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Home > Drug Category > Anti-Inflammatory > Ponstel and Equivalent

Ponstel Information

Ponstel (Mefenamic Acid) is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAID medicines are used to treat pain and redness, swelling, and heat (inflammation) from medical conditions such as different types of arthritis, menstrual cramps, dental pain, muscle aches and other types of short-term pain. It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever. Ponstel, as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), does not cure your illness or prevent it from getting worse. Ponstel can only relieve pain and reduce swelling as long as you continue to take it. The elimination half-life of Mefenamic acid is approximately two hours. Mefenemic acid is available as capsules of 250mg. Ponstel should not be used in patients under 18 years of age.

Ponstel Side Effects

The most common side effects of Ponstel may include drowsiness, tiredness, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Bloody or black tarry stools;
• Change in the amount or colour of your urine (red or brown);
• Dizziness, light-headedness;
• Hearing problems;
• Headaches, stiff neck, mental confusion, depression;
• Pain or difficulty experienced while urinating;
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, any trouble breathing or chest tightness;
• Skin rash, hives, swelling or itching Blurred vision, or any visual disturbance;
• Swelling of the feet, lower legs, weight gain;
• Vomiting or persistent indigestion, nausea, stomach pain or diarrhea;
• Yellow discolouration of the skin or eyes, with or without itchy skin.

Ponstel Precautions

Do not use Ponstel if you are allergic to Mefenamic Acid or if you have or have had heart problems; bleeding disorders; are pregnant; are breastfeeding; have ulcer; bleeding from the stomach; inflammatory bowel disease; liver or kidney disease; high potassium in the blood. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have high blood pressure; high cholesterol; diabetes; are a smoker or ex-smoker; have kidney disease or urine problems; bleeding problems; family history of asthma. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Ponstel and other medications. Patients who took NSAIDs such as Ponstel after a type of heart surgery were more likely to have heart attacks, strokes, blood clots in the legs or lungs, and infections or other complications than those who did not take that drug. While taking this medication, tell any other doctor, dentist that you see that you are taking this medication, especially before heart surgery; do not drink alcoholic beverages because you would be more likely to develop stomach problems. In women who have difficulty conceiving, stopping Ponstel should be considered.

Do I need a prescription to order Ponstel?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Ponstel.