How does it work?

Tolfenamic acid belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the production of a chemical called prostaglandin which the body produces in response to injury or certain diseases. Prostaglandins are responsible for causing swelling, pain and inflammation associated with these conditions. All the medicines in this group reduce inflammation caused by the body's own immune system and are effective pain killers. This particular NSAID is commonly used to treat the symptoms of migraine.

What is it used for?

Treatment of migraine

Use with caution in

A previous episode of peptic ulcer

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Active peptic ulcer

Allergy to aspirin or other medicines in this class

Moderate to severely decreased kidney function

Moderate to severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy is not established. It should be avoided, particularly in the third trimester. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk, but in such small quantities that it is unlikely to harm the baby. Discuss with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Allergy to active ingredients (hypersensitivity)

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Fatigue

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Ulceration of the stomach or intestine

Balance problems involving the inner ear (vertigo)

A state of well-being, optimism and cheerfulness (euphoria)

Green colouration of urine

Difficulty or pain on passing urine (dysuria)

Allergic skin reactions

Blood disorders

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Tolfenamic acid may increase the effects of lithium. Regular blood monitoring should be carried out if tolfenamic acid is given with blood thinning medicines such as warfarin. Tolfenamic acid may reduce the effectiveness of diuretics such as furosemide and bumetanide. Other NSAIDs should not be given at the same time as tolfenamic acid as this would increase the likelihood of adverse effects.

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