Product Details: Ponstel (Mefenamic Acid)

PLEASE NOTE BRAND PONSTEL IS ALSO MARKETED INTERNATIONALLY UNDER THE NAME PONSTAN.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: First Horizon

Description

This medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain caused by sprains, strains, or menstrual cramps. It is also used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a medication guide. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with a full glass of water. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food. Taking it with food may not decrease the risk of stomach or bowel problems (such as bleeding or ulcers) that may occur while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you experience persistent stomach upset. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

THIS MEDICINE INCREASES YOUR RISK OF SERIOUS STOMACH OR BOWEL PROBLEMS (such as ulcers and bleeding). This risk is increased if you are elderly or are in poor health, if you have a history of smoking or drinking alcohol, if you take corticosteroid medicines (such as prednisone) or "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), or if you take this medicine for a long period of time. THIS MEDICINE MAY ALSO INCREASE YOUR RISK for certain serious heart and blood vessel problems (such as heart attack and stroke). TAKE THIS MEDICINE EXACTLY AS PRESCRIBED BY YOUR DOCTOR, at the lowest possible dose for the shortest time needed. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for further information. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as Feldene, Motrin, Naprosyn, Daypro). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE for longer than 1 week unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood counts, liver function tests, and kidney function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects, especially if you are taking this medicine for a long period of time. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are taking this medicine, unless you first discuss it with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes aspirin and other non-prescription pain relievers. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially the risk of stomach or bowel effects (such as bleeding or ulcers), or kidney effects. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE SHOULD NOT BE USED DURING LATE PREGNANCY because it has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, indigestion, dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience rash, hives, or itching. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience sharp or crushing chest pain; sudden shortness of breath; sudden leg pain; sudden severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting; changes in vision; numbness of an arm or leg; slurred speech; one-sided weakness; sudden unexplained weight gain; change in amount of urine produced; severe or persistent stomach pain; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; black tarry stools; itching, reddened, swollen, blistered, painful, or peeling skin; yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; right-sided tenderness; severe or persistent tiredness; fever, chills, or sore throat; severe or persistent nausea; swelling of hands, ankles, feet, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Mefenamic Acid