Ponstan Forte 500mg Tablets

Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It lowers the body's production of substances that cause pain and inflammation. It is used for:

• short-term relief of mild to moderate pain
• period pain

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, for the shortest time needed.

• Take it with food.
• It is usually used for no more than about a week at a time.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never take two doses at once.

Common side effects include:

• diarrhoea, constipation, wind or bloating
• headache, dizziness, nervousness
• ringing in the ears

Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have:

• black or bloody stools, or vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
• chest pain, breathlessness, weakness on one side, or slurred speech
• swelling of the face or throat, a rash, blisters or trouble breathing
• yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain in the upper right tummy
• swollen ankles, sudden weight gain, or changes in passing urine
• blurred vision

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding
• have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or have had a stroke, or smoke
• have asthma, especially with nasal polyps
• have kidney or liver disease, heart failure or fluid retention
• take aspirin, other NSAIDs or blood thinners
• are over 65, or are breastfeeding

Keep it in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Heart and stomach: NSAIDs can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, and can cause stomach ulcers or bleeding without warning. Do not take it just before or after heart bypass surgery.

Pregnancy: avoid from 20 weeks of pregnancy unless your doctor says otherwise.

Alcohol: heavy drinking raises the risk of stomach bleeding.