Mefenamic acid is a medication that requires a prescription. It is only available in the form of an oral capsule.
Ponstel is the brand name for mefenamic acid oral capsule. It is available as a generic medication which are typically less expensive than their brand-name counterparts. They may not be accessible in all strengths or forms as the brand-name medicine in some circumstances.
Who Is It For?
Mefenamic acid is prescribed to patients suffering from mild to moderate discomfort and dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps).
It is licensed to treat pain in adults at least 14 years of age for a maximum of seven days. It is recommended for the treatment of menstrual cramps for a maximum of two to three days.
How Does It Work?
Mefenamic acid is a member of a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). NSAIDs assist in the reduction of pain, inflammation, and fever.
The mechanism by which this medicine works to alleviate pain is unknown. It may help reduce edema by reducing prostaglandin levels, a hormone-like molecule that is typically associated with inflammation.
What Is The Most Critical Information That I Should Be Aware Of Regarding Mefenamic Acid (Ponstel)?
Mefenamic acid can significantly raise your risk of dying from a fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you have no risk factors. Avoid using this medication immediately before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Mefenamic acid may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which is potentially lethal. These symptoms, particularly in elderly persons, might occur without notice while taking mefenamic acid.
You should not take mefenamic acid if you are allergic to it or if you have any of the following conditions:
- an active ulcer or bleeding in the stomach
- an inflammatory bowel condition, such as ulcerative colitis
- renal illness
- a history of severe allergic reaction or asthma attack after using aspirin or another NSAID
Inform your physician if you have ever had:
- cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke
- a coronary artery bypass, a stroke, or a blood clot
- ulcers or bleeding in the stomach
- asthma
- retention of fluids
- hepatic illness
If you are pregnant, you should avoid taking mefenamic acid unless instructed to do so by your doctor. NSAID use during the final 20 weeks of pregnancy might result in major heart or renal abnormalities in the unborn child, as well as pregnancy difficulties.
Inform your physician if you are breast-feeding and mefenamic acid is not permitted for usage in children under the age of 14.
Consumption Of Mefenamic Acid
The following information pertains to the oral capsule version of mefenamic acid. Not all conceivable dosages and forms are included here. Your dose, route of administration, and frequency of administration will be determined by:
- your age
- the ailment being addressed
- the seriousness of your illness
- any medical conditions you may have
- how you respond to the initial dose
Dosage For Pain Ranging From Mild To Moderate
- Dosage for adults (18 year old and older)
500 mg is the initial dose. Following that, as needed, take 250 mg every six hours.
Mefenamic acid should not be taken for more than seven days.
- Dosage for children (14–17 year old)
500 mg is the initial dose. Following that, as needed, take 250 mg every six hours.
Mefenamic acid should not be taken for more than seven days.
- Dosage for children (0–13 year old)
Doses for children under the age of 14 year old have not been determined.
Menstrual Pain Dosage
- Dosage for adults (age 18 year old and older)
Begin using this drug as soon as your bleeding and symptoms begin.
500 mg is the initial dose. Following that, as needed, take 250 mg every six hours.
Mefenamic acid should not be taken for more than three days.
- Dosage for children (14–17 year old)
Begin using this drug as soon as your bleeding and symptoms begin.
500 mg is the initial dose. Following that, as needed, take 250 mg every six hours.
Mefenamic acid should not be taken for more than two to three days.
- Dosage for children (0–13 year old)
Doses for children under the age of 14 year old
Have not been determined.
Particular Dosage Concerns
For individuals with liver illness: If you have liver disease, your body may be unable to properly metabolize this medication. This may result in an increase in mefenamic acid levels in your blood and an increased risk of negative effects. Your physician may recommend a reduced dosage.
For those with kidney illness: If you have kidney disease, your body may not be able to eliminate this medication as well as it should. This may result in an increase in mefenamic acid levels in your blood and an increased risk of negative effects. Your physician may recommend a reduced dosage.
Our objective is to offer you with the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. However, because medications have a variable effect on each individual, we cannot ensure that this list contains all conceivable dosages. This material is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always with your physician or pharmacist regarding the appropriate dosage for you.
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