$Unique_ID{BRK03214} $Pretitle{} $Title{meclofenamate} $Subject{sodium Meclomen Parke-Davis Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic meclofenamate pain inflammation swelling stiffness arthritis gout bursitis tendinitis chemicals prostaglandins} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. meclofenamate ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) meclofenamate sodium (various manufacturers) Meclomen (Parke-Davis) TYPE OF DRUG Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic INGREDIENT meclofenamate DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (50 mg and 100 mg) Capsules (50 mg and 100 mg) STORAGE This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight. USES Meclofenamate is used as a short-term treatment for the pain and inflammation (pain, swelling, stiffness) of certain types of arthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendinitis. Meclofenamate has been shown to block the production of certain body chemicals, called prostaglandins, that may trigger pain. However, it is not yet fully understood how meclofenamate works. TREATMENT If this medication upsets your stomach, you can take it with food, milk, or antacids (unless your doctor recommends otherwise). If stomach irritation continues, check with your doctor. It is important to take meclofenamate on schedule and not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. If you are taking meclofenamate to relieve arthritis, you must take it regularly, as directed by your doctor. It may take up to three weeks before you feel the full benefits of this medication. This medication does not cure arthritis, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, unusual sweating, or vomiting. As your body adjusts to the drug, these side effects should disappear. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). If you become dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. If any side effects are persistent or particularly bothersome, you should report them to your doctor. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; depression; difficult or painful urination; palpitations; a problem with hearing; ringing or buzzing in the ears; severe diarrhea; severe sunburn; shortness of breath; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain; swelling of the feet; tightness in the chest; wheezing or difficulty in breathing; unexplained sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual fatigue or weakness; unusual weight gain; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Meclofenamate interacts with several other types of medications: 1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as warfarin, taken at the same time as meclofenamate can lead to an increase in bleeding complications. 2. Concurrent use of aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory medications can increase stomach irritation. 3. Probenecid may increase blood levels of meclofenamate, which may increase the risk of side effects. 4. The action of beta blockers may be decreased by this drug. 5. This drug can interact with diuretics (water pills). BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to meclofenamate or any of the other chemically related drugs (aspirin, other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, or tolmetin). * Before taking meclofenamate, it is important to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had bleeding problems, colitis, stomach ulcers or other stomach problems, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, or Parkinson's disease. * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. * Because this drug can prolong your bleeding time, it is important to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment. * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication. These should, therefore, be avoided (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). * The elderly may be at increased risk of experiencing side effects from this drug. * The safety and effectiveness of this drug in children below the age of 14 has not been established. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Studies have shown that meclofenamate can cause unwanted effects (including slower development of bones and heart damage) in the offspring of animals that received this drug during pregnancy. If taken late in pregnancy, meclofenamate can also prolong labor. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of meclofenamate pass into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.