Recent acquisitions in pain therapy: meclofenamic acid

A better utilization of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is possible today based on recent pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies. The analgesic action of these drugs may take place in the central nervous system (CNS). The analgesic action with a lower dose occurs earlier than the anti-inflammatory action. Some NSAIDs cause an increased level of plasmatic bendorphines in humans. NSAIDs not only have antiprostaglandin action, but also may block the release of substance P. The NSAIDs may be useful for headache, dysmenorrhea, rheumatic disease and in cancer pain therapy. For the safe use of NSAIDs the previous anamnestic and clinical features of the patient must be considered, and a high therapeutic level must be satisfied. Considering this goal, the authors examine pharmacologic and clinical behavior of meclofenamic acid.