Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
MEFENAMIC ACID - ORAL
(meff-en-AM-ick acid)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ponstel
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.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" such as warfarin, other arthritis medication, water pills, lithium. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.
Notes
Do not share this drug with others.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
