Posted by Article on 8/29/2002, 2:26 pm

Hi Friends, I found this very interesting! I think I will be asking my doc about Ponstel! It has never been suggested to me. I take ibuprofen and like the article says, it has to be started prior to one's period to be more effective, so that is a lot of extra meds to be putting in one's body - a med that has been shown can affect the kidneys. I used to take SO much of this when it was the ONLY means of pain control prescribed to me and it was a big concern for me, taking the maximum dose for YEARS. Also, note the measurement of uterine contractions that one can have during their periods, in contrast to those of childbirth contractions! Pretty revealing isn't it, about the way we suffer with these 'cramps' (super duper contractions?!). Love, Sue ******** Report finds newer not necessarily better for treating dysmenorrhea August 29, 2002 2002 AUG 29 - (NewsRx.com) -- A review article published in the July 2002 issue of OBG Management found that newer is not necessarily better in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. The article, "NSAIDs: Is newer better for dysmenorrhea?" is authored by Roger Smith, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri, and Jeffrey Ellis, MD, a physician in private practice in Plymouth, Indiana. The article found that mefenamic acid, a nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug (NSAID) commercially known as Ponstel (mefenamic acid capsules, 250 mg) that has been on the market for 35 years, may be superior to naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, and COX-2 inhibitors for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Marketed by First Horizon Pharmaceutical Corp. of Alpharetta, Georgia, Ponstel has a dual mode of action. It not only prevents production of prostaglandins - the chemicals that interact with receptors on the uterine muscle to cause contractions, or cramps - but also blocks the action of preformed prostaglandin on the uterine muscle. In contrast, other medications provide relief only once the pre-existing supply of prostaglandin has been exhausted through interaction with the uterine muscles, a process which can take up to 2 hours. Because it blocks preformed prostaglandins, Ponstel works quickly to treat primary dysmenorrhea. Objective studies of the drug published by Smith have documented intrauterine pressure changes within 15 minutes of taking the medication, providing fast relief from symptoms and eliminating the need for taking the medication prior to the start of the menstrual cycle. Objective studies previously conducted by Smith show that uterine contractions associated with the menstrual period may be 6-8 times greater than the contractions associated with childbirth. Uterine contractions considered optimal for childbirth characteristically measure 50-60 mm Hg during childbirth. In women with severe primary spasmodic dysmenorrhea, uterine contractions frequently approach 80-100 mm Hg and can measure as high as 400 mm Hg. Thus, for women who suffer from severe primary spasmodic dysmenorrhea, it is important that their medication provide rapid pain relief. "Menstrual cramps in women with dysmenorrhea can be extremely painful and debilitating," said Smith. "With pain that has the potential to be so severe, rapid action is clearly very important." Smith and Ellis conclude in the article that it is wise to rely on established drugs, such as Ponstel, until there is further refinement of the existing knowledge of the interaction between uterine prostaglandins, menstrual function, and the physiology of dysmenorrhea. This article was prepared by Women's Health Weekly editors from staff and other reports. (C) Copyright 2002 NewsRx.com