Flufenamic acid (FFA) is a member of the anthranilic acid derivatives (or fenamate) class of

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are members of a therapeutic drug class which reduces pain, decreases inflammation, decreases fever, and prevents blood clots. Side effects depend on the specific drug, its dose and duration of ...

s (NSAIDs). Like other members of the class, it is a

cyclooxygenase Cyclooxygenase (COX), officially known as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS), is an enzyme (specifically, a family of isozymes, ) that is responsible for formation of prostanoids, including thromboxane and prostaglandins such as prosta ...

(COX) inhibitor, preventing the formation of

prostaglandins The prostaglandins (PG) are a group of physiologically active lipid compounds called eicosanoids having diverse hormone-like effects in animals. Prostaglandins have been found in almost every tissue in humans and other animals. They are derive ...

. FFA is known to bind to and reduce the activity of prostaglandin F synthase and activate

TRPC6 Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 6, also known as TRPC6, is a human gene encoding a protein of the same name. TRPC6 is a transient receptor potential channel of the classical TRPC subfamily. It has been associated ...

. It is not widely used in humans as it has a high rate (30–60%) of gastrointestinal side effects. It is generally not available in the US.NIH LiverTox Databas
Mefenamic Acid
Last updated June 23, 2015. Page accessed July 3, 2015. Quote: "(fenamates generally not available in the United States, such as tolfenamic acid and flufenamic acid)" It is available in some Asian and European countries as a

generic drug A generic drug is a pharmaceutical drug that contains the same chemical substance as a drug that was originally protected by chemical patents. Generic drugs are allowed for sale after the patents on the original drugs expire. Because the active ch ...

. Scientists led by Claude Winder from

Parke-Davis Parke-Davis is a subsidiary of the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. Although Parke, Davis & Co. is no longer an independent corporation, it was once America's oldest and largest drug maker, and played an important role in medical history. In 1970 ...

invented FFA in 1963, along with fellow members of the class,

mefenamic acid Mefenamic acid is a member of the anthranilic acid derivatives (or fenamate) class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and is used to treat mild to moderate pain. Its name derives from its systematic name, dimethylphenylaminobenz ...

in 1961 and

meclofenamic acid Meclofenamic acid (used as meclofenamate sodium, brand name Meclomen) is a drug used for joint, muscular pain, arthritis and dysmenorrhea. It is a member of the anthranilic acid derivatives (or fenamate) class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ...

in 1964. Although flufenamic acid was at one time informally referred to as "Fluffy" (see history cache), this pet name could also refer to flufenoxine.

References

Anthranilic acids Trifluoromethyl compounds GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators NMDA receptor antagonists {{musculoskeletal-drug-stub