Ponstan is useful for relieving pain and inflammation. This medicine terbelongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ponstan can be used to relieve complaints of joint pain, toothache, headache, or menstrual pain.
Each Ponstan film-coated tablet contains the active ingredient mefenamic acid 500 mg. The mefenamic acid content in Ponstan works by inhibiting the formation of body chemicals called prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are produced when there is injury to body tissues. This substance serves to prevent bleeding and accelerate wound healing. However, on the other hand, prostaglandins also cause inflammation.
What is Ponstan
| Active Ingredients | Mefenamic acid |
| group | NSAIDs |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Relieves pain and inflammation |
| Consumed by | Adults and children >12 years old |
| Ponstan for pregnant and lactating mothers | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the categories become Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Spontaneously absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets |
Warning Before Consuming Ponstan
Ponstan should not be used carelessly. Follow the doctor's advice while undergoing treatment with this medicine. Before consuming Ponstan, you need to pay attention to the following things:
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to mefenamic acid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ponstan should not be consumed by patients who are allergic to the ingredients contained in it.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with Ponstan.
- Ponstan should not be used in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, severe heart failure, or liver failure.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, hypertension, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, blood disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, stroke, stomach ulcers, or peptic ulcers.
- Be careful using Ponstan for the elderly over 65 years.
- Avoid driving a motor vehicle or controlling heavy equipment while taking Ponstan because this drug can cause drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and impaired vision.
- Call your doctor immediately if you have a drug allergy or overdose after taking Ponstan.
Dosage and Rules of Use Ponstan
The Ponstan dose will be given by the doctor according to the patient's condition. However, the general dose of Ponstan for pain relief in adults and children over the age of 14 is 500 mg, 3 times a day.
How to Consume Ponstan Correctly
Use Ponstan according to doctor's advice and always read the instructions for use listed on the packaging. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not extend the duration of use of the drug without consulting your doctor first.
Ponstan should be taken with food to prevent side effects. Given that Ponstan is available in film-coated tablets, it is best to swallow 1 Ponstan tablet whole to avoid side effects or decrease the effectiveness of the drug.
If there is a missed dose, take Ponstan as soon as you remember during the time lag with the next schedule not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store Ponstan in a cool and dry room, and keep it away from direct sunlight and heat. Also keep out of reach of children.
Spontaneous Interactions with Other Drugs
Avoid taking Ponstan together with other drugs without first consulting a doctor. The reason, it can cause drug interactions. The following are some interactions that can occur if Ponstan is taken together with other medicines:
- Increased risk of Ponstan side effects when used with other NSAIDs, such as aspirin
- Decreased effectiveness of Ponstan when used with probenecid
- Increased risk of side effects of cardiac glycosides, methotrexate, or mifepristone
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding if used with antidepressants, anticoagulants, or corticosteroids
- Increased risk of kidney damage if used with antihypertensive diuretics, digoxin, lithium, ciclosporin, or tacrolimus
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with zidovudine
- Increased risk of hypoglycaemia when used with metformin
Spontaneous Side Effects and Hazards
The mefenamic acid content contained in Ponstan can cause several side effects, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Ears ringing
- Stomach ache
- Gastric pains
- Nauseous
- Throw up
Check with a doctor if the above symptoms do not improve or serious side effects occur, such as vomiting blood, bloody stools, jaundice, or difficulty urinating.
Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug, which is characterized by swelling of the eyelids and lips, difficulty breathing, or an itchy rash appears.