fenclofenac

Fenclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was previously used to treat rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions. It possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. Fenclofenac acts primarily by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, leading to reduced synthesis of prostaglandins involved in pain, inflammation, and fever[2][3][4]. The drug also exhibits mild immunosuppressive effects and can displace thyroid hormones from their binding proteins, which may affect thyroid function[1][5][8]. Despite passing animal toxicity tests in multiple species, fenclofenac was found to cause severe liver toxicity in humans. Due to its side effects—including hepatotoxicity and potential for causing lichen planus—it was withdrawn from the market in the UK (1984) and US during the 1980s[1][2][7]. Indications included pain management (such as dysmenorrhea), ocular inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, actinic keratosis, and general rheumatic diseases[2].

Brand names

Flenac