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Overview: Meclofenamate is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is a medicine that is used to treat painful conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Meclofenamate works to block specific substances in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. Common side effects include rash, headache, and dizziness. Before taking meclofenamate, make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any health conditions or medications you are taking.

Uses

What is meclofenamate used for?

Meclofenamate is commonly used for the following conditions.

Meclofenamate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does meclofenamate work (mechanism of action)?

Meclofenamate works by blocking certain substances in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever.

How is meclofenamate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Meclomen

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 50 mg oral capsules
  • 100 mg oral capsules

How should I store meclofenamate?

Meclofenamate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of meclofenamate?

The most common side effects of meclofenamate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Rash
  • Headache 
  • Dizziness

There may be other side effects of meclofenamate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of meclofenamate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of meclofenamate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Meclofenamate can cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Heart Attack and Stroke. Meclofenamate can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk is increased in people with existing heart disease and with longer use of meclofenamate and higher doses. Do not take meclofenamate if you have had a recent heart attack without talking to your healthcare provider. This could increase your risk of having another heart attack. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Meclofenamate may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but look out for and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

  • Sudden severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurry or other changes to vision
  • Anxiety
  • Buzzing in the ears
  • Nosebleed
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Fluid Retention (Edema) and Heart Failure. Meclofenamate can cause fluid retention, also called edema which can lead to heart failure. Fluid retention can also cause serious issues in people with heart failure. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stretched or shiny skin
  • Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles
  • Unusually fast weight gain
  • Unusual tiredness

Stomach Bleeding. Meclofenamate can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, take higher doses of meclofenamate or take it for longer than directed, have poor health, are of older age, have liver disease, smoke, drink alcohol, or take certain other medicines. Stop taking meclofenamate and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vomit blood
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Stomach pain that does not go away
  • Upset stomach
  • Feel faint

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking meclofenamate. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Severe Skin Reactions. Meclofenamate can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop meclofenamate and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking meclofenamate. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Anemia. Meclofenamate may cause anemia, which is when you have low levels of red blood cells. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.

  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Pale or yellowish skin 
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Shortness of breath

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use meclofenamate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take meclofenamate.

  • Meclofenamate
  • Aspirin or any other medicine known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific meclofenamate products they stock.

Heart Surgery. Do not take meclofenamate right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Taking meclofenamate during this time can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

What should I know about meclofenamate before using it?

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from meclofenamate. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Do not take meclofenamate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share meclofenamate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep meclofenamate out of the reach of children.

You may take meclofenamate with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using meclofenamate?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if meclofenamate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver or kidney problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Asthma
  • Heart conditions including heart failure or a recent heart attack
  • Anemia

Other Medicines and Supplements. Meclofenamate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking meclofenamate, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Smoking. Tell your healthcare provider if you smoke. Smoking while taking meclofenamate can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. 

Pregnancy. Do not take meclofenamate 20 weeks or later in pregnancy without talking to your healthcare provider. Taking meclofenamate during this time may cause harm to an unborn baby and complications during delivery. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take meclofenamate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Meclofenamate may pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop meclofenamate.

Interactions

Does meclofenamate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between meclofenamate and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect meclofenamate, but both meclofenamate and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does meclofenamate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking meclofenamate.

  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as enalapril or lisinopril, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
  • Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, such as furosemide or thiazides, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
  • Warfarin, which is a blood thinner

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with meclofenamate. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much meclofenamate?

If you or someone else has used too much meclofenamate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of meclofenamate?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.