Ponstel

Ponstel

     * Generic Name: mefenamic acid
     * Brand Name: Ponstel


     * What is mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?
     * What are the possible side effects of mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?
     * How should I take mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Ponstel)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Ponstel)?
     * What should I avoid while taking mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?
     * What other drugs will affect mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?
     * Where can I get more information (Ponstel)?

What is mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?

   Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
   (NSAID). Mefenamic acid works by reducing hormones that cause
   inflammation and pain in the body.

   Mefenamic acid is used short-term (7 days or less) to treat mild to
   moderate pain in adults and children who are at least 14 years old.
   Mefenamic acid is also used to treat menstrual pain.

   Mefenamic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble
   breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or
   stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden
   numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech,
   feeling short of breath.

   Stop using mefenamic acid and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
     * shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
     * swelling or rapid weight gain;
     * signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up
       blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
       flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine,
       clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * kidney problems--little or no urinating, painful or difficult
       urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short
       of breath;
     * low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed
       or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting;
     * diarrhea, constipation, gas;
     * headache, dizziness;
     * itching, skin rash; or
     * ringing in your ears.

   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.

What is the most important information I should know about mefenamic acid
(Ponstel)?

   Mefenamic acid can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
   especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
   heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart
   bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

   Mefenamic acid may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can
   be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are
   using mefenamic acid, especially in older adults.

   You should not take mefenamic acid if you already have stomach bleeding
   or an active ulcer, or a bowel disorder such as ulcerative colitis,
   or if you have kidney disease.

   Ponstel Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Migraine Headaches:Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment

   A Visual Guide to Migraine Headaches Slideshow
   Headaches & Migraines: Surprising Headache & Migraine Triggers

   Headache and Migraine Triggers Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Headaches Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mefenamic
acid (Ponstel)?

   Mefenamic acid can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
   especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
   heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could
   have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine.

   Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery
   (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

   Mefenamic acid may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can
   be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are
   using mefenamic acid, especially in older adults.

   You should not use mefenamic acid if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have:
     * an active ulcer or stomach bleeding;
     * a bowel disorder such as ulcerative colitis or inflammatory
       bowel disease;
     * kidney disease; or
     * a history of asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after
       taking aspirin or an NSAID.

   To make sure mefenamic acid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have:
     * heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
       diabetes, or if you smoke;
     * a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
     * a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
     * asthma;
     * fluid retention; or
     * liver disease.

   Taking mefenamic acid during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm
   the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
   pregnant.

   Mefenamic acid can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
   You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

   Mefenamic acid is not approved for use by anyone younger than 14 years
   old.

How should I take mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than
   recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your
   condition.

   Mefenamic acid should not be used for longer than 7 days. Follow your
   doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

   If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical
   tests.

   Mefenamic acid can cause unusual results with certain medical tests.
   Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using mefenamic acid.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle
   tightly closed when not in use.

   Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets
   provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
   questions.

   Ponstel Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Migraine Headaches:Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment

   A Visual Guide to Migraine Headaches Slideshow
   Headaches & Migraines: Surprising Headache & Migraine Triggers

   Headache and Migraine Triggers Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Headaches Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Ponstel)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Ponstel)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

   Avoid taking aspirin while you are taking mefenamic acid.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain
   medication. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin
   or other medicines similar to mefenamic acid. Taking certain products
   together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication.
   Check the label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen,
   ketoprofen, or naproxen.

What other drugs will affect mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?

   Ask your doctor before using mefenamic acid if you take an
   antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine
   (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft),
   trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an
   NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * lithium;
     * methotrexate;
     * antacids such as Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, Mylanta, or
       Rolaids;
     * a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
     * heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or
       "water pill"; or
     * steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with mefenamic
   acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins,
   and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Ponstel)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about mefenamic acid.
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