Dr. Gbemudu received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Nova Southeastern University, her PharmD degree from University of Maryland, and MBA degree from University of Baltimore. She completed a one year post-doctoral fellowship with Rutgers University and Bristol Myers Squibb.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
BRAND NAME: Meclomen, Meclodium (These brands no longer are available in the
U.S.)
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Meclofenamate belongs to a class of drugs called
nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other NSAIDS include ibuprofen
(Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan),
nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. These drugs are used for the management
of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing the
levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are responsible for pain, fever, and
inflammation. Meclofenamate blocks the enzymes that make prostaglandins
(cyclooxygenases), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a
consequence, inflammation, pain, and fever are reduced. Meclofenamate was
approved by the FDA in June 1980.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 50 and 100 mg.
STORAGE: Meclofenamate should be stored at 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F) in a
sealed container protected from light and moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Meclofenamate is used for the relief of mild to moderate
pain. It also is used to treat dysmenorrhea (painful periods), idiopathic heavy
menstrual blood loss, and relief of the signs and symptoms of acute and chronic
rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Off label uses include
ankylosing
spondylitis (arthritis that mainly affects the spine) and vascular headache.
DOSING: The usual dose for mild to moderate pain is 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours.
For excessive menstrual blood loss and primary dysmenorrhea the usual dose is
100 mg three times a day, for up to six days.
For rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis the usual dose is 200 to 400 mg per day.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Concurrent use of meclofenamate and
warfarin (Coumadin), a
blood thinner, may cause excessive bleeding as meclofenamate enhances the effect
of warfarin. It is important, therefore, to reduce the dosage of warfarin.
Meclofenamate, as other NSAIDS may reduce the effects of
blood
pressure-lowering medications. This may occur because prostaglandins are
important in the regulation of blood pressure.
Concurrent use of meclofenamate and cyclosporine (Sandimmune), an
immunosuppressant can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), as
meclofenamate tends to increase cyclosporine-induced kidney damage by blocking
certain prostaglandins that are important in preventing toxic effects on the
kidney. It is important, therefore, to avoid this combination and/or monitor
kidney function and blood pressure.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies in pregnant women and, therefore,
meclofenamate is not recommended for use during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Meclofenamate is excreted in
breast milk. Due to possible
adverse effects, it is not recommended for nursing women.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects are abdominal pain with cramps,
allergic reactions, diarrhea, dizziness, headache,
heartburn, nausea, and
skin rash. It is important to note that people who take NSAIDs such as meclofenamate
may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do
not take these medications. Meclofenamate may cause
ulcers, bleeding, or holes
in the stomach or intestine. The risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs
for a longer period of time, are older in age, have poor health, or drink large
amounts of alcohol. If patients experience any of the following symptoms they
should stop taking meclofenamate and call their doctor: stomach pain, heartburn,
vomiting a substance that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds,
blood in the
stool, or black and tarry stools.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease.
Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.
Menstrual cramps (pain in the belly and pelvic area) are experienced by women as a result of menses. Menstrual cramps are not the same as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Menstrual cramps are common, and may be accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. Severity of menstrual cramp pain varies from woman to woman. Treatment includes OTC or prescription pain relief medication.
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of
cartilage in the joints. Also known as degenerative arthritis. Osteoarthritis
can be caused by aging, heredity, and injury from trauma or disease.
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of
arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout,
and pseudogout.
Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. Causes of abnormal may arise from a variety of conditions.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes chronic inflammation of the spine. The tendency to develop ankylosing spondylitis is genetically inherited.
Menstruation (menstrual cycle) is also referred to as a "period." When a woman menstruates, the lining of the uterus is shed. This shedding of the uterine linking is the menstrual blood flow. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days. There can be problems with a woman's period, including heavy bleeding, pain, or skipped periods. Causes of these problems may be amenorrhea (lack fo a period), menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), or abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding. There are a variety of situations in which a girl or woman should see a doctor about her menstrual cycle.
Menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain, mood swings, anxiety and more. Treatment for menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include regular sleep, exercise, smoking cessation, diet changes, and OTC or prescription medication depending on the severity of the condition.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed medications for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. One common side effect of NSAIDs is peptic ulcer (ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking NSAIDs.
Normal vaginal bleeding is the periodic blood that flows
as a discharge from
the woman's uterus. Normal vaginal bleeding is also called menorrhea. The
process by which menorrhea occurs is called
menstruation.
Normal vaginal bleeding occurs as a result of cyclic
hormonal changes. The ovaries are the main source of female hormones, which
control the development of
female body characteristics such as the
breasts, body shape, and body hair. The
hormones also regulate the menstrual cycle. The ovary, or female gonad, is one of
a pair of reproductive glands in women. They are located in the pelvis, one on
each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond.
The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and female hormones. During each monthly
menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one ovary. The egg travels from the
ovary through a Fallopian tube to the
uterus.
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