Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Meclofenamate
Drug Class: Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Meclofenamate? (Back to top)
MECLOFENAMATE is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to reduce swelling and to treat pain. This medicine may be used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to treat painful menstrual periods. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• cigarette smoker
• drink alcohol-containing beverages
• heart disease or circulation problems like heart failure or leg edema
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• recent heart surgery
• stomach bleeding or ulcers
• swelling of ankles or hands
• taking medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• taking steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• an unusual or allergic reaction to meclofenamate, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes. or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food if your stomach gets upset. Try to not lie down for at least 10 minutes after you take the medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Long-term, continuous use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 14 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• cidofovir
• ketorolac
• methotrexate

• alcohol
• alendronate
• antacids with magnesium
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• diuretics
• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba
• lithium
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• other NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• pemetrexed

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• black tarry stools
• blurred vision
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• general ill feeling or 'flu-like' symptoms
• high blood pressure
• right upper belly pain
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• slurring of speech
• stomach pain or cramps
• sudden weight gain or swelling
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness, drowsiness
• gas or heartburn
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• unusually sensitive to the sun

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not get better. Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine for pain. Do not treat yourself.

This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.

Do not take medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.

This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from heat and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:March 12, 2008

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company