Ponstel is used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It is also used in the treatment of menstrual cramps and pain. It is NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
It works by blocking certain substances which cause inflammation. Ponstel only relieves the symptoms of pain and inflammation but do not treat the disease. It is available in capsule form, only with your doctor’s prescription.
If you are about to start Ponstel, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.
Allergy
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.
Children
There are no adequate studies done which prove its harmful effects on children. However, safety and efficacy have not been established for girls below 14 years of age.
Elderly
This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults. However, it should be used with caution in a patient with age-related kidney diseases as they may require an adjustment in doses.
Pregnancy
It is a category C drug. It is not safe to use during pregnancy as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use it in last trimester of pregnancy (last 3 months of pregnancy). Consult your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of using Mefenamic acid while you are pregnant.
Breastfeeding
Mefenamic acid passes into breast milk. It is safe not to breastfeed while using Mefenamic acid. If you are using Mefenamic acid while nursing, discuss it with your doctor for possible risk factors.
Drug Interactions
Mefenamic acid interacts with many drugs. It should not be used with several drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicine which you are taking as he/she may change the dosage or drug. Some of them are listed below:
Drink alcohol, or you have a history of alcohol abuse.
3 Proper Usage
Proper usage of Ponstel requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Read the medication guide carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you have any queries.
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Swallow it as a whole, do not crush, chew or break it. Take it with food if you have stomach upsets after taking it.
Dosage
It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. You must follow your doctor’s instructions.
For menstrual cramps
Adults and children above 14 years of age: Take the first dose of 500 milligrams (mg), then 250 mg every 6 hours as needed.
For mild to moderate pain
Adults and children above 14 years of age: Take the first dose of 500 mg, then 250 mg every 6 hours as needed.
The dose of children below 14 years of age is determined by your doctor for any above conditions.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it almost a time for your next dose skips the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Doubling the dose is harmful.
Storage
Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.
4 Precautions to Take
Before using Ponstel, there are some precautions you must take. Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits.
He may want a blood or urine test to check for unwanted effects. This medicine may increase your risk of heart attack if you have a history of heart disease.
It may cause stomach ulcers or bleeding. It increases risk if you have a past history of stomach ulcers if you are a smoker, drink alcohol daily, has a poor health or you are above 60 years of age. It can cause liver diseases.
Inform your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms such as:
Inform your doctor immediately if you start having:
rash
itching
fainting
palpitation
trouble breathing
swelling of hand face and mouth
Use an effective form of birth control methods as the Mefenamic acid can harm an unborn baby.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Mefenamic acid before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Inform your doctor right away if you notice any edema (fluid retention/body swelling) or an unexplained weight gain. It may cause a serious skin reaction.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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