Mefenamic acid is used to treat pain, including menstrual pain. It
decreases inflammation (swelling) and uterine contractions.
Mefenamic acid is sometimes prescribed for other
uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How
should Ponstel be used?
Mefenamic acid comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is taken every
6 hours as needed for up to 1 week. Follow the directions on your
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to
explain any part you do not understand. Take Mefenamic acid exactly
as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor.
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Mefenamic acid,
aspirin or other medications for pain or arthritis, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what
medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol
(Cartrol), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diuretics ('water pills'),
labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications
for arthritis or diabetes, methotrexate, metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol
(Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney
disease; high blood pressure; any stomach problems; or any other gastrointestinal
disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Mefenamic
acid, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist that you are taking Mefenamic acid.
you should know that Mefenamic acid may make you drowsy. Do not drive
a car or operate machinery until you know how Mefenamic acid affects
you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Mefenamic
acid. Do not drink alcohol while taking Mefenamic acid.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for
a missed one.
What
side effects can Ponstel cause?
Although side effects from Ponstel acid are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
headache
dizziness
nervousness
upset stomach
stomach pain or cramps
vomiting
gas
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
diarrhea
bloody vomit
bloody or black, tarry stools
ringing in the ears
blurred vision
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
skin rash
itching
sore throat
fever
What storage conditions are needed for Ponstel
?
Keep Mefenamic acid in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to Ponstel acid.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask
your pharmacist any questions you have.