Ponstan, whose main component is mefenamic acid, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is effective in relieving pain and inflammation in various conditions. This drug is prescribed by doctors to reduce moderate to severe pain caused by inflammation and various conditions.
Mechanism of Action
Ponstan works due to mefenamic acid, which inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a key role in the development of pain and inflammation in the body. By blocking the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandins, Ponstan 500 effectively reduces pain and inflammation while acting quickly over a long period of time.
Indications
Medication Ponstan is used to treat pain and inflammation in the following conditions:
- Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea): reduces cramps and discomfort.
- Headache and migraine: helps reduce the intensity of pain.
- Toothache: used as an anesthetic for inflammation in the mouth.
- Rheumatic pain: reduces inflammation and pain in arthritis and other joint diseases.
- Postoperative pain: prescribed to relieve pain after surgical procedures.
- Ponstan may also be prescribed for minor injuries, sprains and other types of muscle pain.
Dosage
Ponstan 500, is used to effectively relieve pain and reduce inflammation. As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), the drug actively inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins - chemicals responsible for pain and inflammatory response of the body. The drug is usually taken orally with meals to reduce possible stomach irritation. However, the dosage of Ponstan 500 mg may vary depending on the nature of the condition and the intensity of the pain.
Menstrual pain: the drug Ponstan is considered to be one of the effective remedies to reduce pain during menstruation. The recommended dosage is 500 mg twice a day. The drug is taken 1–2 days before the expected onset of menstruation, which helps prevent the development of pain syndrome, and continues for 1–3 days. The dosage can be reduced as the pain decreases.
Headache and toothache: Ponstan is also prescribed in a 500 mg dosage to relieve severe headache or toothaches. For headaches, the drug may reduce unpleasant symptoms by inhibiting inflammation. The dosage for adult patients is 500 mg at the beginning of a pain attack, if necessary, repeated administration after 4–6 hours is allowed, but the daily dose should not exceed 2000 mg (4 tablets). For toothache, a single dose of 500 mg is recommended, with the possibility of repeated administration if the pain recurs.
Muscle and joint pain: For muscle pain, such as pain after exercise, sprains or bruises, Ponstan 500 mg, also shows good efficacy. In adult patients, it is recommended to take one tablet 2–3 times a day for several days, until the pain syndrome is completely eliminated. For joint pain caused by inflammation (for example, arthritis), the drug can be taken 500 mg 2–3 times a day, but the duration of treatment is determined by the doctor depending on the patient's condition.
After surgical interventions: Post-surgical pain and inflammation can also be managed with the drug Ponstan. It is usually recommended to take 500 mg 2 times a day starting from the first 24 hours after surgery. This regimen can be continued for up to several days, but it is not advisable to exceed the dosage or course length without a doctor's recommendation.
Rheumatoid diseases: Rheumatic pain requires long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs, and Ponstan is used here in courses. The standard dosage is 500 mg twice a day, but the dosage can be increased to 3 times a day if necessary. Treatment usually lasts several weeks, but requires monitoring by a specialist to prevent possible side effects, as NSAIDs can negatively affect the gastrointestinal tract.
For fever: Ponstan 500 mg tablets, can be used to reduce fever accompanied by inflammatory processes or infections. In this case, a single dose of 500 mg is recommended, after which the administration can be repeated after 6–8 hours if the fever persists. However, more specialized antipyretics are often chosen to control fever, as high-dose NSAIDs can have side effects with prolonged use.
Age categories: Although Ponstan is more commonly used for adults, in rare cases it is also prescribed to adolescents over the age of 14, provided they are supervised by a doctor. In such situations, the dosage is no more than 500 mg twice a day. For children under 14 years of age, this drug is not recommended, since high doses of NSAIDs can have a negative impact on the development of the child's body.
Side effects
- Gastric disorders: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea and heartburn.
- Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling.
- Central nervous system: dizziness, drowsiness.
- In rare cases - deterioration of liver and kidney function.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to mefenamic acid or other NSAIDs.
- Ulcerative diseases of the GI tract in the acute stage.
- Severe impairment of renal and hepatic function.
- Cardiovascular diseases in the decompensation stage.
- Pregnancy (especially the 3rd trimester) and lactation period.
- The drug Ponstan may reduce the concentration of attention. Also, alcohol consumption during treatment may increase side effects, especially GI side effects, therefore it is recommended to avoid alcohol during the drug administration.
Interaction with other medicines
Anticoagulants: Combining Ponstan 500 with medicines that reduce blood clotting, such as warfarin, increases the risk of bleeding, because mefenamic acid may increase the effect of anticoagulants. This requires monitoring of clotting parameters and caution in dosage selection. It is recommended that alternative methods of pain management be discussed with the physician if the patient is already prescribed a course of anticoagulants.
NSAIDs and Aspirin: Ponstan is not recommended to be used concomitantly with other NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac), as well as with aspirin, as it may increase the load on the gastrointestinal tract and increase the risk of ulcers and bleeding. If additional analgesia or anti-inflammatory effects are needed, your doctor will select alternative medications that are safe in combination.
Antihypertensive drugs: ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and diuretics (diuretics) may decrease their effectiveness when used concomitantly with Ponstan. NSAIDs, including mefenamic acid, can retain sodium and water, which may increase blood pressure. Patients with arterial hypertension should be especially careful and monitor blood pressure at the beginning of treatment.
Diuretics: Ponstan can reduce the effectiveness of diuretics such as furosemide and thiazides. This is due to the fact that NSAIDs reduce blood flow to the kidneys, which in turn weakens the effect of diuretics. In addition, combination of Ponstan with diuretics increases the risk of renal failure, especially in patients with impaired renal function.
Lithium-containing drugs: Co-administration of Ponstan and lithium preparations may increase the concentration of lithium in the blood, which leads to an increased risk of toxicity. Since NSAIDs reduce the excretion of lithium from the body, it is important for patients taking lithium to monitor blood lithium levels regularly and discuss the need for dose adjustment with their physician.
Methotrexate: Since Ponstan can slow the excretion of methotrexate from the body, their combined use may lead to increased toxicity and cause unwanted effects such as bone marrow suppression and kidney damage. Therefore, patients taking methotrexate should avoid Ponstan or use it only under strict medical supervision.
Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus: these drugs may increase the renal side effects of Ponstan when used together. This is especially important for patients with impaired renal function, as the combination of these drugs increases the risk of nephrotoxicity. If such therapy is necessary, the doctor should monitor renal function parameters and, if necessary, adjust dosages.
Corticosteroids: Co-administration of Ponstan with corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) may increase the risk of gastrointestinal complications, including ulcers and bleeding. In patients who require long-term use of both drugs, additional treatment to protect the gastric mucosa, such as proton pump inhibitors, may be recommended.
Antidepressants: Fluoxetine and Sertraline, when combined with Ponstan, increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Combining with Venlafaxine and Duloxetine, also increases the likelihood of such complications. Patients prescribed these types of antidepressants should avoid NSAIDs or use them with caution.
Where to buy Ponstan 500 mg
In the pharmaceutical market, the drug is presented in several forms. The most common are:
Ponstan Forte tablets: One of the most common forms of release of the drug, which provides a high dosage of mefenamic acid. Because of this, Ponstan Forte is commonly used to relieve intense pain that requires a quick effect.
Pastilla Ponstan: In some Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico and Spain, the drug is known as pastilla Ponstan. These tablets contain the active ingredient in a dosage suitable for standard use for moderate pain and inflammation.
Ponstan is available in pharmacies with a doctor's prescription. Depending on the region, the drug may also be available for ordering online. The cost of Ponstan varies by region and pharmacy chain, but the price is usually in the mid-range for NSAIDs.
In the United States, the mefenamic acid-based drug is known as Ponstel. A drug with this name is used for the same indication and has a similar composition. Ponstel is often prescribed for the treatment of dysmenorrhea pain, as well as other types of acute pain. Ponstan and the Ponstel analog are available in the United States by prescription. In Latin America and Europe, it is available in pharmacies and online, including Mexican online pharmacies that offer buy Ponstan 500 mg tablets and pastilla without a prescription.
$10.56
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