Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: tolmetin
BRAND NAME: Tolectin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Tolmetin is a
nonsteroidal antiinflammatory 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: tablets: 200mg, 600mg; capsule: 400mg
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container,
avoid
moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Tolmetin is used for the treatment of
inflammation and pain that results from rheumatoid arthritis,
juvenile
arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
DOSING: Should be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tolmetin should be avoided by
patients with a
history of asthma exacerbation, 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. Tolmetin is generally used with
caution in
patients taking blood thinning medications (anticoagulants),
such as
warfarin (Coumadin), because of an increased risk of bleeding.
Patients
taking lithium can develop toxic blood lithium levels. Patients
taking
cyclosporine (Sandimmune) can develop kidney toxicity.
Use in children under 2 years of age has not been adequately
studied.
Tolmetin is not habit forming. Tolmetin should be discontinued
prior to
elective surgery because of a mild interference with clotting
that is
characteristic of this group of medicines. Tolmetin is best
discontinued
at least two 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
tolmetin or other
NSAIDs.
PREGNANCY: Tolmetin is generally avoided during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Tolmetin is generally avoided in
nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients benefit from tolmetin and
other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur, and
generally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is advisable to use the lowest
effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common side effects of
tolmetin involve the gastrointestinal system. It can cause ulcerations,
abdominal 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.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
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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