GENERIC NAME: MEFENAMIC ACID - ORAL (meff-en-AM-ick acid)
BRAND NAME(S): Ponstel
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication relieves pain and reduces inflammation. It is used to treat headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, dental pain and athletic injuries.
HOW TO USE: Take with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. This medication is most effective in relieving menstrual pain if taken at the earliest sign of pain. Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. This medication should not be taken for more than 7 days at a time.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset is the most common side effect. Others include nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, and headache. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Inform your doctor promptly if you develop: yellowing of the eyes, fever with or without chills, vision changes. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the drowsiness effect of this medication. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Do not take aspirin without consulting your doctor. Check the ingredients of any nonprescription medication you may be taking since many cough-and-cold formulas contain aspirin. Infrequently, this medication may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Use of this drug in the last 6 months of pregnancy is not recommended. It is unknown if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Migraine - Learn about migraine headache including symptoms such as intense throbbing pain in the temple area of head. Migraine triggers vary from person to person.
- Menstrual Cramps - Learn about menstrual cramps causes such as lack of exercise, anatomy of the woman, and conditions that accompany them such as headaches, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows