meclofenamate
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.
What is Meclofenamate?
What is Meclofenamate used for?
Fever in adults
Mild-to-moderate pain in adults
Pain from menstrual cramps
Juvenile arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Tendinitis and bursitis
Gout
How Meclofenamate works
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.
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What are the side effects of Meclofenamate?
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea (10-33%)
- Nausea with or without vomiting (11%)
- Stomach upset or pain (10%)
Other Side Effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Passing gas
- Rash
Serious Side Effects
- Stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
- Heart attack: chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
- Stroke: chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness in one part of your body or face, slurred speech
- Heart failure: difficulty breathing, swelling, fast heartbeat
- Liver problems: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, confusion, dark or brown urine
- Kidney problems: tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, urinating less than usual, foamy or bloody urine, muscle cramps
- Allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
- Serious skin reactions: skin reddening, blisters, rash
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
- Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Increase in blood pressure
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Round red or dark patches on the skin that may itch, burn, and blister
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
Pros and cons of Meclofenamate
Pros
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Can help to relieve menstrual cramps and lessen the amount of menstrual blood loss
Taken by mouth
Cons
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
Pharmacist tips for Meclofenamate
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.
Frequently asked questions about Meclofenamate
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What are the risks and warnings for Meclofenamate?
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.
Heart attack and stroke
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.
Stomach bleeding and ulcers
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.
High blood pressure and heart failure
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.
Kidney damage
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.
Severe allergic reactions
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.
Not for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
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.
Meclofenamate dosage forms
Typical dosing for Meclofenamate
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.
How much does Meclofenamate cost?
Meclofenamate contraindications
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)
What are alternatives to Meclofenamate?
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
Meclofenamate images
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican 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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