PONSTAN

About Ponstan

Ponstan contains mefenamic acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as its active ingredient. It is used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It is also used to treat menstrual cramps. Mefenamic acid blocks the production of prostaglandins, which reduces contraction of the uterus and pain during your period. It also reduces blood loss.

NowPatient offers Ponstan as the generic mefenamic acid or as the brand Ponstan as a treatment for period pain only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.

Key facts of Ponstan

• For the treatment of period pain
• Ponstan takes about 30 – 60 minutes to work
• Ponstan has some common side effects which include stomach pain and loss of appetite
• It can be dangerous if you take Ponstan with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician

Who is Ponstan not suitable for?

Ponstan may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Ponstan if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient mefenamic acid
• Are under 14 years of age
• Have had 2 or more episodes of a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding of the stomach
• Have severe kidney disease, heart disease or liver disease
• Take aspirin with a daily dose over 75 mg
• Have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Are at risk of heart problems, high blood pressure or stroke

How and where to get Ponstan?

Ponstan is available with a prescription only. It is not available over the counter at a pharmacy.

NowPatient does not allow customers to buy Ponstan directly. Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of period pain, you can discuss if Ponstan is a suitable treatment option for you.

At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.

Dosage and strength for Ponstan for period pain

Ponstan is available as tablets and capsules when used for period pain. It is available in strengths ranging from 250 to 500 mg.

Information about how to take Ponstan for period pain

Ponstan should be taken as 500mg three times a day with or after food during your period.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Speak to a healthcare professional if you need further medical advice.

What happens if you take too much Ponstan?

If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Ponstan and you experience any of the following side effects:

What are the side effects of Ponstan?

Side effects of Ponstan are split into common and serious.

Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, indigestion, heartburn, constipation or diarrhoea
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Headache, blurred vision, ear pain
• Anaemia

Serious side effects include:

• Severe skin rash
• Intestinal bleeding – vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, black tarry stools
• Increased risk of stomach ulcers
• Worsening of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems such as yellowing of the skin (jaundice), abdominal pain, pale-coloured stools, dark urine
• High blood pressure, heart failure, palpitations, heart attack, or stroke

If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.

If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.

• Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• You’re breathing very fast or shortness of breath
• Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• Someone faints and cannot be woken up

Information about taking Ponstan at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements

There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Ponstan. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.

• Anti-coagulants such as warfarin
• Medicines for high blood pressure – captopril, atenolol, losartan
• Two or more NSAID painkillers, including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors
• Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Corticosteroids
• Methotrexate
• Diuretics
• Ciclosporin
• Tacrolimus
• Lithium
• Zidovudine

Can Ponstan taken for period pain be taken long term?

Mefenamic acid is approved to treat pain for no longer than seven days. It is approved to treat menstrual cramps for no more than 2 to 3 days.

Is there a herbal Ponstan?

No. Herbal Ponstan does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.

Can women use Ponstan?

Women can take Ponstan for the treatment of period pain. However, Ponstan passes into breast milk. Speak to your doctor before breast-feeding.

Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Ponstan?

You can eat and drink normally when taking Ponstan.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with period pain?

You can take paracetamol if you period pain is particularly bad, at the same time as you take Ponstan. You can also use heat pads on the abdomen area and lower back.

Alternatives to Ponstan

Alternatives for the treatment of period pain include other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, or celecoxib.

Sources

• Period pain – NHS
• Package leaflet: Information for the user Ponstan 250 mg Capsules