Common uses

Ponstel is used for treating menstrual pain. It may be used for short term (not more than 7 days) treatment of mild to moderate pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Your doctor need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•asthma, especially aspirin-sensitive asthma
•bleeding problems or taking medicines that make you bleed easily such as anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
•cigarette smoker
•coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks
•dental disease
•diabetes mellitus
•drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day
•heart or circulation problems like angina, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, history of heart attack, history of blood clots, or leg edema (fluid retention)
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•lost a lot of fluid due to continued vomiting or diarrhea
•stomach ulcers or pain
•history of stroke
•systemic lupus erythematosus
•ulcerative colitis
•an unusual or allergic reaction to mefenamic acid, meclofenamate, aspirin, other salicylates, other NSAIDs, foods, dyes or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine with food and a glass of water or with milk. 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

Do not take this medicine if you ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or any other medicine used to treat pain, fever, swelling, or arthritis. Do not take this medicine for longer than 1 week unless otherwise directed by your doctor. 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.
For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•signs of bleeding - black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
•signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing, wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips
•blurred vision
•change in the amount of urine passed
•difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•stomach pain or cramps
•swelling of feet or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea or constipation
•dizziness, drowsiness
•gas or heartburn
•headache
•nausea, vomiting

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include diarrhea and vomiting.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.