Meclofenamate

Generic Name : Meclofenamate

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Meclofenamate relieves the pain, tenderness, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness caused by certain types of arthritis.

When it is to be taken : Meclofenamate usually is taken three or four times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescribed label carefully. Although arthritis symptoms may improve after a few days, you may have to take this drug for two to three weeks before feeling its full effect.

How it should be taken : Meclofenmate comes in the form of capsules. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Meclofenamate can affect mental alertness and coordination. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
2. Take only the amount of medication prescribed. If you think that you need more to relieve your symptoms, contact your doctor.
3. Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may wish to adjust your dose. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time you are to take the next dose, take only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. Take meclofenamate with meals, milk, or an aluminium and magnesium hydroxide antacid.
2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. If these effects are severe, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor.
3. Skin rash, ringing in the ears, swelling of feet or ankles. Contact your doctor.
4. Dizziness, headache. Contact your doctor if these persist or severe.

Other Precautions :
1. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially aspirin, other arthritis medications, and anticoagulants such as warfarin.
2. Tell your doctor if you ever had gastritis or bleeding from the stomach or rectum, ulcers, diverticulitis, kidney disease, or heart disease.
3. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should tell their doctors.
4. If you ever had a bad reaction to aspirin or other arthritis medications, tell your doctor before taking meclofenamate.
5. Do not take aspirin while taking meclofenamate unless directed to do so by your doctor.
6. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature and away from light.