$Unique_ID{BRK02013}
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$Title{MECLOFENAMATE}
$Subject{meclofenamate sodium (various manufacturers)
Meclomen (Parke-Davis)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


MECLOFENAMATE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     meclofenamate sodium (various manufacturers)
     Meclomen (Parke-Davis)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic
INGREDIENT:
     meclofenamate
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (50 mg and 100 mg)
     Capsules (50 mg and 100 mg)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container at room
       temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight.

USES

     Meclofenamate is used as a short-term treatment for the pain and
inflammation (pain, swelling, stiffness) of certain types of arthritis, gout,
bursitis, and tendinitis.  Meclofenamate has been shown to block the
production of certain body chemicals, called prostaglandins, that may trigger
pain.  However, it is not yet fully understood how meclofenamate works.

TREATMENT

     If this medication upsets your stomach, you can take it with food, milk,
or antacids (unless your doctor recommends otherwise).  If stomach irritation
continues, check with your doctor.
     It is important to take meclofenamate on schedule and not to miss any
doses.  If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is
almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at
all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next
dose.
     If you are taking meclofenamate to relieve arthritis, you must take it
regularly, as directed by your doctor.  It may take up to three weeks before
you feel the full benefits of this medication.
     This medication does not cure arthritis, but it will help to control the
condition as long as you continue to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness,
drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of
appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, unusual sweating, or
vomiting.  As your body adjusts to the drug, these side effects should
disappear.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you become dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     If any side effects are persistent or particularly bothersome, you should
report them to your doctor.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; depression;
difficult or painful urination; palpitations; a problem with hearing; ringing
or buzzing in the ears; severe diarrhea; severe sunburn; shortness of breath;
skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain; swelling of the feet; tightness in
the chest; wheezing or difficulty in breathing; unexplained sore throat and
fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual fatigue or weakness; unusual
weight gain; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Meclofenamate interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as warfarin, taken at the same
time as meclofenamate can lead to an increase in bleeding complications.
     2. Concurrent use of aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory
medications can increase stomach irritation.
     3. Probenecid may increase blood levels of meclofenamate, which may
increase the risk of side effects.
     4. The action of beta blockers may be decreased by this drug.
     5. This drug can interact with diuretics (water pills).  BE SURE TO TELL
YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of
those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to
meclofenamate or any of the other chemically related drugs (aspirin, other
salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen,
indomethacin, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone,
phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, or tolmetin).
     * Before taking meclofenamate, it is important to tell your doctor if you
now have or if you have ever had bleeding problems, colitis, stomach ulcers or
other stomach problems, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma,
kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, or Parkinson's disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Because this drug can prolong your bleeding time, it is important to
tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug before having
surgery or any other medical or dental treatment.
     * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly
or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication.  These should,
therefore, be avoided (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     * The elderly may be at increased risk of experiencing side effects from
this drug.
     * The safety and effectiveness of this drug in children below the age of
14 has not been established.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Studies have shown
that meclofenamate can cause unwanted effects (including slower development of
bones and heart damage) in the offspring of animals that received this drug
during pregnancy.  If taken late in pregnancy, meclofenamate can also prolong
labor.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small
amounts of meclofenamate pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
