Ponstan 250mg Tablet (Mefenamic Acid)

Quick Answer: Ponstan 250mg Tablet contains Mefenamic Acid 250mg, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation, including menstrual cramps, headaches, dental pain, and muscular pain. It requires a prescription for purchase in Pakistan, and is generally taken after meals, with the dose and duration set by a doctor. It costs around Rs. 37.00 per strip at Dawa Healthcare in Pakistan, though prices can change.

Key Takeaways

•          Active Ingredient: Mefenamic Acid 250mg per tablet

•          Main Use: short-term relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation

•          Dose: as prescribed by a doctor, typically a higher initial dose followed by lower doses every 6 hours, taken after food

•          Access: requires a prescription at Dawa Healthcare in Pakistan

•          Price: around Rs. 37.00 per strip at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change

📋 Product Specifications

How Ponstan Works

Ponstan contains Mefenamic Acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the fenamate class. It works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which reduces the body's production of prostaglandins - substances responsible for pain, inflammation, and fever. This makes Ponstan effective for short-term pain relief where inflammation is a contributing factor. Follow the exact dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.

Ponstan Uses

Ponstan 250mg Tablet is used for:

•          Menstrual Pain: relief from dysmenorrhea (period cramps)

•          Headache and Dental Pain: short-term relief of mild to moderate headache and toothache

•          Muscular Pain: relief from general muscular aches and minor musculoskeletal pain

Ponstan is intended for short-term, symptomatic relief. It should not be used for chronic or persistent pain without consulting a doctor, since ongoing pain may need a different diagnosis or treatment plan.

Who Should Use Ponstan

Ponstan 250mg Tablet is generally prescribed for adults who need short-term relief from mild to moderate pain and inflammation, have no known allergy to mefenamic acid or other NSAIDs, and have no history of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or significant heart, liver, or kidney disease.

🚫 Who Should Avoid It

Avoid Ponstan, or use only under medical advice, if you have a known hypersensitivity to mefenamic acid or other NSAIDs, active or a history of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, or severe heart, liver, or kidney disease. NSAIDs including mefenamic acid carry a risk of heart attack and stroke that can increase with duration of use, so this medicine should not be used for longer than prescribed. It should also be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless specifically directed by a doctor.

Can It Be Taken Long Term?

Ponstan is intended for short-term use only, generally not exceeding the course prescribed by your doctor. Continuous use beyond the recommended duration raises the risk of gastrointestinal, kidney, and cardiovascular side effects. If pain persists or worsens after the prescribed course, consult your doctor rather than continuing to self-manage, since ongoing pain may need a different diagnosis or treatment approach.

💊 How to Take Ponstan (Dosage)

Ponstan should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, generally after meals or with milk to reduce the chance of stomach irritation, and swallowed with a full glass of water. Dosing for mefenamic acid is often started at a higher initial dose, followed by lower maintenance doses at regular intervals, for a short, defined course - your doctor will confirm the exact schedule for your condition.

Do not exceed the prescribed dose or duration. If you miss a dose, do not double up to make up for it.

Missed Dose: If you miss a scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule - do not take a double dose.

⚠️ Side Effects - What to Expect

Ponstan is generally well tolerated when taken exactly as prescribed. Side effects can include:

•          Nausea or stomach upset (common)

•          Diarrhea

•          Gastric ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding (less common, more likely with prolonged use)

•          Dizziness

•          Skin rash or allergic reaction (uncommon - discontinue and seek medical advice if this occurs)

Seek medical attention promptly if you notice black or bloody stools, severe stomach pain, unusual bruising, or signs of an allergic reaction such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing.

🛡️ Precautions and Drug Interactions

•          Gastrointestinal History: use cautiously, or avoid, if you have a history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding

•          Heart, Liver, or Kidney Disease: tell your doctor about any history of these conditions before starting Ponstan, since NSAIDs can affect all three

•          Other NSAIDs: avoid combining with other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or aspirin) unless directed, to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and kidney side effects

•          Alcohol: avoid or limit alcohol, as it can increase the risk of stomach irritation

•          Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: avoid in the third trimester of pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless specifically directed by your doctor

•          Driving or Operating Machinery: use caution if you experience dizziness after taking this medicine

❄️ Storage

Store Ponstan Tablets at room temperature, away from direct heat and moisture. Keep in the original packaging until use. Keep out of reach and sight of children.

💰 Ponstan Price in Pakistan

The Ponstan 250mg Tablet price in Pakistan is around Rs. 37.00 per strip at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change without notice. Buy genuine Ponstan online from Dawa Healthcare with fast delivery in Karachi and nationwide.

For related products, explore our Medicine category, or read wellness tips on our Health & Wellness Blog.

🔄 Ponstan 250mg vs Ponstan Forte 500mg

Ponstan and Ponstan Forte both contain Mefenamic Acid and work the same way, but differ in tablet strength. Ponstan Forte's higher 500mg strength is often used for the initial, higher dose in a mefenamic acid regimen, while the 250mg strength suits smaller maintenance doses. Your doctor will decide which strength, or combination, best fits your prescribed regimen.

For the Ponstan Forte 500mg Tablet, explore our Medicine category page.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, and read the product label before use.

📚 References

•          [1] Dawa Healthcare - Ponstan 250mg Tablet (Mefenamic Acid)  - price, pack size, and prescription requirement

•          [2] Pfizer Laboratories - Official Ponstan Prescribing Information - mechanism of action, contraindications, and safety warnings

•          [3] MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) - Mefenamic Acid drug information - dosing context, side effects, and precautions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ponstan 250mg Tablet used for?

Ponstan 250mg Tablet contains Mefenamic Acid and is used for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation, including menstrual cramps, headaches, dental pain, and muscular pain.

What is the correct dose of Ponstan for adults?

The dose and duration are set by your doctor, generally taken after meals. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or duration.

Is a prescription required to buy Ponstan?

Yes, per the current Dawa Healthcare listing, Ponstan requires a prescription.

What are the side effects of Ponstan?

Common side effects include nausea and stomach upset. Less common effects include gastric ulcers, dizziness, and allergic reactions.

Who should avoid Ponstan?

Avoid it, or seek medical advice first, if you have a known allergy to mefenamic acid or other NSAIDs, a history of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding, or significant heart, liver, or kidney disease.

Can Ponstan be taken with other medicines?

Avoid combining with other NSAIDs unless directed by your doctor, to reduce the risk of stomach and kidney side effects.

Can Ponstan be taken during pregnancy?

It should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless specifically directed by your doctor.

How should Ponstan be stored?

Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and moisture, and out of reach and sight of children.

What's the difference between Ponstan and Ponstan Forte?

Both contain Mefenamic Acid. Ponstan is 250mg per tablet, while Ponstan Forte is 500mg per tablet - a higher strength often used for the initial dose in a prescribed regimen.

What is the price of Ponstan in Pakistan?

The price is around Rs. 37.00 per strip at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change without notice.