* 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.
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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
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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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