The active principle of the drug Ponstyl is mefenamic acid, a classical non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for a long time for pain management. Mefenamic acid is a potent antipyretic agent with a favorable safety profile. It belongs to the fenamate group which includes the related products niflumic, flufenamic, meclofenamic, and tolfenamic acids. The limited water solubility of mefenamic acid and its potential gastrointestinal side effects have contributed to reduce the clinical application of this NSAID. However, it remains used in some cases, notably to treat gynecological disorders. The drug anti-inflammatory mechanism of action involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) to decrease production of the inflammatory mediators, notably production. Mefenamic acid is useful to treat primary dysmenorrhea (period pain) which is characterized by excessive uterine contraction and ischemic vasoconstriction, primarily driven by elevated levels of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators. It is also a first-choice analgesic for dentists. Safer and more effective mefenamic acid derivatives (including pro-drugs) are being developed, notably to enhance palatability, anti-inflammatory efficacy, and the oral bioavailability of the drug. The drug Ponstyl no longer exists but equivalent drugs can be found in pharmacy.
