What is the most important information I should know about Ponstel?

• Do not take Ponstel for longer than 1 week without first talking to your doctor. It is intended for short-term use only.
• Take Ponstel with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
• Watch for bloody, black, or tarry stools or blood in vomit. These symptoms could indicate damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
• If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, Ponstel may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

What is Ponstel?

• Ponstel is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ponstel works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
• Ponstel is used to reduce pain caused by various conditions including menstruation.
• Ponstel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ponstel?

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
  • have an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAIDs,
  • have an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach,
  • drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day,
  • have liver or kidney disease,
  • a coagulation (bleeding) disorder,
  • congestive heart failure,
  • fluid retention,
  • heart disease, or
  • high blood pressure.
• You may not be able to take Ponstel, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Ponstel is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Ponstel should not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because a similar drug is known to affect the baby's heart. Do not take Ponstel without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Ponstel passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medicine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Ponstel?

• Take Ponstel exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take Ponstel with milk, food, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
• Do not take Ponstel for longer than 1 week without first talking to your doctor. It is intended for short-term use only.
• Store Ponstel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of a Ponstel overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, seizures, sweating, numbness or tingling, little or no urine production, and slow breathing.

What should I avoid while taking Ponstel?

• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Ponstel may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
• If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, Ponstel may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

What are the possible side effects of Ponstel?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Ponstel and seek medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • muscle cramps, numbness, or tingling;
  • ulcers (open sores) in the mouth;
  • rapid weight gain (fluid retention);
  • seizures;
  • black, bloody, or tarry stools;
  • blood in urine or vomit;
  • decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice); or
  • abdominal cramping, indigestion, or heartburn.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ponstel and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • dizziness or headache;
  • nausea, gaseousness, diarrhea, or constipation;
  • depression;
  • fatigue or weakness;
  • dry mouth; or
  • irregular menstrual periods.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Ponstel?

• Other prescription and over-the-counter drugs may interact with Ponstel. Talk to your doctor before taking Ponstel if you are taking any of the following drugs:
  • another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin);
  • aspirin or another salicylate (form of aspirin) such as salsalate (Disalcid), choline salicylate, and magnesium salicylate;
  • a diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, others), chlorothiazide (Diuril, others), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), furosemide (Lasix), spironolactone (Aldactone), and amiloride (Midamor);
  • an anticoagulant such as warfarin (Coumadin);
  • a steroid such as prednisone (Deltasone);
  • an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol) or glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta); or
  • lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, others).
• Talk to your doctor before taking Ponstel if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the ones listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Ponstel. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.