Ponstan®

• The usual dose of Ponstan, for people aged 14 years and over, is 2 capsules (500 mg) 3 times a day.
• If you're using Ponstan for painful periods, take your first dose as soon as your period starts or pain begins, until the pain eases.
• If you're taking it for heavy bleeding, take it for no more than 7 days.
• Always take Ponstan exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

• Food: Take Ponstan with food or immediately after food, to prevent stomach upset. 
• Take your dose with a full glass of water.
• Swallow the capsules whole — don't crush or chew them.
• Missed dose: It's not harmful if you miss your Ponstan dose. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, with or after food. Don't take double the dose.

For most people taking Ponstan is safe, but extra care is needed in some situations. For example if:

• you have high blood pressure
• you have heart or kidney problems or asthma
• you're aged 65 years or older
• you smoke.

It can also be harmful if you take Ponstan when you're dehydrated or have been sick with diarrhoea (runny poos) or vomiting (being sick). Read more about the risks of NSAIDs.

Ponstan should NOT be used in some situations as it can be harmful. For example, if you:

• have current or previous stomach problems such as ulcers or bleeding
• are pregnant
• have heart failure or chest pain (angina)
• have had a stroke or heart attack
• have chronic kidney disease
• have had an allergic reaction (such as hives or trouble breathing) to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other similar medications (discuss with your healthcare provider)
• are taking medicines to reduce blood clots (anticoagulants) such as warfarin, dabigatran or rivaroxaban
• are also taking other anti-inflammatory medicines, eg, ibuprofen, diclofenac (Volatren), naproxen (Naprosyn®) or celecoxib (Celebrex)
• are taking some blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics. Always check with your healthcare provider before taking NSAIDs.
  

Taking Ponstan with other pain medicines

Don't take other anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen or celecoxib while taking Ponstan.

It's safe to take Ponstan with paracetamol because they work differently.

Taking Ponstan with blood pressure medicines

Ponstan interacts with some medicines, especially those used for high blood pressure, so check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you start taking Ponstan.

Image credit: Healthify He Puna Waiora

Taking NSAIDs, such as Ponstan, together with blood pressure medicines can be harmful to your kidneys. This is called the ‘triple whammy’. If you're taking blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors or ARBs) and diuretics tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting Ponstan. Talk to them about safe pain-relief options for you.

• Examples of ACE inhibitors are captopril, cilazapril, enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril and quinapril.
• Examples of ARBs are candesartan, irbesartan and losartan.
• Examples of diuretics are furosemide, bumetanide, bendroflumethiazide, chlortalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, spironolactone, eplerenone and metolazone.

Read more about the triple whammy.(external link) 

Here are some other things to know when you're taking Ponstan

·       Alcohol: Ponstan doesn't directly interact with alcohol. This means that most people could have the occasional drink while taking it without any serious problems. However, if Ponstan makes you feel dizzy or gives you a sore stomach, don't drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.

·       Driving: Ponstan can make you feel dizzy. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.

·       Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.

Like all medicines, Ponstan can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you notice any symptoms that you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The information below offers some guidance but doesn’t include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Side effects often improve as your body gets used to the new medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if they bother you.

• Heartburn (indigestion), sore stomach, runny poo (diarrhoea). Take Ponstan with food.
•  Headache.
• Feeling dizzy. Don’t drink alcohol. Be careful when driving or using tools until you feel better.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 

• Serious stomach problems such as really bad stomach pain, blood in your stool or black stools, cough or vomiting up blood or dark-coloured vomit.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
• Signs of a stroke such as weakness in one part or side of your body and slurred speech.
• Signs of kidney problems such as swollen ankles, blood in your pee or not peeing at all.

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic

• If you have signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.