Ponstel

Ponstel

Generic name: Mefenamic acid
Brand names: Ponstel

Why Ponstel is prescribed

Ponstel, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used for the relief of moderate pain (when treatment will not last for more than 7 days) and for the treatment of menstrual pain.

The most important facts about Ponstel

You should have frequent checkups with your doctor if you take Ponstel regularly. Ulcers or internal bleeding can occur without warning.

How you should take Ponstel

Take Ponstel with food if possible. If it upsets your stomach, be sure to take it with food or an antacid or with a full glass of milk.

Take Ponstel exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose

If you take Ponstel on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and get back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses right away.

Storage instructions

Store away from heat, light, and moisture.

Side effects may be caused by Ponstel

A drug cannot anticipate producing side effects. If any develop or change in intensity, let your doctor know as soon as possible. Your doctor only can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Ponstel.

• More common possible effects include:
  Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, stomach and intestinal upset, vomiting

When Ponstel should not be prescribed

Do not take Ponstel if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it. You should not take it, either, if you have had asthma attacks, hay fever, or hives caused by aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Motrin and Nuprin. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Do not take Ponstel if you have ulcerations or frequently recurring inflammation of your stomach or intestines.

Avoid Ponstel if you have serious kidney disease.

Special warnings about Ponstel

Use Ponstel with extreme caution if you've suffered from stomach ulcers or bleeding in the past. If you develop a rash, diarrhea, or other stomach problems, contact your doctor.

If you are an older adult; have kidney problems, liver disease, or heart failure; take drugs such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors; or suffer from dehydration, Ponstel could damage your kidneys and should be used with caution.

Ponstel occasionally causes liver damage. If you develop warning signs such as nausea, fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes, itching, flu-like symptoms, and upper abdominal pain, stop taking Ponstel and seek medical attention immediately.

Ponstel can also aggravate high blood pressure, asthma, and heart failure. Use it with caution if you have any of these conditions. Use it cautiously, too, if you smoke or are in poor health.

Food and drugs that may interact with Ponstel

If Ponstel is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is extremely important to check with your doctor before combining Ponstel with any of the following:

ACE inhibitors (drugs for high blood pressure) such as Capoten and Vasotec
Alcohol
Aspirin
Blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin
Diuretics such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL
Fluconazole (DiFlucan)
Lithium (Lithonate)
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Steroids such as prednisone and hydrocortisone
Trimethoprim (Proloprim, Bactrim, Septra)

Special precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Ponstel during pregnancy have not been studied sufficiently. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, let your doctor know immediately. You should not use Ponstel in late pregnancy because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs affect the heart and blood vessels of the developing baby. Ponstel may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Ponstel is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage of Ponstel

ADULTS AND CHILDREN OVER 14

Moderate Pain

The usual starting dose is 500 milligrams, followed by 250 milligrams every 6 hours, if needed, for 1 week.

Menstrual Pain

The usual starting dose, once symptoms appear, is 500 milligrams, followed by 250 milligrams every 6 hours for 2 to 3 days.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Ponstel have not been established in children under 14.

Overdosage

If you suspect an overdose of Ponstel, seek medical attention immediately.

• Some symptoms of Ponstel overdose are listed below:
  Drowsiness, lack of energy, nausea, stomach or abdominal pain, vomiting

In severe cases, breathing problems and coma can develop.

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