Ponstan: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Functions & Usage

What is Ponstan used for?

Ponstan is a medicine to treat mild to moderate pain, such as pain during menstruation, toothache, headaches, sprains or other muscle injuries, pain after surgery or childbirth.

This drug has the main content of mefenamic acid, which belongs to the class of NSAID drugs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Ponstan works by relieving pain and inflammation. However, these drugs cannot cure your condition completely, only reduce symptoms.

What are the rules for using Ponstan?

Take this medicine by swallowing 1 tablet directly, assisted by a glass of water. Usually, Ponstan is taken three times per day or as recommended by a doctor. After taking this medication, do not lie down for at least 10 minutes. Wait for the medicine to arrive in your stomach first.

Ponstan should be taken at the same time as the meal schedule or after. This aims to avoid irritation of the stomach because this drug has such potential. Do not take this medication at the same time as an antacid, unless your doctor directs you to. Certain antacids may change the amount of mefenamic acid in Ponstan that is absorbed by the body.

How to save Ponstan?

Store Ponstan at room temperature, which is below 30 degrees Celsius. Keep away from direct sunlight and damp places. Do not store this medication in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

In what dosages and preparations is Ponstan available?

Ponstan is available in the following dosage forms and sizes:

• 500 mg tablet
• 250 mg tablet

What is the dose of Ponstan for adults?

The dose of Ponstan will usually depend on your medical condition and response to the medications given.

The following are the dosages that are usually recommended for several health conditions:

• To relieve pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea): for dysmenorrhea, take Ponstan 500 mg followed by a dose of 250 mg every 6 hours as needed, since menstruation begins. Usually, you only need to take Ponstan for the first 2-3 days of your period, when you feel sick.
• To treat menorrhagia (excessive menstruation): take Ponstan 500 mg followed by Ponstan 250 mg every 6 hours as needed. Take this medicine from the beginning of menstruation and continue as directed by your doctor. Usually, this medicine is not taken for more than 7 days (unless on the advice of a doctor).
• To deal with pain: to deal with pain, you can drink Ponstan 500 mg followed by Ponstan 250 mg every 6 hours as needed.

To reduce unwanted effects (such as stomach bleeding or other side effects), take the lowest dose of ponstan that works best for you, in the shortest possible time.

Do not increase your dose, take Ponstan more often or for longer than recommended. Ponstan usually should not be taken for more than 7 consecutive days,

If after taking Ponstan, the pain does not decrease or it gets worse, you should immediately have your condition checked by a doctor.

What is the Ponstan dosage for children?

Ponstan dosage for children 14–18 years: 500 mg followed by 250 mg every 6 hours as needed, no more than 7 days.

Ponstan is not recommended for consumption by children under 14 years of age.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Ponstan?

Side effects may not occur if you take Ponstan in the recommended dosage. However, in some cases, side effects of Ponstan are sometimes mild.

According to the NPS MedicineWise, here are some of the side effects that can arise from taking Ponstan:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain or cramps, and other digestive disorders
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling
• Headache or dizziness
• Sleepy
• Nervous

If you experience any of the more serious side effects as below, you should stop using Ponstan and consult a doctor immediately.

• Severe dizziness
• Persistent headaches
• Severe diarrhea
• Blurred vision or loss of color vision
• Earache
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Excessive sweating
• Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat
• Easy bruising or appear reddish or purplish on the skin
• Blood sugar levels get worse in people with diabetes
• Change in urine color or urinate more frequently
• Eyes and skin become more yellow

Agranulocytosis and hemolytic anemia can also occur if you take Ponstan long-term and continuously in doses of more than or equal to 2,000 mg daily.

Not everyone experiences side effects when using this drug. There may also be some side effects not mentioned above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using this drug?

You should not take Ponstan if you have an allergy to mefenamic acid or other ingredients contained in Ponstan.

Do not take this drug if you have an allergy to aspirin, and other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen), including COX-2 inhibitors.

If you are unsure, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to these drugs usually include asthma, wheezing, or shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. This reaction can cause you to have difficulty swallowing or breathing, itching or skin rash, and even fainting.

You should also not take this medicine if:

• Have had diarrhea after drinking Ponstan before. You may experience diarrhea again.
• You have a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or have had an ulcer before.
• You have or have had swelling and / or ulceration of the lining of the stomach or intestines. Examples of these conditions include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
• You have kidney disease.
• You have severe heart failure.
• You have heart failure.
• You will have surgery bypass coronary arteries.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal products, especially if you are taking antacids.

Your doctor may change your dose or monitor you more frequently for side effects.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Ponstan or mefenamic acid.

If you are pregnant (especially if it is the last month of pregnancy), or planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you should tell your doctor about this condition.

Is Ponstan safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research regarding the risks of using Ponstan or mefenamic acid in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug falls into the pregnancy risk category C (possibly risky) and may fall into category D (there is positive evidence of risk) if it is taken in the third trimester of pregnancy or near the time of birth, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Doctors may prescribe Ponstan if the benefits received outweigh the risks that may arise to the fetus.

Meanwhile, nursing mothers should avoid consuming Ponstan. This is because mefenamic acid may be released into breast milk, which can affect the baby.

Always consult your doctor or midwife before using any medicine, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

What medicines should not be taken at the same time as Ponstan?

Drug interactions can change the performance of the drug or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed on this page.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Ponstan or pain relievers that contain mefenamic acid may interact with other medications, such as:

• Blood thinners or anticoagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
• ACE inhibitors, such as captropil, lisinopril
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers, eg valsartan, losartan
• Diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix)
• Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
• Steroids (prednisone and others); or
• Aspirin or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis) , ketorolac (Toradol), meclofenamate (Meclomen), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others

What foods and drinks should not be consumed while using this medicine?

Certain drugs should not be taken while eating or consuming certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your doctor.

Are there certain health conditions you should avoid Ponstan?

The presence of other health problems can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, in particular:

• Heart disease, such as congestive heart failure
• Hypertension
• Kidney disease or kidney failure
• Severe liver disease
• Edema (swelling of the body)
• Digestive problems, such as chronic inflammation of the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract
• History of stroke
• Allergic rhinitis, bronchospasm and urticaria

Your doctor may change your dose or consider how often you use one or both drugs that you are currently taking to treat your disease.

Overdose

What are the symptoms of a Ponstan overdose and what are the effects?

Symptoms of an overdose of Ponstan, namely:

• Vomits blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Bloody diarrhea or dark stools
• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, which can cause difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Asthma, wheezing and shortness of breath
• Sudden or severe itching, skin rash, and itching
• Fainting or convulsions
• Pain or tightness in the chest
• Fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to bright light
• Blisters or bleeding on the lips, eyes, skin, nose, and genitals

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In an emergency situation or overdose, call 112 or rush to the nearest hospital.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you just remember when it's time for the next dose, just ignore the missed dose, and continue taking it as scheduled. Do not use this medication in double doses.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.