Ponstel (Mefenamic Acid) - Indications and Dosage

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of PONSTEL and other treatment options before deciding to use PONSTEL.  Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals (see WARNINGS).
 
PONSTEL is indicated:

• For relief of mild to moderate pain in patients ≥14 years of age, when therapy will not exceed one week (7 days).
• For treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of PONSTEL and other treatment options before deciding to use PONSTEL.  Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals (see WARNINGS).
 
After observing the response to initial therapy with PONSTEL, the dose and frequency should be adjusted to suit an individual patients needs.
 
For the relief of acute pain in adults and adolescents > 14 years of age, the recommended dose is 500 mg as an initial dose followed by 250 mg every 6 hours as needed, usually not to exceed one week.⁴
 
 
For the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, the recommended dose is 500 mg as an initial dose followed by 250 mg every 6 hours, given orally, starting with the onset of bleeding and associated symptoms.  Clinical studies indicate that effect treatment can be initiated with the start of menses and should not be necessary for more than 2 to 3 days.⁵

HOW SUPPLIED

Ponstel (mefenamic acid) is available as 250 mg blue-banded, ivory capsules, imprinted with "

REFERENCES

1. Neuvonen PJ, Kivisto KT: Enhancement of drug absorption by antacids. An unrecognized drug interaction. Clin Pharmacokinet. 27:120-8, Aug 1994.
2. Tall AR, Mistilits SP: Studies on Ponstan (mefenamic acid): I. Gastro-intestinal blood loss; II. Absorption and excretion of a new formulation. J Int Med Res (UK). 1975, 3 (3) p176-82.
3. Winder CV, Kaump DH, Glazko et al: Experimental observations of flufenamic, mefenamic, and meclofenamic acids. AnnPhys Med (Eng), Suppl p7-49.1967.
4. Glazko AJ: Experimental observations of flufenamic, mefenamic, and meclofenamic acids. Part III. Metabolic disposition, in Fenamates in Medicine. A Symposium, London, 1966. Annals of Physical Medicine, Supplement, pp 23-36, 1967.
5. Data on file, First Horizon (Protocol 356).
6. Budoff PW: Use of mefenamic acid in the treatment of primary dysmenorrheal. JAMA. 241: 2713-2716, 1979.
7. Buchanan RA, et al. The breast milk excretion of mefenamic acid. Curr Ther Res. 10:592, 1968.
8. Corby DG, Decker WJ: Management of acute poisoning with activated charcoal. Pediatrics. 54:324, 1974.
9. Champion GD, Graham GG: Pharmacokinetics of non-steriodal anti-inflammatory agents. Aust NZ J Med. 8 (Supp 1): 94-100, Jun 1978
10. McGurk KA, Remmel RP, Hosagrahara VP, Tosh D, Burchell B: Reactivity of mefenamic acid 1- o- acyl glucuronide with proteins in vitro and ex vivo. Drug Metab Dispos. Aug 1996, 24 (8) p842-9.
11. Ito K, Niida Y, Sato J et al: Pharmacokinetics of mefenamic acid in preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus. Acta Paediatr JPN. 36 (4): 387-91, 1994.

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