Meclofenamic_acid
Meclofenamic acid
Chemical compound
Meclofenamic acid (used as meclofenamate sodium, brand name Meclomen) is a drug used for joint, muscular pain, arthritis and dysmenorrhea.[1] It is a member of the anthranilic acid derivatives (or fenamate) class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and was approved by the US FDA in 1980.[2] Like other members of the class, it is a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, preventing the formation of prostaglandins.[3]
Scientists led by Claude Winder from Parke-Davis invented meclofenamate sodium in 1964, along with fellow members of the class, mefenamic acid in 1961 and flufenamic acid in 1963.[4]: 718
Patents on the drug expired in 1985[5]: 295 and several generics were introduced in the US, but as of July 2015 only Mylan still sold it.[6][7]
It is not widely used in humans as it has a high rate (30-60%) rate of gastrointestinal side effects.[8]: 310