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| Dosage | Package | Price per Dose | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250mg | 360 pill | £0.33 | £141.11 £119.94 Best Price | |
| 250mg | 180 pill | £0.36 | £76.80 £65.28 | |
| 250mg | 120 pill | £0.44 | £62.51 £53.13 | |
| 250mg | 90 pill | £0.46 | £48.22 £40.99 | |
| 250mg | 60 pill | £0.49 | £33.93 £28.84 | |
| 250mg | 30 pill | £0.55 | £19.64 £16.69 | |
| 500mg | 360 pill | £0.54 | £228.63 £194.34 Popular | |
| 500mg | 180 pill | £0.64 | £134.85 £114.63 | |
| 500mg | 120 pill | £0.70 | £98.24 £83.50 | |
| 500mg | 90 pill | £0.77 | £80.37 £68.32 | |
| 500mg | 60 pill | £0.85 | £59.83 £50.86 | |
| 500mg | 30 pill | £0.88 | £31.25 £26.56 |
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always read the official patient information leaflet and talk to a healthcare professional if you have questions about Ponstel (mefenamic acid).
In the United Kingdom, Ponstel may require a prescription depending on local rules. This page provides general information and should not replace advice from a clinician or pharmacist.
Ponstel is a brand name for mefenamic acid, which belongs to the class of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It helps reduce pain and inflammation in the body.
It works by blocking certain substances in the body called prostaglandins, which are involved in pain, inflammation and fever. By decreasing these substances, Ponstel can help relieve common pain conditions.
Ponstel is intended for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain and menstrual cramps. It may be supplied under local rules or by prescription depending on where you are in the UK.
As with any medicine, Ponstel is not suitable for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, or who are taking other medicines, may need alternatives or additional monitoring. Always read the leaflet and discuss with a doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Ponstel is used to relieve various types of short-term pain. Typical indications include menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea), dental pain, muscle or joint pains, and headaches or minor aches associated with colds or flu. It may also be used for pain after certain procedures as advised by a clinician.
It is generally prescribed for the relief of acute pain rather than long-term management. If your symptoms persist or worsen after several days, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Ponstel is not a treatment for chronic pain conditions. For ongoing pain, a clinician will assess the best long-term plan, which may include different medicines or non-drug approaches alongside or instead of NSAIDs.
Always use Ponstel exactly as directed on the packaging or by your healthcare professional. Do not use it for conditions or populations not covered by the product information without guidance from a clinician.
Mefenamic acid, the active ingredient in Ponstel, reduces the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins contribute to inflammation, pain and fever in the body, so lowering their levels helps to relieve symptoms.
The medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream and then acts at sites of inflammation and pain throughout the body. Relief of symptoms often occurs as the drug reaches effective levels in the body.
Like other NSAIDs, Ponstel can irritate the stomach lining in some people. Taking it with food or a full glass of water may help minimise stomach upset, though you should still follow the dosing instructions given by your doctor or on the packaging.
It is important to balance the benefits with potential risks. If you have a history of stomach ulcers, kidney problems, heart disease, or other conditions, you should discuss with a clinician whether Ponstel is appropriate for you.
Always follow the directions provided with the product or by a healthcare professional. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist for advice before taking Ponstel.
Take Ponstel with a full glass of water. It can be taken with food to help protect the stomach, but follow the adviser’s instructions rather than relying on timing alone.
Do not take more than the recommended amount or use Ponstel for longer than advised. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, seek medical advice rather than continuing to self-treat.
If you forget a dose, do not double up. Take the next dose when it is due and continue as planned, unless your clinician tells you otherwise. Do not exceed the recommended number of doses in any 24-hour period without medical supervision.
Ponstel may not be suitable for everyone. People who have certain medical conditions or who are taking particular medicines should avoid it unless advised otherwise by a clinician.
If you have active stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines, you should not use Ponstel unless a clinician specifically directs you. It may worsen bleeding or ulcers.
Severe kidney, liver or heart disease can increase the risk of side effects with NSAIDs. A clinician can assess whether Ponstel is appropriate in these circumstances.
If you have a history of allergic reactions to NSAIDs or aspirin, or you have had asthma symptoms such as wheeze after taking NSAIDs, you should avoid Ponstel unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
Ponstel can cause stomach side effects, ranging from mild indigestion to more serious gastrointestinal problems. Taking it with food can help, but it does not remove the risk entirely.
If you have dehydration, kidney problems or certain heart conditions, Ponstel may affect kidney function or fluid balance. A clinician will weigh the benefits against the risks in these cases.
Ponstel can interact with other medicines. Discuss all medicines you are taking with a healthcare professional, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Seek urgent medical help if you notice signs of a serious reaction, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe skin rashes, or signs of internal bleeding (such as vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or blood in stools). These events are rare but require prompt attention.
Most people tolerate Ponstel well, but some people experience side effects. Common effects include stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, and loose stools. If these persist or worry you, talk to a healthcare professional.
Other possible but less common effects are headache, dizziness, and mild skin rashes. If symptoms feel unusual or severe, seek medical advice.
In rare cases, Ponstel can cause more serious reactions, including allergic reactions such as swelling of the face or lips, severe skin rashes, or breathing difficulties. Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical help if you experience these signs.
If you notice blood in stools or vomit, persistent stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or significant swelling, contact a clinician promptly. Do not ignore warning signs.
Ponstel can interact with other medicines. Some combinations may raise the risk of adverse effects, especially on the stomach, kidneys or heart. Always tell your clinician about all medicines you take, including non-prescription products and herbal remedies.
Potential interactions include other NSAIDs, aspirin, and certain anticoagulants. They may increase the risk of stomach bleeding or affect how other medicines work.
Some medicines used for high blood pressure, kidney problems, or heart conditions may interact with Ponstel. A clinician can check for potential interactions and adjust treatment if needed.
Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking Ponstel, as alcohol can increase stomach irritation and the risk of side effects.
For pregnant people, the use of Ponstel should be discussed with a clinician. NSAIDs can carry risks to the fetus and may not be suitable in certain stages of pregnancy. Do not start or stop medicines during pregnancy without medical advice.
Breastfeeding: mefenamic acid passes into breast milk in small amounts. If you are breastfeeding, talk to a clinician about whether Ponstel is appropriate for you and your baby.
If you need analgesia during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, your clinician can suggest safe alternatives or confirm that Ponstel is appropriate for your specific situation.
As with all medicines, you should only take Ponstel during pregnancy or while breastfeeding if explicitly advised by your healthcare professional.
Ponstel blocks prostaglandin production, which reduces inflammation and pain. The effect helps with common acute pains and menstrual cramps, but it should be used as advised by a clinician or the product information leaflets.
Many people notice relief within an hour or so, but response times can vary. If pain remains uncontrolled, seek guidance from a healthcare professional rather than increasing the dose yourself.
Do not combine Ponstel with other NSAIDs unless advised by a clinician. Some combinations can increase the risk of side effects such as stomach irritation or bleeding. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking multiple pain relievers.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one. If you are unsure, contact a healthcare professional for guidance.
Pregnancy requires careful consideration. Discuss with a clinician before using Ponstel if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not start a new medicine without professional advice.
The safety and suitability of Ponstel for children depend on age and weight, and it may require a prescription. Do not give to a child without veterinary or medical guidance, and always follow the label and clinician’s instructions.
Moderate or heavy alcohol use can increase the risk of stomach irritation and ulcers when taking NSAIDs. If you drink alcohol, discuss safety with a healthcare professional.
Ponstel is intended for short-term use to relieve acute pain. Prolonged use should only occur under the direct supervision of a clinician, who will monitor for adverse effects.
If you have known kidney or liver problems, use Ponstel only under medical supervision. Your clinician may adjust the treatment plan or suggest alternatives to reduce risk.
Stop taking Ponstel and seek urgent medical help if you develop signs such as severe allergic reactions, chest pain, breathing difficulties, or severe stomach pain with vomiting or blood in stool.
If you suspect an overdose, contact emergency services or seek urgent medical advice immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms develop, as NSAID overdoses can be dangerous.
Information presented here is based on standard product information for mefenamic acid and general NHS guidance on NSAIDs. For the exact leaflet language, always refer to the patient information provided with your medicine and discuss questions with a pharmacist or doctor.
For further reading and official guidance, consider consulting the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) consumer information on mefenamic acid and the British National Formulary (BNF) where available to healthcare professionals.
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