Ponstan Medication Guide

Ponstan (Mefenamic Acid)

Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information

Prescription Required

Quick Facts

Generic Name
mefenamic acid
Drug Class
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Used For
period pain, heavy periods, muscle and joint injuries, dental pain
How Taken
oral capsules, 2 capsules (500 mg) three times daily with meals

What Is Ponstan Used For?

Ponstan contains mefenamic acid, which belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). These medicines work by relieving pain and inflammation.

Primary Uses

Ponstan is used to relieve symptoms of period pain and treat heavy periods. It also provides short-term relief of pain from muscle and joint injuries such as sprains, strains and tendonitis, as well as dental pain.

How It Works

Mefenamic acid works by relieving pain and inflammation. While Ponstan can relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation, it will not cure your underlying condition.

Good to know: Ponstan is not addictive.

How to Take Ponstan

Swallow Ponstan capsules whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew the capsules. Take Ponstan with or after food to help reduce the possibility of stomach upset.

Dosage Instructions

The usual dose is 2 capsules (500 mg) three times daily with meals. Your doctor may recommend a different dose depending on your age, condition, and other medicines you’re taking. Take Ponstan at the first sign of pain for maximum effectiveness. Do not take for longer than your doctor says and do not exceed the recommended dosage.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss your dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your capsules normally.

Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.

Available Tablet Strengths

250mg capsules
250mg capsules Tablet Ivory body with aqua blue cap, Capsule • Parke Davis on body and cap

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

  • Stomach upset, nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Heartburn, indigestion
  • Cramping, loss of appetite
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Stomach pain, gas
  • Dizziness, light-headedness
  • Drowsiness or sleeplessness
  • Fluid retention, swelling
  • Nervousness
  • Headache

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing)
  • Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material
  • Black stools or bloody diarrhea
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Skin blistering or peeling
  • Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Signs of anemia (tiredness, shortness of breath, pale appearance)
  • Fainting, seizures, severe dizziness
  • Blood in urine, changes in urination
  • Eye problems, blurred vision
  • Stiff neck, severe headache
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat)
  • Unusual weight gain, ankle swelling

Important Warnings

There are several important warnings and conditions where Ponstan should not be used or requires careful consideration.

Who Should Not Take Ponstan

Do not use if you: are allergic to mefenamic acid, aspirin, or any other NSAID; are in the third trimester of pregnancy; are breastfeeding; had diarrhea with this medicine before; have gastric ulcers or recent history of them; have kidney disease; have severe heart failure; have liver failure; are having coronary artery bypass surgery; or are under 14 years of age.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Check with your doctor if you have: allergies to other medicines; heart conditions, high blood pressure, or history of heart attack/stroke; blood clotting problems or tendency to bleed; stomach problems, heartburn, or bowel issues; asthma; skin rashes or hives; or are using an intrauterine contraceptive device.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Ponstan must not be used during the third trimester of pregnancy. It should not be used during the first two trimesters unless benefits outweigh risks. Ponstan is not to be used while breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Ponstan and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.

  • Aspirin (including low doses for heart conditions)
  • Blood thinners like warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, or dabigatran
  • High blood pressure medicines
  • Corticosteroids and immune system suppressants
  • Diabetes medicines
  • Lithium for mood swings
  • Ciclosporin or tacrolimus
  • Antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
  • Methotrexate for arthritis and cancer

Alcohol & Driving

Be careful with alcohol and driving while taking Ponstan, as it can affect your alertness and increase certain risks.

Alcohol

Be careful drinking alcohol while taking Ponstan. As with other NSAID medicines, alcohol may increase your risk of developing gastrointestinal complications.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use machines until you know how Ponstan affects you. Ponstan may cause dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness, and blurred vision in some people. If this occurs, do not drive or operate machinery.

Storage

Store Ponstan in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight, below 30°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep capsules in the pack until it’s time to take them, as they will not keep well if removed. Keep away from children and dispose of expired medicine at any pharmacy.

Overdose Information

If you think you have taken too much Ponstan, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain or tenderness, diarrhea, muscle twitches, seizures, confusion, dizziness, or hallucinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ponstan should be taken at the first sign of pain to maximize effectiveness. The medication works by relieving pain and inflammation, though specific onset times are not detailed in the prescribing information.

Yes, you should take Ponstan with or after food. This may help reduce the possibility of stomach upset.

No, Ponstan is not addictive.

If you miss your dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Be careful drinking alcohol while taking Ponstan. Alcohol may increase your risk of developing gastrointestinal complications when combined with NSAID medicines like Ponstan.

Ponstan must not be used during the third trimester of pregnancy. It should not be used during the first two trimesters unless the expected benefits outweigh the risks. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Store Ponstan in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight, below 30°C. Keep capsules in their original pack and away from children. Do not store in bathrooms or cars.

Important Disclaimer

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.