tolmetin, Tolectin (Discontinued Brand)

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Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

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.

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GENERIC NAME: tolmetin

BRAND NAME: Tolectin (Discontinued brand)

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Tolmetin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. It is similar to ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and others. 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. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation. Tolmetin blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced. The FDA approved Tolectin in March 1976.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets or capsules: 200, 400, and 600 mg

STORAGE: Tolmetin should be storee at room temperature in a sealed container and protected from moisture.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Tolmetin is used for the treatment of inflammation and pain that results from rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, or osteoarthritis.

DOSING: The recommended dose is 200-600 mg three times daily. The maximum daily dose is 1800 mg. Tolmetin should be taken with food and 8-12 ounces of water to avoid stomach upset.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: 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 (Eskalith, Lithobid) or methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) can develop toxic blood levels of either drug because tolmetin may inhibit their elimination from the body by the kidney. Side effects from cyclosporine also may be increased by tolmetin. Tolmetin may reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensives because it causes or worsens high blood pressure. NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors.

Combining NSAIDs with angiotensin receptor blockers (for example, valsartan [Diovan], losartan [Cozaar], irbesartan [Avapro]) or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (for example, enalapril [Vasotec], captopril [Capoten]) in patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with poor kidney function may result in reduced kidney function, including kidney failure. These effects usually are reversible.

Persons who have more than three 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 excreted in breast milk. To avoid adverse effects in the infant, nursing mothers should decide whether to stop nursing or stop tolmetin.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.