Comparison Table: Naproxen vs Meclofenamate
| Category | Naproxen | Meclofenamate |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drug Class | NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) | NSAID (Anthranilic acid derivative) |
| 2. Brand Names | Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox | Meclomen |
| 3. Chemical Structure | Propionic acid derivative | Fenamate derivative |
| 4. Mechanism of Action | Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to reduce inflammation and pain | Similar: Inhibits COX enzymes |
| 5. Onset of Action | 1–2 hours | 1–4 hours |
| 6. Duration of Action | 8–12 hours | 4–6 hours |
| 7. Half-life | 12–17 hours | 2–4 hours |
| 8. Dosing Frequency | 2 times per day | 3–4 times per day |
| 9. Common Indications | Arthritis, muscle pain, menstrual pain, fever | Menstrual pain, arthritis, mild-to-moderate pain |
| 10. Anti-inflammatory Strength | Moderate to strong | Moderate |
| 11. Pain Relief Effectiveness | Effective for both chronic and acute pain | Best for acute, mild pain |
| 12. Gastrointestinal Side Effects | Moderate risk | Higher risk |
| 13. Renal Risk | Can affect kidney function with long-term use | Similar, but risk increases with dehydration |
| 14. Cardiovascular Risk | Small increased risk of heart attack/stroke | Similar or slightly higher |
| 15. Pregnancy Category | C (D in 3rd trimester) | C (D in 3rd trimester) |
| 16. Breastfeeding | Usually safe in small amounts | Not recommended |
| 17. Availability | Widely available over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription | Prescription only |
| 18. Use in Elderly | Generally safe with caution | Less preferred due to side effects |
| 19. Drug Interactions | With blood thinners, diuretics, ACE inhibitors | Similar interactions |
| 20. Cost and Access | Low cost, widely accessible | Less commonly used, more expensive |
Indications
| Drug | Common Indications |
|---|---|
| Naproxen | Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, menstrual cramps, tendonitis, fever |
| Meclofenamate | Mild-to-moderate pain, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), inflammatory arthritis |
Contraindications
| Drug | Major Contraindications |
|---|---|
| Naproxen | Peptic ulcer, GI bleeding, severe heart failure, aspirin allergy, advanced kidney disease |
| Meclofenamate | Active ulcer or bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney/liver disease, pregnancy |
Dosage (Adults)
| Drug | Typical Dosage Range |
|---|---|
| Naproxen | 250–500 mg every 12 hours (max 1,000 mg/day) |
| Meclofenamate | 50–100 mg every 4–6 hours (max 400 mg/day) |
Warning Signs (Stop Use and See Doctor)
| Drug | Serious Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Naproxen | Black stools, chest pain, trouble breathing, swelling, unusual tiredness |
| Meclofenamate | Stomach pain, bloody vomit, skin rash, confusion, yellowing of eyes/skin (jaundice) |
Which One is Best and Safe?
| Aspect | Preferred Option | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| For long-term arthritis | Naproxen | Longer duration, better tolerated |
| For menstrual cramps | Either, but Naproxen preferred | Naproxen has better safety and wider use |
| For short-term acute pain | Meclofenamate (short-term use) | Effective but more side effects if used long |
| Overall safety profile | Naproxen | Lower GI and liver risk, safer for general population |
Summary
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Naproxen is generally safer, more accessible, and longer-acting.
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Meclofenamate is effective but has more side effects and is rarely used today.
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Naproxen is usually the better and safer choice for most people unless contraindicated.
