Ponstel (Oral)
Generic name:mefenamic acid (oral route) [ mef-e-NAM-ik-AS-id ]
Drug class:Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 7, 2022.
NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use. Mefenamic acid is contraindicated in the setting of CABG surgery. NSAIDs can also cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events .
The Ponstel brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Ponstel
Available Dosage Forms:
- Capsule
Therapeutic Class: Analgesic
Pharmacologic Class: NSAID
Chemical Class: Fenamate
Uses for Ponstel
Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild to moderate pain. It may also be used to treat menstrual cramps and other conditions as determined by your doctor.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Ponstel
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of mefenamic acid in children below 14 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of mefenamic acid in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving mefenamic acid.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be us..
