pain, cramping, nausea,
gastritis, and
even serious gastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity.
Sometimes,
stomach ulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal
pain.
Black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the
only signs of internal bleeding. Rash, kidney impairment, ringing in
the ears,
and lightheadedness can also occur.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission). Source:MedicineNet
- Arthritis - Read about arthritis causes, diagnosis, information, symptoms, and treatment. Symptoms of this type of disorder include joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. Source:MedicineNet
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Ulcers - Source:MedicineNet
- Read 18 more meclofenamate related articles ...
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