Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ARTHROTEC versus MEFENAMIC ACID.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ARTHROTEC versus MEFENAMIC ACID.
ARTHROTEC vs MEFENAMIC ACID
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Arthrotec is a combination of diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, and misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog that protects the gastric mucosa by increasing mucus and bicarbonate secretion, enhancing mucosal blood flow, and promoting epithelial repair.
Reversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) leading to decreased prostaglandin synthesis; exhibits both central and peripheral analgesic effects.
One tablet (diclofenac 50 mg / misoprostol 200 mcg) orally twice daily with food.
500 mg orally as an initial dose, followed by 250 mg every 6 hours as needed, not to exceed 1 week.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateMefenamic acid + Gatifloxacin
"Mefenamic acid may increase the neuroexcitatory activities of Gatifloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateMefenamic acid + Rosoxacin
"Mefenamic acid may increase the neuroexcitatory activities of Rosoxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateMefenamic acid + Levofloxacin
"Mefenamic acid may increase the neuroexcitatory activities of Levofloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateMefenamic acid + Trovafloxacin
Diclofenac: ~2 hours (range 1-4 h); misoprostol: 20-40 minutes (acid metabolite 1.5 h). No accumulation with repeated dosing.
Terminal half-life is 2-4 hours; prolonged in hepatic impairment and overdose.
Renal: ~95% as metabolites (diclofenac: ~65% as glucuronide conjugates; misoprostol: ~80% as inactive metabolites). Biliary/fecal: <5%.
Primarily renal (52% as glucuronide metabolites, <6% unchanged) and fecal (20-30% via biliary elimination).
Category C
Category D/X
NSAID
NSAID
"Mefenamic acid may increase the neuroexcitatory activities of Trovafloxacin."