Generice Name: Mefenamic Acid Brand Name:Ponstan, Ponstel Classifications:central nervous system agent;analgesic; nsaid; antipyretic Pregnancy Category:C

Availability 250 mg tablets Actions Anthranilic acid derivative. Like ibuprofen inhibitsprostaglandin synthesis and affects platelet function. No evidence that it is superior to aspirin. Therapeutic effects Analgesic, antiinflammatory, and antipyretic actions similar to those of ibuprofen. Uses Short-term relief of mild to moderate pain including primary dysmenorrhea. Contraindications Hypersensitivity to drug;GI inflammation,or ulceration.Safety in children <14 y, during pregnancy (category C), or lactation is not established. Cautious use History of kidney or liver disease;blood dyscrasias;asthma;diabetes mellitus;hypersensitivity to aspirin. Long term use increases risk of serious adverse events. Route & Dosage Mild to Moderate Pain adult: PO Loading Dose 500 mg PO Maintenance Dose 250 mg q6h prn Administration Oral

Give with meals, food, or milk to minimize GI adverse effects. Do not use drug for a period exceeding 1 wk (manufacturers warning).

Adverse effects CNS:Drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, nervousness, confusion, headache. GI:Severe diarrhea, ulceration, and bleeding; nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, flatus, constipation, hepatic toxicity. Hematologic:Prolonged prothrombin time, severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia (long-term use), leukopenia, eosinophilia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenic purpura, megaloblastic anemia, pancytopenia, bone marrow hypoplasia. Urogenital:Nephrotoxicity, dysuria, albuminuria, hematuria, elevation of BUN. Skin:Urticaria, rash, facial edema. SpecSenses:Eye irritation, loss of color vision (reversible), blurred vision, ear pain. BodyWhole:Perspiration. CV:Palpitation. Respiratory:Dyspnea; acute exacerbation of asthma; bronchoconstriction (in patients sensitive to aspirin). Nursing implications Assessment & Drug Effects

Assess patients who develop severe diarrhea and vomiting for dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Lab tests: With long-term therapy (not recommended) obtain periodic complete blood counts, Hct and Hgb, and kidney function tests.

Patient & Family Education

Discontinue drug promptly if diarrhea, dark stools, hematemesis, ecchymoses, epistaxis, or rash occur and do not use again. Contact physician. Notify physician if persistent GI discomfort, sore throat, fever, or malaise occur.

Do not drive or engage in potentially hazardous activities until response to drug is known. It may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Monitor blood glucose for loss of glycemic control if diabetic. Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting physician.