Ponstan

Pain can make even simple daily activities feel difficult, whether it is caused by menstrual cramps, a dental procedure, a muscle strain or an injury. When short-term pain relief is needed, doctors may prescribe Ponstan, a medicine containing mefenamic acid, to help reduce pain and inflammation while improving comfort and mobility.

Ponstan belongs to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Unlike medicines that only relieve pain, Ponstan also targets inflammation, making it particularly useful for conditions where swelling and inflammation contribute to discomfort. It works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, naturally occurring chemicals in the body that trigger pain, inflammation and fever. By lowering prostaglandin levels, Ponstan helps relieve pain while reducing inflammation at its source.

One of the most common reasons Ponstan is prescribed is primary dysmenorrhoea (painful menstrual periods). Many women experience cramping, lower abdominal pain and backache during menstruation due to increased prostaglandin production. Ponstan helps ease these symptoms, allowing many women to carry on with their usual daily activities with less discomfort. It is generally most effective when started at the first sign of menstrual pain or bleeding, following the advice of a healthcare professional.

In addition to menstrual pain, Ponstan is widely used to manage other types of mild to moderate acute pain. Doctors may recommend it for dental pain following tooth extraction or other dental procedures, muscle and joint pain, sprains, strains, headaches, and pain after minor surgery. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a suitable option for conditions where both pain and swelling are present.

Ponstan is intended for short-term treatment rather than long-term daily use. Taking NSAIDs for prolonged periods or at higher-than-recommended doses can increase the risk of serious side effects, including stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems and cardiovascular complications. For this reason, healthcare professionals usually advise using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms.

Like all medicines, Ponstan may cause side effects, although many people take it without significant problems. The most commonly reported side effects include stomach discomfort, indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea and headache. Taking the medicine with food or milk may help reduce stomach irritation. However, if you experience severe abdominal pain, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, chest pain, difficulty breathing or signs of an allergic reaction, stop taking the medicine immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

Ponstan may not be suitable for everyone. People with a history of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, severe kidney disease, severe liver disease, severe heart failure or an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs should generally avoid using this medicine unless specifically advised by their doctor. It may also interact with certain medicines, including blood thinners, corticosteroids, diuretics and some medicines used to treat high blood pressure, so it is important to tell your healthcare professional about all medicines and supplements you are taking.

Although Ponstan is effective at relieving pain, it does not treat the underlying cause of the condition causing the pain. If your symptoms persist, become worse or keep returning despite treatment, further medical assessment may be needed to identify the underlying problem.

Overall, Ponstan is a well-established prescription medicine that provides effective short-term relief from pain and inflammation when used appropriately. Taking it exactly as prescribed, avoiding unnecessary long-term use and following your doctor's advice can help maximise its benefits while reducing the risk of unwanted side effects.

Ponstan (Mefenamic Acid) is primarily prescribed for the short-term relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Common approved uses include:

• Relief of painful menstrual periods (primary dysmenorrhoea)
• Treatment of mild to moderate acute pain
• Relief of dental pain, including pain after dental procedures
• Management of muscle pain and soft tissue injuries
• Relief of joint pain associated with minor inflammatory conditions
• Treatment of pain following minor surgery
• Relief of headache when prescribed by a healthcare professional
• Management of musculoskeletal pain, including sprains and strains
• Reduction of pain and inflammation caused by minor injuries
• Short-term treatment of fever and pain when considered appropriate by a healthcare professional

Take Ponstan exactly as prescribed by your doctor or as directed on the medicine label. It is usually taken with or immediately after food or a glass of milk to help reduce the risk of stomach irritation. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet unless your healthcare professional advises otherwise.

For the best pain relief, start taking Ponstan at the first sign of pain. If it has been prescribed for painful menstrual periods, it is generally most effective when taken as soon as menstrual pain or bleeding begins.

While taking Ponstan:

• Take the medicine at evenly spaced intervals if more than one dose per day has been prescribed.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed to control your symptoms.
• Avoid taking Ponstan together with other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen, unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
• Drink plenty of fluids during treatment, particularly if you are elderly or have conditions that increase the risk of dehydration.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose or continue taking the medicine for longer than recommended without medical advice.

If your pain does not improve, becomes worse, or you develop symptoms such as severe stomach pain, black stools, vomiting blood or difficulty breathing, stop taking Ponstan and seek immediate medical attention.

Allergy

Do not take Ponstan if you are allergic to mefenamic acid, aspirin or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Signs of a serious allergic reaction include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, severe skin rash or hives. Stop taking the medicine and seek emergency medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur.

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Pregnancy

Ponstan is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester, as it may harm the unborn baby and increase the risk of complications during labour and delivery. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Alternative pain relief may be more appropriate.

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Breastfeeding

Small amounts of mefenamic acid may pass into breast milk. Ponstan is generally not recommended during breastfeeding unless your doctor considers the benefits to outweigh the potential risks. If treatment is necessary, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration and seek medical advice.

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Kidney Disease

Ponstan should be used with caution in people with kidney disease because NSAIDs may reduce blood flow to the kidneys and worsen kidney function. It is contraindicated in severe kidney impairment. Patients with dehydration, heart failure or those taking diuretics may have an increased risk of kidney-related side effects.

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Liver Disease

Use Ponstan with caution if you have liver disease. Long-term or high-dose use may affect liver function. The medicine should not be used in patients with severe liver impairment. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue or persistent nausea.

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Heart Disease

NSAIDs, including Ponstan, may slightly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events, particularly when used at high doses or for prolonged periods. People with heart disease, previous stroke, heart failure or significant cardiovascular risk factors should use Ponstan only under medical supervision.

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Diabetes

People with diabetes may have an increased risk of kidney and cardiovascular complications associated with NSAID use. Ponstan should be used cautiously, particularly if diabetes is poorly controlled or if kidney disease is also present.

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High Blood Pressure

Ponstan may cause fluid retention and can reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure medicines. It may also increase blood pressure in some individuals. If you have hypertension, your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood pressure during treatment.

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Asthma

People with asthma, particularly those who have experienced asthma attacks after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs, should avoid Ponstan unless specifically advised by their doctor. The medicine may trigger bronchospasm and worsen asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals.

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Elderly

Older adults are more likely to develop serious side effects such as stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney impairment and cardiovascular complications. Ponstan should be used with particular caution in elderly patients, using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.

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Children

Ponstan is not routinely recommended for children under 14 years of age unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional. The safety and effectiveness of the medicine in younger children have not been fully established.

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Alcohol

Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Ponstan. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of stomach irritation, ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, especially with prolonged treatment or higher doses.

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Smoking

Smoking may further increase the risk of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular disease while taking NSAIDs such as Ponstan. Stopping smoking can help reduce these risks and improve overall health.

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Existing Medical Conditions

Tell your doctor before taking Ponstan if you have:

• A history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Heart disease, previous heart attack or stroke.
• High blood pressure.
• Kidney or liver disease.
• Asthma or aspirin-sensitive asthma.
• Bleeding disorders or problems with blood clotting.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other connective tissue diseases.
• Fluid retention or swelling (oedema).
• Dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhoea or inadequate fluid intake.

Important: Ponstan is intended for short-term pain relief. It should not be taken for longer than prescribed or combined with other NSAIDs unless recommended by a healthcare professional. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe stomach pain, black stools, vomiting blood, chest pain, sudden weakness, difficulty breathing or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Ponstan (Mefenamic Acid) should be used only for short-term pain relief and at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. Do not use it if you have a history of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, severe kidney disease, severe liver disease, severe heart failure, or an allergy to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking Ponstan with other NSAIDs or excessive alcohol may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe stomach pain, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Like all medicines, Ponstan (Mefenamic Acid) can cause side effects, although many people experience none or only mild symptoms. Most common side effects affect the stomach and digestive system and are more likely if the medicine is taken on an empty stomach or for longer than recommended.

Common side effects include:

• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating or excessive gas
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Skin rash
• Mild itching
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Temporary increase in blood pressure
• Swelling of the hands, feet or ankles due to fluid retention

Most of these side effects are mild and improve after stopping the medicine. If they persist or become troublesome, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Ponstan according to the instructions on the product packaging to help maintain its safety and effectiveness.

• Store at room temperature, preferably below 25°C.
• Keep the tablets in their original blister pack or container until required.
• Protect the medicine from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink or in other damp places.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
• Do not use Ponstan after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Dispose of unused or expired medicine responsibly. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer require.

10 tablets