Ponstel

Ponstel (Mefenamic Acid)

Ponstel

Mefenamic Acid tablet

What is it used for?

MEFENAMIC ACID is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used for reducing swelling and pain treatment. This medicine may be used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to treat painful menstrual periods.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• cigarette smoker
• drink alcohol-containing beverages
• heart disease or circulation problems like heart failure or leg edema (fluid retention)
• high blood pressure
• kidney diseases
• liver diseases
• recent heart surgery
• stomach bleeding or ulcers
• swelling of ankles or hands
• taking medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• taking steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• an unusual or allergic reaction to mefenamic acid, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

This medicine should be taken orally accompanied with a full glass of water. This medicine should be taken during a meal if your stomach gets upset. It is advisory not to lie down for at least 10 minutes after you take this medicine. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. Long-term, continuous use may increase the risk of the heart attack or stroke.

Consult with your pediatrician regarding the possibility of use of this medicine by children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 14 years old for selected conditions, the necessary precautions should be applied.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• cidofovir
• ketorolac
• methotrexate

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• alcohol
• alendronate
• antacids with magnesium
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• diuretics
• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba
• lithium
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• other NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• pemetrexed

This list is not all-inclusive and may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you are using. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Let your doctor or health care professional know if the symptoms do not improve. Always consult with your doctor prior to taking another painkiller. Self-treatment can be dangerous.

This medicine can not prevent heart attacks or strokes. In fact, it might even increase their chances. They might increase during the long treatment courses with this medicine, especially for people who have heart diseases. If you are taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, consult with your physician for further guidance.

Do not take medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. If you do, side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers will be more likely to occur. A number of non-prescription medicines should not be taken with this drug to prevent possible interference.

This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from this medicine. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

• allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
• black tarry stools
• blurred vision
• issues with breathing
• chest pains
• general ill feeling or 'flu-like' symptoms
• high blood pressure
• right upper belly pain
• redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
• slurring of speech
• stomach pain or cramps
• sudden weight gain or swelling
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weakness or feeling tired
• vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness, drowsiness
• gas or heartburn
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• unusually sensitive to the sun

Other side effects are also possible, for the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach. This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.