Meclofenamate sodium is N-(2,6-dichloro-m-tolyl) anthranilic acid, sodium salt, monohydrate. It is an anti-inflammatory drug for oral administration. Meclofenamate sodium capsules contain 50 mg or 100 mg meclofenamic acid as the sodium salt and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Blue #1, gelatin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, FD&C Red #3, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide and D&C Yellow #10.

The structural formula of meclofenamate sodium is:

Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₁₀Cl₂NNaO₂•H₂O

It is a white to creamy white, odorless to almost odorless, crystalline powder with melting point 287° to 291°C, molecular weight 336.15, and it is freely soluble in water.

Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If you are taking this medication for heavy/painful periods, tell your doctor if you have spotting/bleeding between cycles or an unusually heavy menstrual flow.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, persistent/severe headache, fast/pounding heartbeat, hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes, stomach pain, difficult/painful swallowing, swelling of the ankles/feet/hands, sudden/unexplained weight gain.

Stop taking meclofenamate and tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unexplained stiff neck, change in the amount/color of urine, vision changes.

This drug may rarely cause serious, possibly fatal liver disease. If you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects, stop taking meclofenamate and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, extreme/unusual tiredness, weakness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, stop taking meclofenamate and immediately seek medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash/blisters, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking meclofenamate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), recent heart bypass surgery (CABG), active bleeding/sores in stomach/intestines (ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma, bleeding/clotting problems, blood disorders (e.g., anemia), high blood pressure, a severe loss of body water (dehydration), diabetes, heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of heart attack), kidney disease, liver disease, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), obesity, tobacco use, history of stomach/intestine/esophagus problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers, recurring heartburn), stroke, swelling of the ankles/feet/hands.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This medicine contains sodium. If you are on a salt-restricted diet or have any condition that requires you to restrict your intake of salt, consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this drug safely.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney effects.

This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially during the first 3 months and last 3 months of pregnancy, due to possible harm to the unborn baby. Use during the last 3 months of pregnancy may also interfere with normal labor/delivery. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.