Generic Ponstel, capsules

Chemical Name: MEFENAMIC ACID

Common uses

This medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain caused by sprains, strains, or menstrual cramps. It is also used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking tacrolimus or heparins. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking serotonin reuptake blocker medicines such as fluoxetine or citalopram, aminoglycoside antibiotics, anticoagulants, biphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, risedronate), cyclosporine, lithium, or methotrexate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), ulcers, asthma, nasal polyps, any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine with food and a glass of water or with milk. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or any other medicine used to treat pain, fever, swelling, or arthritis. Do not take this medicine for longer than 1 week unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine, unless you first discuss it with your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes aspirin and other non-prescription pain relievers.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, indigestion, dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience rash, hives, itching, swelling of hands or ankles. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. Contact your doctor immediately and stop taking this medicine if you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects: black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include diarrhea and vomiting.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.