Meclofenamate, a version of meclofenamic acid, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for fever and pain. It's available as a lower-cost generic capsule. It's taken by mouth multiple times a day. Your dose depends on what condition you're treating. Some common side effects of meclofenamate include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Fever in adults
Mild-to-moderate pain in adults
Pain from menstrual cramps
Juvenile arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Tendinitis and bursitis
Gout
Meclofenamate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking proteins in your body (called cyclooxygenase or COX) that cause inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Can help to relieve menstrual cramps and lessen the amount of menstrual blood loss
Taken by mouth
Not safe to take after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Can cause kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
Needs to be taken 3 to 6 times per day
You can take meclofenamate with or without food. But it's best to take it with food or milk to prevent getting an upset stomach as a side effect of the medication.
Don't drink alcohol while taking meclofenamate because it can raise your risk for stomach bleeds and stomach ulcers.
If you are allergic to aspirin, there is a chance you might be allergic to meclofenamate as well. Tell your provider about all your allergies.
Meclofenamate can interact with a lot of other common medications, such as blood pressure medications and blood thinners (including aspirin). Make sure to tell your provider about all of the medications you're taking or planning to take before starting meclofenamate. They can make sure your medications are safe for you to take together.
Store meclofenamate up and away from children and pets so they're less likely to reach and accidentally take the medication. If you think your child accidentally took the medication, call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Meclofenamate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: History of heart problems, including heart attack | Taking high doses of meclofenamate | Taking meclofenamate for a long time | History of heart bypass surgery
Meclofenamate can raise your risk of having blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. This can happen as early as within the first weeks of starting this medication. People with heart problems, those taking high doses of meclofenamate, and those taking meclofenamate for a long time have a higher risk of this happening. That’s why it’s important to take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. If you have heart problems, talk to your healthcare provider before starting this medication. Don't take meclofenamate if you've had or will be having heart bypass surgery. Call 911 or seek immediate medical help if you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.
Risk factors: History of stomach bleeding or ulcers | Older adults | Taking aspirin (Aspir-Low), other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, blood thinners, or SSRIs | Drinking alcohol | Smoking | Having poor health | Bleeding problems | Liver problems | Taking meclofenamate for a long time | Taking high doses of meclofenamate
Meclofenamate can cause stomach bleeding and ulcers, which can be dangerous. There are many conditions and medications that raise your risk of this problem, so speak with your provider before starting this medication. Stomach bleeding and ulcers can occur without warning or symptoms, so it's best to take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time to minimize your risk. If you notice blood in your vomit, stool that looks like black coffee grounds, or if you have pain in your stomach that doesn't go away, stop taking meclofenamate and talk to your healthcare provider right away.
Risk factors: Heart problems
Meclofenamate can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid, which can raise your blood pressure or put you at risk for heart failure. Tell your provider if you have a history of heart problems or are taking blood pressure medications before starting meclofenamate to make sure it's safe for you. Your provider will check for heart problems before they prescribe this medication to you. If you experience unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat while taking meclofenamate, contact your provider.
Risk factors: Older adult | Kidney or liver problems | Heart failure | High blood sugar | Sepsis | Having high amounts of certain proteins in blood (paraproteinemia) | Not enough fluids in the body (dehydration) | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems
Meclofenamate can cause kidney problems. Your risk is higher if you have certain factors like older age, certain medical problems like diabetes, or you're taking medications that can cause kidney problems. Your provider might order blood tests to monitor your kidney health before and during treatment with meclofenamate. If your kidney health worsens, your provider might stop your meclofenamate treatment. Contact your provider if you develop any signs or symptoms of kidney failure, including changes in your need to urinate, tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, and muscle cramps.
Risk factors: Aspirin allergy | NSAID allergy
Severe allergic reactions to meclofenamate are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis. Let your provider know if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs before starting meclofenamate. If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using meclofenamate, call for medical help as soon as possible.
Although rare, meclofenamate can cause serious skin reactions, such as rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling. If you notice changes in your skin, stop using meclofenamate and get medical attention right away.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your provider first about the risk and benefits of meclofenamate before using this medication. Meclofenamate can cause harm to your unborn baby or complications during delivery if taken during the second half of pregnancy.
Mild to moderate pain: The typical dose is 50 mg by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum dose is 400 mg daily.
Menstrual cramps: The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth 3 times a day for up to 6 days, starting at the beginning of your period at the first sign of bleeding.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: The typical dose is 200 mg to 400 mg by mouth daily, split into 3 to 4 equally divided doses and taken throughout the day. The maximum daily dose is 400 mg.
Allergy to other NSAIDs
History of asthma, hives, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or another NSAID
Use of meclofenamate after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)
Fever in adults
Mild-to-moderate pain in adults
Pain from menstrual cramps
Juvenile arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Tendinitis and bursitis
Gout
Pain from osteoarthritis
Pain from rheumatoid arthritis
Mild-to-moderate pain - immediate-release capsules only
Menstrual cramps - immediate-release capsules only
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American College of Rheumatology. (2023). NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
American Heart Association. (2020). What are anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents?
Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2021). Meclofenamate sodium capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is coronary artery bypass grafting?
National Kidney Foundation. (2020). 10 signs you may have kidney disease.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later because they can result in low amniotic fluid: FDA Drug Safety Podcast.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later because they can result in low amniotic fluid.
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