Do you sometimes struggle with unbearable joint pain, muscle strain, or pain caused by a condition like arthritis? In such cases, a doctor may prescribe you a painkiller. Meclofenamate is a slightly stronger painkiller that can control such pain, swelling, and fever. So today, let's talk about this medicine, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What is this medicine called Meclofenamate?
Simply put, Meclofenamate is a drug that belongs to the group of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs as we all know them. These drugs mainly work by reducing the production of chemicals in our body that cause pain, swelling, and fever. Therefore, if you have mild to moderate pain, arthritis, or fever, your doctor may prescribe this drug.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
This is very important. Before you start taking Meclofenamate, it is essential that your doctor is aware of these things. Because using this medication with these conditions can be dangerous.
Don't forget, the more your doctor knows about you, the safer and more successful the treatment you receive will be.
- If you have recently undergone heart bypass surgery, or Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery , that is, within two weeks .
- If you are a regular drinker .
- If you have heart disease , high blood pressure , or a history of stomach bleeding .
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease .
- If you have lung or breathing problems .
- If you are a smoker .
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
- If you have an allergy to Meclofenamate or any other NSAID (e.g. Aspirin, Ibuprofen), any other medicine, food, or preservative.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
- Always take this medicine with a full glass of water and drink it with it.
- If you feel upset stomach, take this medicine with or after a meal .
- Do not lie down after taking the medicine. If possible , sit or stand for at least 10 minutes . This will prevent the medicine from remaining in the esophagus while it is still in the stomach, reducing side effects.
- Take the prescribed dose at the time your doctor prescribes. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
- People over the age of 65 may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger, so they may need a lower dose.
- Although this medicine is prescribed to children over the age of 14 in some special cases, special care should be taken with it. Therefore, if giving it to a child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can cause severe reactions when taken with Meclofenamate. Therefore, if you are taking this medication, you should be very careful about the following things.
| Medicines that should never be taken together | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Ketorolac (another strong NSAID) |
| Methotrexate (a medicine for cancer and arthritis) | |
| Things to be very careful about when taking together, inform the doctor | |
| Alcohol | Aspirin and other medicines containing aspirin |
| Blood thinners, such as Warfarin | Other NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen |
| Medication for high blood pressure | Diuretics - medicines that remove water from the body |
| Lithium | Anticancer drugs such as Pemetrexed |
| Herbal products such as feverfew, garlic, ginger, Ginkgo biloba | Antacids for gastritis containing magnesium |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbs).
Things to be especially careful about while taking the medicine
Be aware of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
This medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding without warning . Smoking, drinking alcohol, getting older, and having poor health can increase this risk. If you have stomach pain, black stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds , seek medical advice immediately.
Risk of heart attack and stroke
Meclofenamate is not a medicine that prevents heart attacks or strokes. In fact, long-term use of this medicine, especially if you have heart disease, may increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes . If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Severe skin allergies
Severe skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting the medication. If you experience a rash along with symptoms like a fever or a cold, tell your doctor right away. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may start to peel. Also, if you have swelling of the face, lips, or neck, along with a rash on the armpits, that is also a serious sign.
During pregnancy and for those expecting children
If you are pregnant, this medicine may affect fertility . Talk to your doctor about this. It is not recommended to take this medicine after 30 weeks of pregnancy because it can cause serious harm to the baby.
What side effects might I experience?
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergy | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red/purple spots on the skin, unusual bruising. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw pain/tightness, nausea, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, fainting. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, loss of balance, severe headache. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Headache | Appetite |
| Nausea | Stomach discomfort/gastritis-like feeling |
Take-Home Message
- Always take Meclofenamate with a glass of water or after a meal. Do not lie down after taking the medicine.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and especially any previous stomach bleeding.
- Be aware of signs of stomach bleeding, such as stomach pain and black stools. If this occurs, notify your doctor immediately.
- Avoid taking other NSAID painkillers such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin while taking this medicine.
- Pregnant mothers and those expecting children should definitely seek medical advice before using this medicine.
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