PONSTEL
(mefenamic acid)
Ponstel is a brand-name for Mefenamic acid which is a NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory drug ). They are basically used in treatment of mild to slightly moderate pain and inflammation. It is also called Ponstan or Ponalar.
Mehanism of action (MOA)
Mefenamic acid works by blocking the pain producing substances in the body. During an injury body releases chemicals like Cox inhibitors that further produces prostaglandins that induces pain in a person. Therefore Mefenamic acid blocks the prostaglandin production so the pain and inflammation is also reduced as a result.
Uses of Ponstel
1) Rheumatoid arthritis
2) Stills disease(juvenile arthritis)
3) Osteoarthritis
4) Muscular pain
5) Sprains
6) Fractures
7) Strains
8) Headache
9) Toothache
10) Menorrhagia
11) Painful periods (Dysmenorrhoea)
12) Pain during delivery
13) Gout
14) Swelling and Redness
Dosage and Administration
Ponstel is usually taken orally mostly 4 times a day with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without eating the food but if a case of upset stomach occurs please take a glass of milk with the medicine or food before taking medicine.
If you are taking Ponstel for painful periods then you should start the medication immediately starting your period, the medication will only be require for 2 to 3 days. If pain still persist please consult your doctor.
Usual adult dose is 5oomg orally followed by 250mg. For Dysmenorrhoea also 500mg orally followed by 250mg following menses.
Side-Effect of Ponstel
1) Diarrhoea
2) Constipation
3) Heartburn
4) Bleeding
5) Perforation
6) Edema
7) Headache
8) Tinnitus
9) Rashes
10) Gastric ulcers
11) Duodenal ulcers
12) Abdominal pain
13) Dyspepsia
More serious side-effects
1) Hypertension
2) Tachycardia
3) Syncope
4) Hepatitis
5) Jaundice
6) Leucopenia
7) Rectal bledding
8) Asthma
9) Vertigo
10) Blurred vision
11) Hypotension
12) Myocardial infarction(M.I)
13) Liver failure
14) Urticaria
15) Dermatitis
16) Meningitis
17) Coma
18) Hallucinations
19) Conjunctivitis
20) hypergylcemia
Precautions and Warnings
If the patient has a allergic condition the patient should tell the doctor about it. NSAID allergy should be mentioned before taking any pain medicines. A heat patient should not be given NSAIDS or a patient with risk of developing a heart disease like M.I or Hypertension should have a doctor adviced low dose NSAIDS.
If the patient is already taking some other medicine for some other disease the patient should inform the doctor about it as sometimes medicines interact with one another and effect the patient in a bad way.
Pregnancy and Breast feeding
If the patient is planning on getting pregnant or if the patient is pregnant she should consult her doctor about the effects of the medicine on her unborn child if she wants to continue. The drug should not be taken in 1st and last semester as it can be harmful.
Breast feeding mothers should avoid taking it while nursing as the drug mixes with the milk and is harmful for the baby.
Drug Interaction
Some drugs can interact with Mefenamic acid that should be avoided are Diurectics, Angiotensin II receptor blocker and ACE inhibitors.