Tolfenamic Acid
About
Tolfenamic Acid belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (pain relievers) primarily used to reduce pain associated with acute migraine attacks in adults. Also, Tolfenamic Acid is used to reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Migraine is a common disorder associated with multiple symptoms but frequently causes headache of varying intensity, usually along with sensitivity to light and sound and nausea.
Tolfenamic Acid contains Tolfenamic acid, a pain reliever that works by blocking the action of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme in the body that is involved in the production of certain chemical substances such as prostaglandins that cause pain and swelling. Thereby, helps in relieving pain and swelling associated with different conditions.
Take Tolfenamic Acid as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Tolfenamic Acid for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience indigestion, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Most of these side effects of Tolfenamic Acid do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Tolfenamic Acid or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Tolfenamic Acid is not recommended for children below 18 years of age, as the safety and effectiveness were not established. Avoid taking Tolfenamic Acid if you are pregnant, especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy as it may affect baby’s circulation and kidney function. Also, Tolfenamic Acid may make it more difficult to become pregnant. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Tolfenamic Acid may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby. Hence, avoid taking Tolfenamic Acid if you are a breastfeeding mother and consult a doctor. Drive only if you are alert as Tolfenamic Acid may cause dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, or vision problems in some people. Avoid taking more than the prescribed dose as it may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Uses of Tolfenamic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Tolfenamic Acid contains Tolfenamic acid, a pain reliever that blocks the action of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme in the body that is involved in the production of certain chemical substances such as prostaglandins that cause pain and swelling. Thereby, helps in relieving pain and swelling associated with different conditions.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tolfenamic Acid
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Tolfenamic Acid or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Tolfenamic Acid is not recommended for children below 18 years of age, as the safety and effectiveness were not established. Avoid taking Tolfenamic Acid if you are pregnant, especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy as it may affect the baby’s circulation and kidney function. Also, Tolfenamic Acid may make it more difficult to become pregnant. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Tolfenamic Acid may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby. Hence, avoid taking Tolfenamic Acid if you are breastfeeding mother and consult a doctor. If you have an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, kidney, liver, or heart problems, systemic lupus erythematosus (joint pain, fever, and skin rashes), colitis or Crohn’s disease (conditions causing swelling of the bowel, diarrhoea, bowel pain, vomiting, and weight loss), inform your doctor before taking Tolfenamic Acid. Avoid taking more than the prescribed dose as it may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Tolfenamic Acid may have interaction with pain killers (aspirin), immunosuppressants (ciclosporin, tacrolimus), abortion pills (mifepristone), antimanic drug (lithium), blood thinner (warfarin), anti-HIV drug (zidovudine), anticancer drug (methotrexate), high blood pressure-lowering medicines (atenolol, captopril, enalapril), water tablets (furosemide), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), heart-related medicine (digoxin), antidepressants (venlafaxine, fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, kidney, liver, or heart problems, systemic lupus erythematosus (joint pain, fever, and skin rashes), colitis or Crohn’s disease (conditions causing swelling of the bowel, diarrhea, bowel pain, vomiting, and weight loss), inform your doctor before taking Tolfenamic Acid.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Tolfenamic Acid with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Tolfenamic Acid.
Pregnancy
unsafeTolfenamic Acid is not recommended for pregnant women, especially in the third trimester as it may affect the baby’s circulation and kidney function. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeTolfenamic Acid is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionTolfenamic Acid may cause dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness or vision problems in some people. So, drive only if you are alert after taking Tolfenamic Acid.
Liver
cautionTake Tolfenamic Acid with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Avoid taking Tolfenamic Acid if you have severe liver disease.
Kidney
cautionTake Tolfenamic Acid with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Avoid taking Tolfenamic Acid if you have severe kidney disease.
Children
unsafeTolfenamic Acid is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid high-caffeine beverages or limit caffeine intake as high caffeine intake may trigger migraine.
- Avoid aged cheese, red wine, processed meat, chocolate, citrus fruits, wheat, barley, and rye as they may trigger migraine.
- Do yoga, meditation, and certain mind or body exercises that may help manage migraine by reducing stress.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern and have sufficient sleep.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and quit smoking.
Special Advise
If you are elderly, smoker, had a stroke previously, or have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, please inform your doctor as these conditions may increase the risk of heart problems.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Migraine: It is a neurological condition associated with multiple symptoms but frequently causes headache of varying intensity often accompanied by sensitivity to sound and light and nausea. Migraine mostly affects the forehead area, usually on one side of the head but can occur on both sides or shift. Women are more likely to have migraines than men. The most common risk factor is family history. Migraine triggers include stress, exercise, hormonal changes, and certain foods and drinks. Acute migraine is also known as episodic migraine, which may cause headaches up to 14 days a month. People with acute migraines have fewer headaches in a month than people with chronic headaches.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The body's immune system attacks its tissue, including joints.
FAQs
Tolfenamic Acid contains Tolfenamic acid, a pain reliever that works by blocking the production of certain chemical substances such as prostaglandins that cause pain and swelling. Thereby, helps in relieving pain and swelling associated with different conditions.
Tolfenamic Acid may be used to treat menstrual cramps. Tolfenamic Acid is a pain killer that decreases prostaglandins production in the body that are involved in making the womb contract during periods. However, please contact a doctor before taking Tolfenamic Acid.
Tolfenamic Acid may impair fertility in females and make it more difficult to conceive. Therefore, if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or have difficulties conceiving, please consult your doctor before taking Tolfenamic Acid.
Tolfenamic Acid may increase the risk of heart problems such as heart attack or stroke especially in high doses or if used for prolonged duration and in patients who are smokers, have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. It is recommended to inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions or have a history of heart problems or stroke before taking Tolfenamic Acid. However, it is advised to take Tolfenamic Acid in the dose and for the duration as prescribed by your doctor only.
You are not recommended to take Tolfenamic Acid with warfarin as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. However, if you notice blood in urine or stools, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, weakness or headache, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately to use safely.
No, Tolfenamic Acid does not cure arthritis. Tolfenamic Acid is only used to relieve symptoms of arthritis such as joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
