Meclofenamate

Meclofenamate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats fever or mild to moderate pain in adults. Meclofenamate also helps relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in adults, and juvenile arthritis in children who are at least 14 years old.

Meclofenamate is also used to treat menstrual pain or heavy menstrual bleeding.

Meclofenamate can sometimes be used long-term to treat symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, gouty arthritis, or shoulder pain caused by bursitis or tendinitis.

Meclofenamate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may sometimes change your dose. Use the lowest dose that works for your condition.

Do not take more than 400 milligrams (mg) of meclofenamate in one day.

If you use meclofenamate for a long time, you may need regular medical tests at your doctor's office.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Meclofenamate can raise your chances of having a deadly heart attack or stroke. Do not use meclofenamate right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Meclofenamate may also lead to bleeding in the stomach or intestines, which can be life-threatening.

Meclofenamate can raise your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don’t have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Meclofenamate may also lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be deadly. These issues can happen without warning while you are using meclofenamate, particularly in older adults.

You should not use meclofenamate if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or a severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• liver or kidney disease;
• asthma; or
• fluid retention.

If you are pregnant, you should not take meclofenamate unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney issues in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Meclofenamate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 14 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you experience signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or feeling short of breath.

Meclofenamate may cause serious side effects. Stop using meclofenamate and call your doctor right away if you have:

• a skin rash, no matter how mild;
• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• nausea, diarrhea, or flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness);
• signs of stomach bleeding—bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• liver problems—loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• kidney problems—little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, or feeling tired or short of breath;
• low red blood cells (anemia)—pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, or cold hands and feet.

Older adults may be more likely to experience symptoms of stomach bleeding.

Common side effects of meclofenamate may include:

• indigestion, stomach pain, or nausea;
• diarrhea or constipation; or
• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include weakness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to meclofenamate (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask your doctor before using meclofenamate if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• lithium;
• methotrexate;
• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
• heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or
• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect meclofenamate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.