Meclofenamic acid is administered in cases of mild to moderate pain syndromes in case such as that of dysmenorrhoea, for the treatment of acute and chronic forms of rheumatoid arthritis and for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
What is Meclofenamic acid?
Meclofenamic acid works by inhibiting the action of specific enzymes involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins (derived from arachidonic acid that plays an important biological role as mediators of processes resulting from inflammation) and entailing a reduction in the production of chemical mediators with dilator and a waterproofing action, pain usually involved in the inflammatory process.
How should Meclofenamic acid be taken?
Meclofenamic acid is marketed in different modes, which can then be taken orally in the form of capsules or drops, but also rectally in the form of suppositories.
Side effects associated with Meclofenamic acid
The most commonly seen side effects are gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, dyspepsia, abdominal pain), which may be minimized by ingesting the drug during meals. Other gastrointestinal effects that may occur are peptic ulcers, perforation or GI bleeding (which in the elderly can also be severe), exacerbation of conditions such as colitis and Crohn's disease. As it happens often in association with taking other NSAIDs, edema can be another side effect as well as hypertension and heart failure.
Clinical studies and epidemiological data suggest that the use of some NSAIDs (especially at high doses and long-lasting treatment) can also be associated with a modest increased risk of thrombotic events. More rarely there may be instances of skin rashes, itching, headache, vertigo, tinnitus, renal failure, and changes in liver function.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Meclofenamic acid
This medication is not indicated for people who have hypersensitivity to the active substance, to patients suffering from gastro duodenal ulcer, gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with history of bleeding or recurrent peptic ulcer, and to persons with severe heart failure. We do not recommend the prescription to patients under the age of 14 and pregnant women (especially if in the third quarter-trimester). Particular attention must be paid to patients with liver disease or abnormal liver parameters and with kidney diseases.
