Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids, Acellular Pertussis, and Poliovirus Vaccine and Ponstel

• Generic Name: diphtheria toxoid / pertussis, acellular / poliovirus vaccine, inactivated / tetanus toxoid
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Kinrix, Quadracel

Diphtheria, pertussis acellular, polio, and tetanus are serious diseases caused by bacteria or virus.

Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, and airway. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.

Pertussis (whooping cough) causes coughing so severe that it interferes with eating, drinking, or breathing. These spells can last for weeks and can lead to pneumonia, seizures (convulsions), brain damage, and death.

Polio affects the central nervous system and spinal cord. It can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. Polio is a life threatening condition because it can paralyze the muscles that help you breathe.

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in about 1 out of 10 cases.

Diphtheria, pertussis, and polio are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.

This vaccine is used to help prevent these diseases in children who are ages 4 through 6 years (before the 7th birthday) who have received prior vaccination with a DTaP and IPV series.

This vaccine works by exposing your child to a small dose of the virus, bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Like any vaccine, the diphtheria, pertussis acellular, polio, and tetanus vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

• Generic Name: mefenamic acid
• Dosage Forms: capsule
• Other Brand Names: Ponstel

Ponstel is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medicine works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Ponstel is used short-term (7 days or less) to treat mild to moderate pain in adults and children who are at least 14 years old. This medicine is also used to treat menstrual pain.

Ponstel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.