Does Pontalon Make You Sleepy?

Pontalon is a brand name for a drug called mefenamic acid which is used to treat mild to moderate pain from various conditions such as dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). It belongs under the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can be found in the form of tablets. Drowsiness is a part of the adverse effect that a person can experience when taking mefenamic acid. Besides drowsiness, there are some side effects that can occur when taking this drug.

Some of the common side effects include:

• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Mild side effects may take several days or a few weeks for it to go away. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects do not subside or it becomes worse.

Serious side effects may occur and should be informed to your doctor immediately if it ever occurs. Serious side effects of mefenamic acid includes:

• Fainting
• Severe headache
• Tinnitus
• Fast heartbeat
• Mood changes
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Vision changes
• Symptoms of heart failure such as swollen ankles, sudden weight gain, unusual tiredness

Rare side effects such as:

• Easily bruised or unexplained bleeding
• Signs of infection such as fever or persistent sore throat
• Change in the color of urine

Mefenamic acid rarely causes any serious or fatal liver disease but if you notice any changes such as dark urine, pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting or yellow discoloration of the eye or skin when taking the drug, contact your doctor immediately.

Although allergic reactions are rare, seek help immediately. Allergic reactions can be in the form of skin reactions as rashes or hives, difficulty breathing and swollen face or throat.

Dosage of Mefenamic Acid

In general the first dose for mefenamic acid is 500 mg for adults and 250mg every 6 hours. It should be noted that mefenamic acid cannot be used for more than 7 days.

Mefenamic Acid & Pregnancy

Mefenamic acid should not be used for pregnant women unless it’s prescribed. Mefenamic acid should not be used during the third trimester of pregnancy as it may harm the fetus by early closure of the blood vessels that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

Precautions

If you have conditions such as high blood pressure or heart failure please talk to your doctor before taking mefenamic acid. Mefenamic acid can increase the risk of heart problems such as heart attack, stroke and blood clots. A person can have a higher risk if has pre-existing heart conditions and has been taking mefenamic acid for a long period of time. Mefenamic acid also can cause water retention which can lead to high blood pressure.

Take note that mefenamic acid can cause increased risk in bleeding or ulcer in your stomach or intestine. Some risk factors such as age 65, smoking and drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing ulcers and bleeding stomach.

As mefenamic acid can cause serious allergic side effects, people with asthma should notify their healthcare provider before taking mefenamic acid. Mefenamic acid can cause airway obstruction by narrowing the airways.

Drug Interactions

If you’re having certain conditions and currently taking any medications please inform your doctor or pharmacist before starting mefenamic acid. Taking mefenamic acid with blood pressure drugs can decrease the effectiveness of the blood pressure drugs. Examples of blood pressure drugs are angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors and beta blockers.

Other drugs such as diuretics won’t work well when taken with mefenamic acid as mefenamic acid can cause water retention. Taking other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the risk of stomach ulcer and bleeding. Taking anticoagulants or blood thinners can also lead to stomach bleeding. While taking antacid can lead to increased levels of mefenamic acid in the body which can lead to the increase of side effects.