Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Meclofenamate (MECLOFENAMIC ACID)

Meclofenamate, also known as meclofenamic acid, is a small molecule drug that targets prostaglandin G/H synthase 2. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was originally developed and is currently owned by a pharmaceutical company. Meclofenamate is FDA-approved for treating conditions such as dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, osteoarthritis, pain, and rheumatoid arthritis. It has a half-life of 15 hours and bioavailability of 65%. Meclofenamate is off-patent and has generic manufacturers.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Fever Reduction
• Mild to Moderate Pain Relief
• Juvenile Arthritis Symptoms
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
• Osteoarthritis Symptoms
• Primary Dysmenorrhea
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
• Acute Painful Shoulder
• Acute Gouty Arthritis
• Idiopathic Heavy Menstrual Blood Loss

Boxed warnings

• Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ). • Meclofenamate sodium capsules are contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ). Gastrointestinal Risk • NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events. (See WARNINGS ).

Common side effects

• Diarrhea
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Other gastrointestinal disorders
• Abdominal pain
• Pyrosis
• Flatulence
• Anorexia
• Constipation
• Stomatitis
• Peptic ulcer
• Edema
• Rash

Drug interactions

• methotrexate
• phenprocoumon
• warfarin

Key clinical trials

• Meclofenamate in Subjects With Recurrent or Progressive Brain Metastasis From Solid Tumor Primary (NA)
• Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium and Meclofenamic Acid as Treatments in Patients With Psychotic Disorders (PHASE2)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.