What is Meclofenamate?
Meclofenamate, a nonsteroidal inflammatory drug (NSAID), is used in adults to treat mild to moderate pain or fever. Meclofenamate can also be used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in adults. It is also prescribed for juvenile arthritis in children over 14 years of age. Meclofenamate can also be used to treat menstrual cramps or heavy bleeding. Meclofenamate can be used to treat long-term symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, gouty arthritis, or shoulder pain due to bursitis and tendinitis. Meclofenamate can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Meclofenamate
If you experience symptoms of an allergic response (sneezing or runny nose, hives or difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat), or severe skin reactions (fever, sore neck, burning eyes, skin pain or blistering and peeling skin, or red or purple skin rash), Should any of the symptoms listed above arise, seek medical assistance immediately.
Meclofenamate may cause serious side effects. Seek medical assistance immediately if any adverse reactions develop including, among others:
- Skin rashes of all forms and severity exist on our bodies and should be taken seriously as skin illnesses.
- Shortness of breath even with minimal exertion
- Gain of weight rapidly
- Nausea, diarrhea and flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen glands, muscle aches and severe weakness; among them);
- Signs of stomach bleeding include bloody or tarry stool, vomiting that looks similar to coffee grounds and coughing up blood.
- Liver problems: loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, itching (upper right), dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice.
- Kidney problems: little or no urine, swelling of the feet or ankles, and feeling tired or breathless;
- Low red blood cells, or anemia, can cause pale skin, unusual fatigue, a feeling of being light-headed, short-of-breath, and cold hands and/or feet.
The symptoms of stomach bleeding may be more common in older adults.
Meclofenamate can cause a variety of side effects.
- Indigestion, stomach pain, nausea
- Diarrhea, constipation
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects. For guidance or medical advice about their management. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Meclofenamate increases your risk of a fatal stroke. Meclofenamate should not be taken before or immediately after heart bypass surgery. Meclofenamate can also cause fatal stomach or intestinal bleeding.
Before you take this drug
Meclofenamate may increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke, even if there are no risk factors. This medication should not be used before or after having undergone coronary arterial bypass grafting (CABG). Meclofenamate may cause fatal stomach or intestinal bleeding without you even realizing it, which is especially the case among older adults taking meclofenamate. If you have an allergy to meclofenamate or if your asthma attacks or severe allergic reactions were caused by taking an NSAID or aspirin, you should avoid using it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Heart condition, hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes;
- A heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding
- Liver or kidney disease
- Asthma;
- Fluid retention.
Do not take an NSAID if you are pregnant unless you have been told to by your doctor. NSAIDs can cause kidney or heart problems for the unborn child and other complications during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is a concern. Meclofenamate should not be used by anyone under the age of 14.
How to take Meclofenamate?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Your doctor might occasionally adjust your dosage. Use the lowest effective dose to treat your condition.Take no more than 400 mg (milligrams) of meclofenamate per day. You may need to visit your doctor frequently if you have been using meclofenamate for a long time. Store it away from moisture, heat and light at room temperature for optimal storage conditions.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is nearly time for your next dose, take only what is prescribed; never double up on any medicine at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
What should be avoided?
Before using any other medication for pain, fever, swelling, or to treat cold or flu symptoms, consult your doctor or pharmacist. These medicines may contain meclofenamate-like ingredients (e.g., aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen). Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Interaction with other drug
Before using meclofenamate, ask your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant. Certain antidepressants may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Inform your physician of all medications taken, such as:
- Lithium;
- Methotrexate;
- A blood thinner (warfarin; coumadin; jantoven);
- Heart or blood pressure medications, including diuretics or "water pills", may include diuretics (deiuretics).
- Steroid medicine (such as prednisone).
This list is incomplete. Meclofenamate can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins, herbal products, prescription medicines, and over-the-counter medicines. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
