Ponstel

Mefenamic Acid

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Ponstel

Ponstel is a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks certain substances in the body that are linked to inflammation. Ponstel treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation but do not treat the disease that causes those symptoms.

Therapeutic Uses of Ponstel

Ponstel is used in the treatment of menstrual pain. It can be used for short term treatment i.e. less than a week, of mild to moderate pain. It can also be used in other conditions that your doctor determines.

Direction of use of Ponstel

Take Ponstel as directed by your doctor. You should ask your doctor or other health care provider if you have any question about direction of use of Ponstel.

• Ponstel should be taken orally with a glass of water as per your doctor’s instruction.
• Ponstel should be taken with food if you get stomach upset or stomach irritation. Taking it with food may not lower the risk of stomach or bowel problems like bleeding, ulcers etc. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have persistent stomach upset.

If You Miss a Dose of Ponstel

If you are taking Ponstel regularly and miss a dose of Ponstel, you should take it as soon as possible. You should skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose and go back to your normal schedule. Do not take double dose of Ponstel at a time to compensate for the missed dose.

How to Store Ponstel

Ponstel should be stored at temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it in a dry, cool, and dark place in a tightly closed container. Keep Ponstel out of the reach of children.

More Information About Ponstel

Ponstel should be taken by the person for whom it is prescribed and never shared with others. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, you should consult with your doctor.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Ponstel

Do not use Ponstel if you have any of the medical problems given below and consult your doctor immediately:

• If you have allergy to any of the ingredients of Ponstel.
• If you have recently had bypass heart surgery or will be having very soon.
• If you are a woman and pregnant, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy.
• If you have any kidney problem, ulcers, inflammation of the stomach or bowel.
• If you have had a severe allergic reaction (manifestations of allergic reaction are severe skin rash, hives, trouble breathing, growths in the nose, dizziness etc.) to aspirin or other non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, celecoxib, paracetamol etc.

Important notes about Ponstel:

• Ponstel may cause dizziness or drowsiness and these effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or with certain medicines. Use Ponstel with caution. Do not drive or perform other unsafe tasks like operating heavy machinery requiring constant monitoring and attention, until you know how you react to it.
• Pregnancy and lactation: Ponstel may cause harm to the fetus and should not be taken during pregnancy, especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ponstel while you are pregnant. Ponstel is found in breast milk. Do not breast feed while taking Ponstel.
• Ponstel should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 14 years because the safety and effectiveness of Ponstel in these children is not established.
• Use Ponstel with caution in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
• You should not take Ponstel more than the recommended dose or take it for longer than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
• Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has an NSAID in it too, because Ponstel is also an NSAID. If it contains NSAID or if you are not sure, consult with your doctor or other health care provider.
• You should avoid aspirin during treatment with Ponstel, unless your doctor tells you to use.
• Lab tests, like kidney function test, complete hemogram, and blood pressure, should be performed while you are on Ponstel . These tests may also be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Ponstel may interfere with certain lab tests and you should inform your doctor and lab personnel that you are taking Ponstel.
• Stomach ulcers or bleeding can occur with the use of Ponstel and other NSAIDs. Taking it in high doses or for a long time, smoking, or drinking alcohol increases the risk of peptic ulcer. Taking Ponstel with food will not reduce the risk of these effects. Contact your doctor or emergency room at once if you develop severe stomach or back pain, black, tarry stools, vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds; or unusual weight gain or swelling.

Possible Adverse Effects Ponstel

• You may get common side effects of Ponstel like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset, gas in the stomach; dizziness; headache; heartburn etc. Consult your doctor if any of these common side effects become persistent or bothersome to you.
• Consult your doctor if you experience any of the serious side effects that may occur. The serious side effects of Ponstel are severe headache, severe vomiting, dizziness, fainting, depression, confusion; bloody or black, tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds; change in the amount of urine produced, dark urine; chest pain, fast and/or irregular heartbeat; infection (fever, chills, or persistent sore throat); mental or mood changes, seizures; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears, severe or persistent stomach pain, shortness of breath; sudden and unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision change, speech changes, yellowing of the skin or eyes and severe allergic reaction. Symptoms of allergic reaction include skin rash, hives, itching; breathing trouble, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue etc.