Generic Ponstel

Ponstel is a brand name for the generic drug mefenamic acid, which is a form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. NSAIDs are used to relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation due to injury or illness. It can also be used to treat blood loss and discomfort from menstrual periods as well as headaches, especially those caused by a disorder of cranial blood vessels, such as migraines. It is prescribed in pills that are usually taken four times a day.

Not everyone should take Ponstel. In rare cases it can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. That risk may be greater if you already have heart disease or if you use Ponstel for a long time. You should not take Ponstel or other NSAIDs right before or after by-pass surgery. You should tell your doctor if you smoke, have high blood pressure, have diseases of the heart or blood vessels, have an ulcer in your stomach or intestines, have liver or kidney problems, if you are pregnant, or if you have a blood clotting disorder. In these cases, your doctor may want to prescribe something else or to adjust your dosage of Ponstel.

Some side effects are fairly common with the use of Ponstel, though many people experience no side effects at all. Some of these effects can include upset stomach, heartburn, headache, dizziness, sleepiness, or diarrhea. Rare but serious side effects of Ponstel can include chest pain, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, weakness on one side of the body, sudden changes in vision, slurred speech, black stools, persistent pain in the stomach or abdomen, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Other serious side effects can include persistent severe headache, hearing changes such as hearing loss or ringing in the ears, increased heart rate, mental or mood changes, swelling of the ankles, feet or hands, or sudden or unexplained weight gain or loss. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms, or any of the following: bruising or bleeding easily, signs of infection such as fever or sore throat, stiff neck, change in the amount, frequency or color of your urine, persistent and severe nausea and vomiting, extreme or unusual tiredness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

A very severe allergic reaction to Ponstel is rare, but can be serious. You should stop taking Ponstel and get medical attention if you experience a rash or blisters, itching, swelling of the throat, lips, tongue, or face, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Ponstel is not recommended for use in children under fourteen years of age. It has not shown any adverse affects to pregnant mothers or their fetuses in animal tests, but there have been no conclusive tests done on human subjects, so you should still be very cautious if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Ponstel is transmitted through breast milk, and can have negative effects on a nursing baby, so you should discuss with your doctor whether to discontinue breastfeeding or taking Ponstel.