PONSTEL

Drug Name: PONSTEL

PONSTEL DESCRIPTION:
MEFENAMIC ACID - ORAL (meff-en-AM-ick acid)

COMMON PONSTEL BRAND NAME(S):
Ponstel

PONSTEL SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset is the most common side effect. Others include nausea, loss of appetite, and headache. If this persists or becomes severe, notify your doctor. May cause dizziness or drowsiness. Stop taking PONSTEL and contact your doctor immediately if you develop: diarrhea. Inform your doctor if you develop: persistent stomach pain, black or bloody stools, skin rash, itching, yellowing of the eyes or skin, shortness of breath, fever with or without chills, swelling of the feet or hands, vision changes. Infrequently, PONSTEL may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PONSTEL:
PONSTEL: Take with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. PONSTEL is most effective in relieving menstrual pain if taken at the earliest sign of pain. Take PONSTEL with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking PONSTEL. PONSTEL should not be taken for more than 7 days at a time.

PONSTEL USES:
PONSTEL relieves pain and reduces inflammation. It is used to treat headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, dental pain and athletic injuries.

PONSTEL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the drowsiness effect of this medication. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Do not take aspirin without consulting your doctor. Check the ingredients of any nonprescription medication you may be taking since many cough-and-cold formulas contain aspirin. Caution is advised when PONSTEL is used in the elderly. PONSTEL should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Use of PONSTEL in the last 6 months of pregnancy is not recommended. It is unknown if PONSTEL is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

PONSTEL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" such as warfarin, other arthritis medication, water pills, lithium. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PONSTEL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.

PONSTEL NOTES:
Do not share PONSTEL with others.

MISSED PONSTEL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

PONSTEL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.