Common side-effects of Ponstan Mefenamic Acid 500mg can induce drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. It's advisable to refrain from driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness or clear vision if affected.
Other potential side effects encompass headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, indigestion, eye irritation, loss of appetite, hair loss, sweating, ear pain, dizziness with spinning sensations, ringing in the ears, nervousness, and difficulty sleeping.
Certain adverse effects may need immediate medical help. Notify your doctor quickly if you encounter rashes, breathlessness, facial, eye, or mouth swelling, yellowing of skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, fatigue, leg and ankle swelling, bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, urine retention, blood in urine, changes in urine volume, rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, balance alteration, speech or cognitive difficulties, skin peeling or blistering accompanied by fever.
Inform your doctor if these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Dosage / Direction for Use
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take the tablets with or directly after a meal. Refrain from consuming alcohol while on Mefenamic Acid treatment, as alcohol and smoking can worsen stomach irritation and worsen certain side effects.
Dosage:
Adults: The suggested dosage is 1 tablet thrice daily.
Elderly Patients (over 65 years): Due to a heightened risk of side effects, elderly patients should take the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible, under additional monitoring by their doctor.
Use in Children: Children under 12 years old are advised to take Mefenamic Acid Suspension (50mg/5ml).
Contraindications
Avoid using mefenamic acid if you have:
- A hypersensitivity to mefenamic acid or a history of hypersensitivity reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs, characterized by conditions like asthma, rhinitis, angioedema, or urticaria.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- A history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation related to previous NSAID therapy, active gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, or a history of recurrent peptic ulcer disease or hemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding).
- Severe heart failure.
- Undergone CABG surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting).
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Are in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Special Precautions
Before taking Mefenamic Acid, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Are using other NSAIDs, anti-inflammatory drugs, or blood-thinning medications.
- Have kidney or liver issues.
- Are elderly.
- Are in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Have stomach problems or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding after taking painkillers.
- Have a bleeding disorder or are undergoing major surgery.
- Have asthma or a connective tissue disorder.
- Have epilepsy or are dehydrated.
- Have heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or are a smoker.
Note that Mefenamic Acid may slightly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with high doses or prolonged use. Follow the prescribed dosage and duration strictly.
Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as they may interact with Mefenamic Acid.
Avoid alcohol consumption while using Mefenamic Acid, as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Pregnancy: Mefenamic Acid should not be taken during the first six months of pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as it may harm the unborn baby. Avoid use in the last three months of pregnancy as it can cause kidney and heart problems in the baby and affect labor.
Breastfeeding: Avoid Mefenamic Acid while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and affect the baby.
Fertility: Avoid Mefenamic Acid if trying to conceive, as it may make it more difficult to get pregnant.
Driving and using machinery: Mefenamic Acid may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or affect vision. Avoid driving or operating machinery if these symptoms occur.
Is it safe to take it with other drugs?
Ensure to inform your doctor and pharmacist about the following medications you're currently taking:
- Other NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
- Blood-thinning medications like aspirin and warfarin
- Other anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisolone
- Certain antidepressants like paroxetine
- Medications for high blood pressure like captopril and losartan
- Diuretics or water retention medications like furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide
- Drugs used in organ transplant or immune disorders treatment like tacrolimus and ciclosporin
- Medications for diabetes
- Digoxin for irregular heartbeat
- Lithium for mood disorders
- Methotrexate for arthritis or cancer treatment
- Probenecid for gout or high uric acid levels in the blood.
Remember, this list may not cover all potential interactions with Mefenamic Acid.
Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about any other medications you are taking, including herbal remedies like traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and over-the-counter medicines that you purchase without a prescription.
How should I store it?
Avoid storing above 30˚C. Keep in a cool, dry location out of children's reach. Do not use medications after the expiry date.
