Action 

The primary action of meclofenamate is to inhibit the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is responsible for the production of prostaglandins. By blocking this enzyme, meclofenamate reduces inflammation and pain. 

Spectrum 

meclofenamate is frequently used to treat mild to moderate pain, including arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, and dental pain. meclofenamate helps lessen inflammation brought on by several illnesses, including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. meclofenamate can also lessen fever by preventing the synthesis of prostaglandins that raise body temperature. 

DRUG INTERACTION

Contraindicated  

Serious Use Alternative  

Monitor Closely  

Minor  

Frequency defined 

>10% 

Diarrhea (10-33%) 

Nausea, with or without vomiting (11%) 

1-10% 

Headache (3-9%) 

Edema (1-3%) 

Pruritus (1-3%) 

Urticaria (1-3%) 

Tinnitus (1-3%) 

Pyrosis (3-9%) 

Flatulence (3-9%) 

Rash (3-9%) 

Dizziness (3-9%) 

Anorexia (1-3%) 

Constipation (1-3%) 

Stomatitis (1-3%) 

Peptic ulcer (1-3%) 

Black Box Warning: 

The black box warning for meclofenamate states that the drug may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. The risk of these events may increase with prolonged use of meclofenamate and in people with existing cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol levels. 

The warning also states that meclofenamate can cause serious gastrointestinal side effects, such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. 

Contraindication 

Allergy: meclofenamate should not be taken by people who are allergic to it or to other NSAIDs because it can result in life-threatening adverse reactions. 

Pregnancy: meclofenamate is not advised for usage during pregnancy, especially not in the third trimester when the foetus is still developing. 

Active peptic ulcer disease: Those who have an active peptic ulcer disease, or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding shouldn’t take meclofenamate. 

Caution 

Cardiovascular disease: meclofenamate should be used with caution in individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, as it can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events. 

Renal impairment: meclofenamate should be used with caution in individuals with renal impairment, as it can worsen kidney function nd cause kidney damage. 

Hepatic impairment: meclofenamate should be used with caution in individuals with hepatic impairment, as it can worsen liver function and cause liver damage. 

Asthma: meclofenamate should be used with caution in individuals with asthma, as it can exacerbate the condition and cause bronchospasm 

Elderly: meclofenamate should be used with caution in elderly individuals, as they may be more susceptible to the drug’s side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding 

Bleeding disorders: meclofenamate should be used with caution in individuals with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners, as it can increase the risk of bleeding. 

Dehydration: meclofenamate should be used with caution in individuals who are dehydrated or at risk of dehydration, as it can worsen kidney function and cause kidney damage. 

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy category: NA 

Lactation: The excretion of drug into human milk is unknown 

  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology: 

meclofenamate is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is responsible for the production of prostaglandins. By blocking this enzyme, meclofenamate reduces inflammation, pain, and fever. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

meclofenamate’s pharmacodynamics deals with how it affects the body and how it generates its therapeutic effects. Meclofenamate functions as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) by preventing the activity of the COX enzyme, which oversees producing prostaglandins. 

Prostaglandins are lipid substances that contribute to fever, discomfort, and inflammation. Meclofenamate lowers the formation of prostaglandins by inhibiting COX, which in turn lessens pain, fever, and inflammation. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

After oral administration, meclofenamate is quickly and completely absorbed, reaching its peak plasma concentrations in one to two hours. Through the hepatic portal vein, the medication is taken up by the digestive system and circulates throughout the body. 

Distribution 

About 99% of the meclofenamate in serum albumin and other plasma proteins is highly protein-bound. The medication is widely absorbed by the body and can pass through the placenta and blood-brain barrier 

Metabolism 

A limited amount of meclofenamate is excreted intact while most of the drug is metabolized in the liver through oxidation, demethylation, and glucuronidation. The metabolites either have no pharmacological activity or very little activity. 

Elimination and Excretion 

meclofenamate is excreted in both the urine and feces, with the urine accounting for around 80% of the drug’s removal and the faces for the remaining 20%. meclofenamate’s comparatively brief elimination half-life, which is between two and three hours, shows that the medication leaves the body quickly.

Administration: 

meclofenamate is offered orally and intravenously and is often given at a dose of 50–100 mg taken three–four times day. To lower the chance of gastrointestinal adverse effects, such as stomach upset or ulcers, the medication should be taken with food or milk. 

meclofenamate is available as tablets or capsules for oral use. The tablets shouldn’t be chewed or mashed; they should be consumed whole with water. You can open the capsules and sprinkle the contents on meals or combine them with drink. 

meclofenamate is offered as an intramuscular injection solution for use in injectable administration. Before administering the injection, the injection site should be cleansed with an antiseptic solution. The needle should then be placed into the muscle at a 90-degree angle. 

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: meclofenamate 

Pronounced: [MEK-loe-FEN-a-mate ] 

Why do we use meclofenamate? 

meclofenamate is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that contribute to inflammation and pain in the body.