Pain Medicine // Mefenamic Acid (Ponstel)

Ponstel is used for:
Treating menstrual pain. It may be used for short term (not more than 7 days) treatment of mild to moderate pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Ponstel is an NSAID. Exactly how it works is not known. It may block certain substances in the body that are linked to inflammation. NSAIDs treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation. They do not treat the disease that causes those symptoms.

Ponstel is used for:
Treating menstrual pain. It may be used for short term (not more than 7 days) treatment of mild to moderate pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Ponstel is an NSAID. Exactly how it works is not known. It may block certain substances in the body that are linked to inflammation. NSAIDs treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation. They do not treat the disease that causes those symptoms.

How to use Ponstel:
Use Ponstel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Ponstel comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Ponstel refilled.
    * Take Ponstel by mouth. It may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Taking it with food may not lower the risk of stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, ulcers). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have persistent stomach upset.
    * Take Ponstel with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL) as directed by your doctor.
    * If you miss a dose of Ponstel and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ponstel.

Possible side effects of Ponstel:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

    * Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach upset.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

    * Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

Proper storage of Ponstel:
Store Ponstel at 68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ponstel out of the reach of children and away from pets.