Ponstel Side Effects Center

Ponstel (mefenamic acid) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis. Ponstel is also used to treat menstrual pain. Ponstel is available in generic form. Common side effects of Ponstel include:

• upset stomach,
• stomach pain,
• nausea,
• heartburn,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• nervousness,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• bloating,
• gas,
• headache,
• skin itching or rash,
• dry mouth,
• increased sweating,
• runny nose,
• blurred vision,
• ringing in your ears, or
• high blood pressure.

Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Ponstel including:

• fainting,
• persistent or severe headache,
• hearing changes,
• fast or pounding heartbeat,
• mental/mood changes,
• difficult or painful swallowing,
• swelling of the ankles/feet/hands,
• sudden or unexplained weight gain,
• vision changes, or
• unusual tiredness.

The dose and frequency of Ponstel is adjusted to an individual patient's needs. For the relief of acute pain in adults and adolescents 14 years of age or older, the recommended dose is 500 mg as an initial dose followed by 250 mg every 6 hours as needed, usually not to exceed one week. For the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, the recommended dose is 500 mg as an initial dose followed by 250 mg every 6 hours, given orally, starting with the onset of bleeding and associated symptoms. Ponstel may interact with antidepressants, blood thinners, diuretics (water pills), cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate, steroids, or aspirin or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. During the first 6 months of pregnancy, Ponstel should be used only when prescribed. It is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to possible harm to the fetus and interference with normal labor/delivery. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Our Ponstel (mefenamic acid) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath.

Stop using mefenamic acid and call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• nausea, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness);
• a skin rash, no matter how mild;
• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; o
• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects may include:

• heartburn, stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting;
• diarrhea, constipation; or
• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.