Ponstan Tablets (500mg)

What is Ponstan?

Ponstan is a derivative of anthranilic acid.

It fights against the flaming agents present in the body, conclusively soothing the pain and inflammation that is caused by them. Because of this, Ponstan is commonly prescribed for women who suffer from painful and heavy periods.

You need a prescription to be able to buy Ponstan.

What is Ponstan used to treat?

Ponstan is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat a number of sometimes painful conditions. It is widely prescribed in the UK due to its effectiveness in being able to alleviate the pain caused by a wide range of problems.

Ponstan is often prescribed to relieve period pain in women. This commonly occurs when the muscle wall of the womb contracts more intensely than usual so the womb lining can be shed. These contractions compress the blood vessels in the womb lining, which cuts off the usual supply of blood and oxygen to the womb, causing the womb tissues to release pain-triggering chemicals.

Aside from period pain, some of the other problems Ponstan can be used to treat include:

• Arthritis
• Migraines
• Back pain
• Muscular and joint pain
• Dental pain

Why is Ponstan recommended to treat period pain?

Clinical research has found that mefenamic acid is an effective treatment for period pain. 

It will normally take between 2 and 4 hours for Ponstan to work. It is normally effective for up to 8 hours per dose.

How do Ponstan tablets work?

Ponstan contains mefenamic acid, which works to relieve pain by blocking the production of hormones called prostaglandins, which are released at the site of an infection or tissue damage. In the case of period pain, prostaglandins cause contractions in your womb and can cause pain if too many are released.

By stopping the production of prostaglandins, the pain is reduced significantly. 

Who can take Ponstan?

Ponstan is not suitable for all patients. If you have any doubt at all about whether this is a suitable medicine for you to take, you should speak to your doctor.

You are not advised to take this medicine if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

• High blood pressure
• Any nervous disorders such as seizures, anxiety, depression or schizophrenia
• Blood disorders
• A history of anaemia
• Liver disease
• You have recently had heart bypass surgery
• Heart failure
• You are allergic to mefenamic acid or any other ingredients in Ponstan
• You have or have recently had any inflammatory stomach conditions
• You are under 18
• Asthma
• Any kidney diseases
• You have had a stroke

You are not advised to drink alcohol while using this medicine. You should also speak to your doctor about combining Ponstan with herbal remedies such as green tea.

See the patient information leaflet for a full list of warnings.

Can you buy Ponstan over the counter?

No, Ponstan is a prescription-strength medicine, meaning it is not for sale over the counter.

Can you buy Ponstan online in the UK?

You can buy Ponstan online from Medicine Direct. However, as this is a prescription-only medicine (POM), you will need to complete an online consultation before you can order it from our online pharmacy. All you have to do is answer some questions about your medical history and condition for one of our registered prescribers to review. After they have confirmed that Ponstan is suitable for you to take, your order will be confirmed.

Ponstan alternatives

Generic Mefenamic Acid 500mg tablets are also available to buy from Medicine Direct following an online consultation with one of our prescribers.

The generic version of Mefenamic Acid will work in the same way as Ponstan to relieve period pain and pain from other conditions.

Over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen can also provide effective pain relief from heavy periods.

How to take Ponstan Tablets

Take Ponstan in the dose your doctor has prescribed for you. Read the patient information leaflet and ask your doctor for guidance if you are not sure.

Ponstan can be taken up to three times a day, do not exceed 1500mg (three 500mg tablets) in 24 hours. To relieve period pain, you will normally take it for between 2 and 4 days.

Take Ponstan tablets after a meal to avoid an upset stomach.

Swallow Ponstan tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew them.

Ponstan Side Effects

Not everyone will experience undesirable effects from taking Ponstan, but you should contact your doctor if you experience any of the below:

• Diarrhoea
• Heartburn
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Wind
• Feeling drowsy or dizzy
• Decrease in appetite or loss of appetite altogether
• Nervousness
• Difficulty in sleeping

Always read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before you start to use any medicine. 

Ponstan Warnings and Drug Interactions

Certain drugs and medications may interact with mefenamic acid. Before you take Ponstan, you should inform your doctor if you are currently taking any other anti-inflammatory drugs.

You should also inform your doctor of any other prescription or non-prescription medicines you are currently taking; this includes herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.

Speak to your doctor before you take mefenamic acid treatments if you are already using:

• ASA
• Cholestyramine
• Beta-adrenergic blockers (such as atenolol or metoprolol)
• Digoxin
• Cyclosporine
• Colestipol
• Methotrexate
• Ginseng
• Ginkgo biloba
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Corticosteroids (such as prednisone, hydrocortisone or dexamethasone)
• Potassium supplements
• Any other NSAIDs
• Ticlopidine
• Warfarin
• Tacrolimus
• Certain serotonin reuptake inhibitors (such as paroxetine or sertraline)

You are not advised to drink alcohol while using this medicine. You should also speak to your doctor about combining Ponstan with herbal remedies such as green tea.

Read the patient information leaflet, which will come with your order, for a full list of warnings.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Because Ponstan contains mefenamic acid, it is not advisable to take it if you are either pregnant, trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Ponstan Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Mefenamic Acid

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.