Ponstel
Mefenamic acid tablets for acute pain and period cramps. It is often reserved for when standard painkillers have not been enough for period pain.
All strengths and pack prices
| Strength | Pack | Price | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250mg | 90 tablets | $82.00 | $0.91 |
| 250mg | 120 tablets | $98.00 | $0.82 |
| 250mg | 180 tablets | $126.00 | $0.70 |
| 250mg | 270 tablets | $170.00 | $0.63 |
| 250mg | 360 tablets | $212.00 | $0.59 |
| 500mg | 60 tablets | $85.00 | $1.42 |
| 500mg | 90 tablets | $108.00 | $1.20 |
| 500mg | 120 tablets | $136.00 | $1.13 |
| 500mg | 180 tablets | $182.00 | $1.01 |
| 500mg | 270 tablets | $251.00 | $0.93 |
| 500mg | 360 tablets | $331.00 | $0.92 |
- Category
- Pain & Anti-inflammatories
- Active ingredient
- Mefenamic Acid
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 250mg · 500mg
Ponstel is the reference name. You receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength.
No prescription needed: we place your order for Ponstel on your behalf.
- Conditions
- Acute Pain · Primary Dysmenorrhoea
- Alternative names
- mefenamic acid
- Therapeutic class
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
- Pharmacological class
- NSAID
- Minor side effects
- dyspepsia; nausea; abdominal pain
- Moderate side effects
- diarrhoea; headache; dizziness
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Originator
- Shionogi
- Onset time
- 1 hour
- Duration
- 6–8 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- Aspirin; Warfarin; Lithium
- Age restrictions
- Approved for children over fourteen years and adults.
Contraindications
recent coronary bypass surgery; active peptic ulcer disease; history of aspirin-induced asthma
Serious side effects
severe gastrointestinal perforation, requires immediate medical attention; myocardial infarction, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Mefenamic acid tablets for acute pain and period cramps. It is often reserved for when standard painkillers have not been enough for period pain.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes and blocks prostaglandin synthesis inside localised uterine and joint tissues.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Avoid in third trimester due to risk of premature ductus arteriosus closure. Breastfeeding: Expelled in low amounts.
FAQ
Will I receive the original Ponstel?
No. Ponstel is the original brand, made by Shionogi, and Direct Meds uses the name to identify the medicine: you receive a generic with the same active ingredient (mefenamic acid) at the strength you choose. The generic brand and manufacturer depend on available stock.
How much does Ponstel cost in South Africa?
It depends on the strength and pack. Ponstel comes in 250mg and 500mg strengths, in packs of 60 to 360 tablets, and the price of every option is shown above. Prices are set in US dollars and converted. Larger packs cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Is Ponstel sold under other names?
In South Africa, mefenamic acid is also sold under brand names such as Ponac and Fenamin.
What is Ponstel used for?
Ponstel contains mefenamic acid, used for acute pain and primary dysmenorrhoea.
How quickly does Ponstel work?
Mefenamic acid usually starts to work within 1 hour, and its effect lasts about 6 to 8 hours. The exact timing differs between people.
Does Ponstel have side effects?
Yes. The common side effects of mefenamic acid are indigestion (dyspepsia), nausea and abdominal pain. Less common ones include diarrhoea, headache and dizziness. Serious but less common side effects include severe gastrointestinal perforation and myocardial infarction, which need urgent medical attention.
What does Ponstel interact with?
Mefenamic acid can interact with aspirin, warfarin and lithium. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before you start taking Ponstel.
Can I buy Ponstel over the counter in South Africa?
Online, yes: Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order Ponstel. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Where can I buy Ponstel in South Africa?
On Direct Meds: choose the strength and pack, then check out. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →What you will receive
Ponstel names the medicine you are looking for. What ships is a generic version of it.
- A generic containing Mefenamic Acid at the strength you pick.
- Which generic brand and maker ships depends on stock and destination.
- Check the active ingredient, strength, form, pack, seal, batch and expiry when it arrives.