Ponstel (Mefenamic Acid) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 7, 2012

Ponstel

Migraine »

What is a migraine headache?

A migraine headache is a form of vascular headache. Migraine headache is caused by vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) that causes the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of the brain. Enlargement of these blood vessels stretches the nerves that coil around them and causes the nerves to release chemicals. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain.

Migraine attacks commonly activate the sympathetic nervous system in the body. The sympathetic nervous system is often thought of as the part of the nervous system that controls primitive responses to stress and pain, the so-called "fight or flight" response, and this activation causes many of the symptoms associated with migraine attacks; for example, the increased sympathetic n...

Read the Migraine article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Ponstel User Reviews >>

Ponstel

View the Headaches and Migraines Slideshow Pictures

A Visual Guide to Migraine Headaches Slideshow Pictures

Headache and Migraine Triggers Slideshow Pictures

Take the Migraines Quiz

7097120

font size

PONSTEL®
(mefenamic acid) Capsules, USP 250 mg

Cardiovascular Risk

NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events,myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk (See WARNINGS).
PONSTEL® (mefenamic acid) is contraindicated for the treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (See WARNINGS).

Gastrointestinal Risk

NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events (See WARNINGS).

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Ponstel® (mefenamic acid) is a member of the fenamate group of nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Each blue-banded, ivory capsule contains 250 mg of mefenamic acid for oral administration. Mefenamic acid is a white to greyish-white, odorless, microcrystalline powder with a melting point of 230°-231°C and water solubility of 0.004% at pH 7.1. The chemical name is N-2,3-xylylanthranilic acid. The molecular weight is 241.29. Its molecular formula is C₁₅H₁₅NO₂ and the structural formula of mefenamic acid is:

Ponstel® (mefenamic acid) structural formula illustration

Each capsule also contains lactose, NF. The capsule shell and/or band contains citric acid, USP; D&C yellow No. 10; FD&C blue No. 1; FD&C red No. 3; FD&C yellow No. 6; gelatin, NF; glycerol monooleate; silicon dioxide, NF; sodium benzoate, NF; sodium lauryl sulfate, NF; titanium dioxide, USP.

What are the possible side effects of mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking mefenamic acid and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
urinating less than usual or not...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Ponstel »

What are the precautions when taking mefenamic acid (Ponstel)?

Before taking mefenamic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs, severe kidney disease, recent heart bypass surgery (CABG), active bleeding/sores in stomach/intestines (ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding).

Before using this medication, tell...

Read All Potential Precautions of Ponstel »

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/25/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.