Ponstel

Pain, Mild pain, Primary Dysmenorrhoea + 1 more

Treatment

3 FDA approvals

2 Active Studies for Ponstel

What is Ponstel

Mefenamic acid

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Ibuprofen is a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and fever reducer. It works by blocking the production of chemicals in the body that lead to inflammation and pain.

Ponstel

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Ponstel Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Ponstel

Mefenamic acid

1967

14

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Mefenamic acid, also known as Ponstel, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses such as Pain and Mild pain .

Pain

Mild pain

Primary Dysmenorrhoea

Effectiveness

How Ponstel Affects Patients

Mefenamic acid is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce inflammation, provide pain relief, and reduce fever. It works by blocking the body's production of a certain type of hormone (prostaglandin) that contributes to inflammation.

How Ponstel works in the body

Mefenamic acid works by blocking two types of receptors in the body, COX-1 and COX-2. These receptors are responsible for inflammation and pain, so when Mefenamic acid blocks them, it helps reduce pain and inflammation.

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended dosage of Ponstel is contingent upon the diagnosed circumstance, such as Pain, Muscle Cramp and Primary Dysmenorrhoea. The amount of dosage relies upon the administration approach noted in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Pain

, 250.0 mg

, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral

Mild pain

, 250.0 mg

, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral

Primary Dysmenorrhoea

, 250.0 mg

, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral

Muscle Cramp

, 250.0 mg

, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral

Warnings

Ponstel Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

cardiac bypass surgery

Do Not Combine

Stomach Ulcer

Do Not Combine

preexisting renal disease

Do Not Combine

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Do Not Combine

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Mefenamic Acid may interact with Pulse Frequency

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Mefenamic Acid may interact with Pulse Frequency

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Mefenamic Acid may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Ponstel.

Common Ponstel Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Enasidenib

Major

The metabolism of Enasidenib can be decreased when combined with Mefenamic acid.

Epirubicin

Major

The metabolism of Epirubicin can be decreased when combined with Mefenamic acid.

Macimorelin

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Macimorelin can be decreased when used in combination with Mefenamic acid.

Methotrexate

Major

The serum concentration of Methotrexate can be increased when it is combined with Mefenamic acid.

Mifamurtide

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Mifamurtide can be decreased when used in combination with Mefenamic acid.

Ponstel Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The lowest toxic dose of this drug in rats has been found to be 740mg/kg. Overdosing on this drug may cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting resembling coffee grounds, black stools, ringing in the ears, changes in urine output, abnormal heart rate, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache, or loss of consciousness.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Ponstel Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Ponstel?

An ongoing investigation involving 4 trials is assessing the potential of Ponstel to ameliorate Mild pain, Primary Dysmenorrhoea and Muscle Cramps.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Pain

0 Actively Recruiting

Primary Dysmenorrhoea

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Muscle Cramp

0 Actively Recruiting

Mild pain

0 Actively Recruiting

Ponstel Reviews: What are patients saying about Ponstel?

5

Patient Review

8/4/2010

Ponstel for Painful Periods

For years, I've suffered from debilitating cramps brought on by my period. Endometriosis made it hard to do anything when I had my period--I couldn't move, eat, or use the restroom without being in excruciating pain. Thankfully, my doctor put me on Ponstel and it has changed my life for the better. Now, I can actually enjoy my life during my menstrual cycle instead of counting down the days until it's over.

5

Patient Review

12/12/2010

Ponstel for Painful Periods

This medication has been an absolute life-saver. I used to get so sick during my period that it would ruin my school performance and social life, but now I don't have to worry about that anymore. I highly recommend this to anyone who suffers from painful periods.

5

Patient Review

3/16/2011

Ponstel for Painful Periods

Ponstel and Hydrocodone have been a godsend for my endometriosis-related cramps. I went from being in so much pain that it would wake me up at night to being able to sleep soundly through the night. Thank you, Dr. Henry!

5

Patient Review

7/11/2014

Ponstel for Painful Periods

I've been taking this medication for 30 years now, and it's still the best one I've found for managing painful periods.

4.7

Patient Review

5/6/2010

Ponstel for Painful Periods

I was a bit skeptical at first, but this product really does work! I had shorter, less painful periods after using it the second and third time. If it can completely reduce the pain, I may stop taking medication for my cramps altogether.

4.7

Patient Review

9/30/2010

Ponstel for Painful Periods

Before taking Ponstel, my periods were so incredibly painful that I could barely leave the house. Now, after taking it at the first sign of my period, the cramping is more manageable, there's less clotting, and the heavy bleeding is reduced. I would highly recommend this drug to anyone who suffers from debilitating period pain.

4.3

Patient Review

1/28/2010

Ponstel for Painful Periods

2.3

Patient Review

12/3/2010

Ponstel for Painful Periods

I followed the instructions but my pain hasn't subsided. If anything, it feels like it's getting worse.

2.3

Patient Review

11/9/2010

Ponstel for Painful Periods

Ponstel didn't relieve my period pain after two months, so my doctor switched me to Tylenol 3 with codiene. The new medication works much better for me.

2.3

Patient Review

5/2/2017

Ponstel for Painful Periods

I'm not seeing the same results with this that I would with the medication my doctor wants me to take. However, my insurance won't cover that one so I have to make do with this.

2

Patient Review

4/4/2011

Ponstel for Painful Periods

I stuck with this medication for a full year in the hopes that it would help me, but unfortunately I had to discontinue use because the side effects (gas, nausea) were so bad. It did help with pain, but not enough to outweigh the negatives.

1

Patient Review

2/14/2011

Ponstel for Painful Periods

I would not recommend this drug to anyone. It is incredibly expensive and did nothing to relieve my cramps.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about ponstel

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is Ponstel used for?

"Mefenamic acid inhibits the inflammation process to reduce pain and swelling."

Answered by AI

Is Ponstel used for fever?

"rouj

Ponstan (mefenamic acid) can also be used to control fever. It is available in a suspension concentration of 50mg/5ml, and the recommended dose is 25mg/kg per day in divided doses. This means that an 8kg child should receive 5ml every 6 hours."

Answered by AI

Is mefenamic acid same as ibuprofen?

"It was found that mefenamic acid and ibuprofen had a similar effect in reducing pain and inflammation, and that there were few side effects apart from drowsiness in some cases."

Answered by AI

Is PONSTAN a good painkiller?

"Ponstan is a medication used to help with cramps during menstruation and to treat heavy periods. Additionally, it can be used to help with pain relief in injuries such as muscle sprains, strains, or tendonitis, as well as dental pain."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Ponstel

Image of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, United States.

Pain Medicines for Period Pain in Crohn's Disease

18 - 44
Female
Chapel Hill, NC

The purpose of this pilot study is to prepare for a larger study that will compare the effectiveness and safety of two common pain medications, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, to help treat period cramps in women with Crohn's disease. The goal of this study is to identify any challenges in running a larger study. The investigators will track how many people sign up for the study, how well participants follow the study plan, how many people stay in the study, and whether they are able to complete all the study activities, such as taking the medication, submitting samples, and filling out surveys. During the study, participants will undergo a screening visit that includes a blood draw, physical exam, pregnancy test, stool testing, and complete surveys about Crohn's disease and menstrual cycles. Once this visit is complete, the rest of the study will occur at home. Participants will be assigned to take either ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help treat period cramps for four menstrual cycles in a row. Participants will take ibuprofen for two cycles and acetaminophen for two cycles. Participants will know which medication is being taken at any given time, but the order in which they take the medications will be randomly assigned. Before each menstrual cycle, participants will submit a stool sample and fill out a short (\<1 minute) electronic survey. When participants develop period cramps, they will take the assigned medication for three days and fill out short (\<1 minute) electronic surveys about their cramps. After participants finish taking the medication for three days, they will submit another stool sample and fill out two more short (\<1 minute) electronic surveys. After have completing this process for four menstrual cycles, a remote interview with a researcher to give feedback on the study will be conducted.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Erica J Brenner, MD, MSCR