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$Title{MEFENAMIC ACID}
$Subject{Ponstel (Parke-Davis)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


MEFENAMIC ACID
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Ponstel (Parke-Davis)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic
INGREDIENT:
     mefenamic acid
DOSAGE FORM:
     Capsules (250 mg)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container at room
       temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

USES

     Mefenamic acid is used to treat painful menstruation.  Mefenamic acid has
been shown to block the production of certain body chemicals, called
prostaglandins, that may trigger pain.  However, it is not yet fully
understood how it works.

TREATMENT

     Mefenamic acid should be taken with food or antacids to lessen stomach
irritation (unless your doctor recommends otherwise).  Take this medication
only as directed by your doctor.  Do not take more of it or take it more
often; and do not take it for longer than seven days at a time, unless your
doctor tells you to do so.  Taking too much of this medicine or using it for
long periods of time may increase your chances of experiencing serious side
effects.
     It is important to take mefenamic acid on schedule and not to miss any
doses.  If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is
almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at
all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next
dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness,
drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of
appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, unusual sweating, or
vomiting.  As your body adjusts to the drug, these side effects should
disappear.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you become dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     If any side effects are persistent or particularly bothersome, you should
report them to your doctor.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; depression;
difficult or painful urination; palpitations; a problem with hearing; ringing
or buzzing in the ears; severe diarrhea; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach
pain; swelling of the feet; tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, or
wheezing; unexplained sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or bruising;
unusual fatigue or weakness; unusual weight gain; or yellowing of the eyes or
skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Mefenamic acid interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin can lead to an
increase in bleeding complications if taken at the same time as mefenamic
acid.
     2. Concurrent use with aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory
medications can increase stomach irritation.  Aspirin may also decrease the
effectiveness of mefenamic acid.
     3. Probenecid may increase blood levels of mefenamic acid, which may
increase the risk of side effects.
     4. The action of beta blockers may be decreased by this medication.
     5. The drug can interact with diuretics (water pills).
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to
any medications, especially to mefenamic acid or to any of the other
chemically related drugs (aspirin, other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal,
fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, meclofenamate, indomethacin, ketoprofen,
naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, or tolmetin).
     * Before taking mefenamic acid, it is important to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had asthma, bleeding problems, colitis,
stomach ulcers or other stomach problems, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood
pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, or Parkinson's
disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Because mefenamic acid can prolong your bleeding time, it is important
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug before having
surgery or any other medical or dental treatment.
     * If you experience severe diarrhea while taking this medication, check
with your doctor immediately.  Do not take this medication again unless you
first check with your doctor, because severe diarrhea can occur each time you
take it.
     * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly
or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication.  These should,
therefore, be avoided (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     * If this drug is to be given to a child under 12 years of age, discuss
the risks as well as the benefits with your doctor.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This type of
medication may cause unwanted effects on the heart or blood flow in the fetus.
Also, studies in animals have shown that this type of medicine, if taken late
in pregnancy, can increase the length of pregnancy, prolong labor, and cause
other problems during delivery.  Mefenamic acid has not been shown to cause
birth defects in animals; however, studies in humans have not been conducted.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.  Small amounts of mefenamic
acid pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
