Ponstel (Mefenamic Acid)

General information

Ponstel is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Ponstel is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis. It is also used to treat menstrual pain.

Directions

Take Ponstel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth, usually 4 times a day with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. For acute pain relief or the relief of menstrual pain, the usual dose for people 14 years of age and older is 500 mg initially, then 250 mg every six hours as needed. Treatment for acute pain should last no more than 7 days. Treatment for painful menstrual periods should last for no more than 2-3 days.

Precautions

Before taking Ponstel you should talk with your doctor if you have asthma, heart disease, including congestive heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), liver or kidney disease, bleeding problems, diabetes, nasal polyps, systemic lupus erythematosus, stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, any allergies, or if you smoke. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Avoid alcoholic beverages. It may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.

Contraindications

Do not use Ponstel just before or after having heart bypass surgery, if you are allergic to mefenamic acid, aspirin, or other NSAIDs, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, headache, fainting, ringing in the ears, fast heartbeat, mental or mood changes, stomach pain, swelling of the ankles, feet, hands, weight gain, vision changes, dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice), rash, itching, bloody stools, weakness, laboring breath, dry mouth, blurred vision, increased sweating, runny nose. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: blood thinners (enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin), diuretics (furosemide, metolazone, bumetanide), cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate, steroids (prednisone, hydrocortisone), antacids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, piroxicam, meloxicam), aspirin, ACE inhibitors (captopril), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine, sertraline). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, urinating less than usual, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.