Meclomen Potentiates Dermatologic Effects of Steroids

Abstract

To the Editor. —In an earlier letter, we reported on the potentiating effect of meclofenamate sodium (Meclomen) on the clinical brain edema—reducing effect of cortical steroids. 1 This study was based on experiments in monkeys and mice in which meclofenamate reduced radiation-induced brain edema and mucositis. It also reduced ultraviolet radiation—induced dermal pathology, including carcinogenesis in hairless mice. Meclomen appears to block both the cyclooxygenase pathway leading to the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes and also lipooxygenase leading to the production of leukotrienes. In addition, it blocks prostaglandin E 2 receptors. All of these factors appear to be involved in inflammatory reactions and edema, including radiation-induced reactions of normal tissues. This may explain therapeutic effects of meclofenamate in the above system. 2-5 Several investigators reported activity of anti-prostaglandins in animal models of allergic dermatitis 6 and, possibly, in human inflammatory skin disorders. 7 A 62-year-old man had extensive dermatitis