Namitol

Indications

Tolfenamic Acid is used to treat the pain of a migraine attack, with or without aura. It may also be used for short-term relief of other pain and inflammation, such as muscle and joint pain, as advised by a doctor.

How It Works

It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks enzymes that make prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain, swelling and the blood vessel changes involved in migraine.

Dosage and Administration

Adults, migraine: 200 mg as soon as the first symptoms of the headache appear. If the headache is not relieved, one more 200 mg dose may be taken after 1 to 2 hours. Do not take more than this for one attack unless the doctor advises.

Other pain: as prescribed, using the lowest dose for the shortest time. Take with or after food and a glass of water. Not recommended for children unless prescribed.

Interactions

Avoid taking with other NSAIDs, including Aspirin in pain-relief doses. Risk of bleeding rises with blood thinners such as Warfarin, steroids like Prednisolone, and antidepressants such as Sertraline. It can reduce the effect of blood pressure medicines and diuretics and harm the kidneys when combined with them. It can raise the levels of Lithium and Methotrexate.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Tolfenamic Acid, or asthma, hives or runny nose triggered by Aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Active stomach or duodenal ulcer, or past bleeding or perforation from NSAIDs.
• Severe heart failure, severe kidney or liver disease.
• The last 3 months of pregnancy.

Side Effects

Common: indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea and headache. Some people, mostly men, notice a burning feeling when passing urine; this goes away when the medicine is stopped. Less common: rash, dizziness, tiredness.

Get urgent medical help if you have black or tarry stools, vomit blood or material like coffee grounds, swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden weakness on one side of the body, or a severe skin rash with blisters.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not use in the last 3 months of pregnancy, as it can harm the baby and affect labour. Avoid in earlier pregnancy unless a doctor advises it. Small amounts pass into breast milk; occasional doses may be acceptable, but ask your doctor first.

Precautions and Warnings

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Take extra care if you are elderly or have a history of stomach ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, asthma, or kidney or liver problems. Drink enough fluids. Using painkillers for headache on more than about 10 days a month can cause medication overuse headache.

Overdose

Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, headache and, rarely, stomach bleeding or kidney problems. Seek medical help promptly.

Therapeutic Class

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), used for migraine.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.