Aceclofenac is a prescription drug prescribed for painful rheumatic conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is an NSAID that works by blocking the effect of cyclooxygenase enzymes which makes chemical prostaglandins at the sites of injury or damage causing pain or inflammation.
| Nature: | Anti-inflammatory pain killer |
| Uses: | Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis |
| Composition: | Cellulose microcrystalline, glycerine and palmitostearate |
| Side effects: | Indigestion, diarrhoea, dizziness, nausea and vomiting |
| Precautions: | Pregnancy, Liver and kidney problem, heart disease and failure. |
It is also used in treating conditions such as fever, headache and dental pain.
Aceclofenac Composition:
Aceclofenac is a film-coated tablet with Aceclofenac as the active ingredient. Each tablet consists of 100 MG of Aceclofenac. The core tablet contains cellulose microcrystalline, glycerine palmitostearate, povidone K30 and croscarmellose sodium.
The film coating contains:
Hypromellose 15 cps, macrogol 400 and titanium dioxide (E171)
Aceclofenac Uses:
Aceclofenac tablets are used by patients for the following ailments:
- Osteoarthritis: This condition is a degenerative joint disease that involves the cartilage and surrounding tissues.The drug is used to treat tender and painful joints that are associated with osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: The drug is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis that causes swelling, pain and stiffness of the joints. If consumed for 4 weeks, twice in a day the patient’s condition is likely to improve.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: It is a form of arthritis that affects the spine. This condition causes stiffness and pain from the lower back to the neck. It can be controlled if early treatment and diagnosis is done that can reduce or prevent deformity. The pain is not limited to the joints.
Aceclofenac Side Effects:
This is an approved drug in India but can cause side effects in some users. These include diarrhoea, stomach pain, vomiting, skin rashes, nausea, constipation etc. Consult a doctor if these side effects become severe or persistent.
- Indigestion: In case of indigestion, patients should take the tablets along with a meal. If the pain continues, talk to the doctor right away.
- Diarrhoea: Drink plenty of water and other fluids to replace the loss of fluid caused in this condition.
- Dizziness: Do not drive or use heavy machinery if the patient experiences dizziness.
Aceclofenac Dosage:
Usually, the dose is one 100MG tablet to be taken twice preferably in the morning with your breakfast and in the evening with your dinner. The duration of the course should be followed as per doctors’ instructions. Drink plenty of water to minimise the occurrence of stomach irritations and indigestion. Do not exceed the dosage or duration of the treatment.
Before starting the medication, read the information on the leaflet. It will give information about the medicine and the side effects of the drug.
Recommended Dosages
- Adults : The recommended dosage for adults is 200 MG. One tablet should be taken in the morning and one in the evening (one tablet every twelve hours).
- Children : This tablet is not recommended for children under the age of 18.
- Senior citizens: This group will more likely experience side effects. Your doctor will give you the lowest effective dose for a shorter time.
The medicine is available in forms of tablets as is taken orally with water. It is advised that it should not be taken with food or after taking a meal, but not on an empty stomach. Do not crush or chew this medicine. Always read the leaflet before taking the medicine and for further information always consult the doctor.
When is Aceclofenac prescribed?
Aceclofenac is prescribed by doctor for the treatment of a host of issues; this is because the drug works effectively to counter the extreme pain and inflammation that patients experience during issues like rheumatoid disorders, osteoarthritis, and more.
How to Use Aceclofenac?
The medicine should be taken as per the dose and duration told by the doctor. Long-term use of this medicine can cause complications like kidney issues and stomach bleeding. Do not take it with alcohol. In case if the patient notices any of the symptoms such as stomach bleeding, he or she should immediately report it to the doctor. The usual dose for adults should be 100mg tablet that should be taken twice in a day. It should be taken as whole with water and can be taken with or after having food. Patients should keep sufficient gap between the doses.
One should not self-medicate without talking to the doctor and do not stop the medication if you found any improvement in the symptoms.
Price:
Aceclofenac is available for purchase in India under various titles, as manufactured by various pharmacy giants. On an average, a strip of Aceclofenac has 10 tablets, and the 100 mg variant costs anywhere between Rs. 20 to Rs. 30 per strip, which means one tablet costs between Rs. 2 to Rs. 3. Some substitutes may cost significantly more than others.
Tablets per strip : 10 tablets
Cost per strip : Rs. 20 to Rs. 30
Cost per Tablet : Rs. 2 to Rs. 3
How Aceclofenac works?
The effect of this medicine can be observed within 1.5 to3 hours after taking this medicine orally. Its effect lasts till 12-16 hours. The medicine blocks certain chemical messengers that cause pain and swelling. It reduces pain and inflammation.
How to store Aceclofenac?
It is advised to store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. Do not freeze the medicine unless required or told by the doctor. Keep this medicine away from the reach of children and pets. Also, do not flush this medicine as it cause harm to the environment. Always consult your doctor before discarding the medicine.
Variants available:
The formulations of Aceclofenac in the market are available in the following variants of strength:
- 100 mg variant
- 200 mg variant
Suspension formulations:
The drug is also accessible in liquid formulations appropriate for consumption orally. these are formulated by carefully extracting the most powerful layer of the salt, to create a high performance liquid chromatography.
Aceclofenac Drug interactions:
Aceclofenac has moderate to severe interactions with certain groups of drugs.
Severe interaction of Aceclofenac is seen with drugs such as:
- Warfarin
- Steroids
- Diuretics
- Drugs used to lower blood sugar level in diabetes patients
- Methotrexate
- Ciclosporin and Tacrolimus
- Antibiotics such as quinoline
- Zidovudine
- Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents like aspirin, ibuprofen
- Antihypertensive
- Digoxin
Related Warnings/Precautions:
Some drugs are not suitable for patients with certain medicine conditions and sometimes a medicine is only used if extra care is taken.
This drug should not be taken under the following circumstances:
- If the patient is allergic to this or any other anti-inflammatory painkillers.
- If the patient is suffering from stomach or duodenal bleeding such as ulcers.
- In case of impaired kidneys, liver function or a heart condition.
- Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers cannot take this drug.
- Patients with high blood pressure or blood clotting problems should avoid this drug.
- Do not consume alcohol while taking this drug.
The medicine should be kept in cool places away from the light and heat. Also, keep this medicine away from the reach of children.
Aceclofenac Substitutes:
Mentioned below is the list of medicines having the same composition as that of Aceclofenac. Therefore, they can be used as substitutes.
- Acemiz 100 MG Tablet (Lupin)
- Altraflam 100 MG Tablet (Ranbaxy Lab)
- Algesia 100 MG Tab (Macleods Pharma)
- Affen 100 MG Tablet (Dr. Reddys Lab)
- Aceclo 100 MG Tablet (Aristo Pharmaceuticals)
Aceclofenac Interactions:
Patients must inform the doctor about all the drugs and over the counter products. Aceclofenac interacts with following drugs and products:
- Interaction with Alcohol: Alcohol should not be taken while the patient is on medication with this drug. Any symptoms like stomach bleeding or any presence of dried /coffee coloured blood in the stool should be treated by a doctor immediately.
- Interaction with Lithium: Aceclofenac 100 MG and Lithium is not recommended due to the risk of an increase in the Lithium levels. This may lead to adverse effects. In this case, ask your doctor to prescribe an alternate tablet.
- Interaction Digoxin: Do not take this drug while you are taking Digoxin. It increases the levels of Dioxin which leads to adverse effects on the heart. Consult your doctor and ask for alternative medicine.
- Interaction with Corticosteroids : This combination increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Inform you consulting doctor who will then prescribe alternative medicines.
If you have any of the below-mentioned medical conditions you should bring it to the notice of your consulting doctor who will then substitute it with another drug.
- Asthma: This drug should not be taken if you have Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) sensitive asthma.
- Gastro-Intestinal Toxicity: Aceclofenac 100MG tablet should be taken under doctors’ supervision if the treatment exceeds one month. Any adverse reactions like bleeding, ulceration, chronic indigestion, vomiting of blood or coffee coloured dry blood in stools must be reported immediately.
- Impaired Kidney Function: Anyone with kidney related diseases must consult a doctor before taking these tablets. Suitable alternative medication or suitable adjustment in dosage will be given. At the same time monitoring of kidney functions is required.
- Interaction with Anti-hypertensives : Aceclofenac 100 MG tablet along with anti-hypertensive increases the risk of kidney damage. Older users are more susceptible to interaction and regular monitoring of kidney function is of utmost priority. Also, users must maintain adequate body hydration and food intake.
Medicine that should not be used with Aceclofenac:
- Diuretics : This medicine can increase the risk of nephrotoxocity of NSAIDs, though it will not affect the blood pressure control when taken with bendrofluazide, interactions with other diuretics cannot be avoided.
- Methotrexate: The interaction between NSAID and methotrexate should be used with caution in patients suffering from renal function. In combination therapy, renal function should be monitored. Caution should be taken within 24 hours, as NSAID increases the plasma level that causes toxicity.
- Anti-coagulants: NSAID’s may increase the effect of anti-cogluants, like warfarin. Therefore, close monitoring of patients on this combination should be performed.
- Quinolone: Aceclofenac increases the risk of convulsions associated with quinolone. This drug-drug interaction can develop the risk of convulsions.
- Lithium: Avoid taking this combination as it may increase the lithium levels that can cause adverse effects. Take an alternative medicine after consulting the doctor.
- Digoxin: This combination can increase the digoxin levels in the body that can lead to an increase in the digoxin’s effects on the heart.
- Corticosteroids: It is advised to take this combination with caution as it can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. If the patient is taking either of the medicines he or she should tell to the doctor. An alternative should be taken in this case.
- Antihypertensives: Taking antihypersensitives with aceclofenac can increase the risk of kidney damage. This is more common among elderly people. In such cases, regular monitoring of kidney functions is necessary and it is advised to maintain food and liquid intake.
Aceclofenac Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1) Is Aceclofenac 100 MG Tablet suitable for breastfeeding women?
Ans: This drug is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
2) Is it safe to take this tablet during pregnancy?
Ans: No. This drug is not recommended during pregnancy.
3) Is it habit forming?
Ans: No habit forming reports are available.
4) How long does the effect of the drug last?
Ans: This drug goes through the urinary tract and the effect lasts for 12 to 16 hours.
5) When does the effect take place?
Ans: The drug performance peaks at 1.5 hours to 3 hours from the time you take a dose
6) What if a dosage is missed?
Ans: If you miss a dosage take is as soon as you remember. If the missed dose is close to the next dose then it is advisable to skip the missed dose and take it in the next scheduled time.
7) What to do in case of an overdose?
Ans: Immediate medical attention is required. Symptoms include skin rashes, confusion, pain in the chest, blurred vision etc.
8) Is driving and using machinery permitted?
Ans: If you suffer from vertigo, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue. Visual disturbances or any central nervous systems then you should not drive or operate any heavy or dangerous equipment.
9) When should you take these tablets?
Ans: Tablets should be taken with our after your meals. The doctor can advise you on the correct dosage and the frequency.
10) Can Aceclofenac 100 MG tablet be used after using Mifepristone?
Ans: This tablet should not be used for at least 8 to 10 days after taking Mifepristone (a drug used to terminate a pregnancy.
11) Is it safe to take the medicine on an empty stomach or before or after the meal?
Ans: Always follow your doctor’s advice while taking this medicine. Ideally this medicine should be taken along with food to avoid issues like digestion.
12) Does taking an expired dose of Aceclofenac causes harm?
Ans: Taking a single dose of an expired Aceclofenac does not causes any adverse affect. However, patient should consult their doctor if they feel unwell after taking the expired drug. An expired drug might not help in treating the condition. Just like all medicines, it is advised to avoid the expired drug.
13) Who should not use Aceclofenac?
Ans: This drug is a prescription only medicine that should not be given to children. It should be used with caution for patients who are allergic to aspirin and other NSAID’s such as naproxen, ibuprofen and who have been suffered with stomach ulcers or kidney diseases. This medicine should not be used by pregnant women or who are breastfeeding. Also. It should be avoided by those suffering from liver and kidney disease.
14) What are some of the things I should keep in mind while taking Aceclofenac?
Ans: Patients should inform their doctor about their past and existing medical condition. It is always advised not to take an extra dose without the doctor’s advice. They should be cautious enough while taking the medicine as its increased use may cause risk of stomach bleeding.
15) Can I drive or use heavy machinery while consuming Aceclofenac?
Ans: If a patient experiences dizziness, hypotension or headache after consuming Aceclofenac, then it is advised not to drive or use heavy machinery. A person should avoid driving or use of heavy machinery if it causes drowsiness, dizziness or lowers the blood pressure. Even doctors also suggest not drinking alcohol with drugs as it increases the side effects of drowsiness. Patients should always check for these effects on their body before starting the medication. It is always suggested to consult with the doctors for recommendations specific to the body and health conditions.
16) How long is the duration of the effect of the medicine?
Ans: The medicine shows its results within 1.5 to 3 hours and its effect lasts for 12 to 16 hours.
17) What precautions should be taken while taking Aceclofenac if the patient is suffering with cardiovascular diseases?
Ans: If the patient is suffering with cardiovascular disease, then appropriate monitoring is required for patients with a history of hypertension and mild to moderate congestive heart failure as the cardiovascular risks of the medicine increases with dose and duration of the exposure. The patient’s need for symptomatic relief and response to therapy should be re-evaluated regularly.
The drug should be taken with caution if the patient is suffering with congestive heart failure and those who have a history of cerebrovascular bleeding.
Patients suffering from hypertension, congestive heart failure should be given the medicine with careful consideration before starting with the long-term treatment.
18) In what conditions Aceclofenac should not be taken?
Ans: The patient should not use the medicine in the following conditions:
- If the patient is allergic to the drug or any other constituents.
- If the patient is allergic to aspirin or any other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) such as aspirin and diclofenac.
- If had taken Aceclofenac or any other NSAID before or have suffered from an attack of asthma, or have suffered with stomach bleeding.
- If the patient is suffering from porphyria.
- If the patient is suffering from asthma or any other breathing problem.
- Have a history of stomach ulcer, kidney or liver issue.
19) How should I take the medicine?
Ans: Before starting the medication, it is always suggested to read the leaflet as it gives the complete information about the drug. Take this medicine as told by the doctor. The usual dose of the medicine is 100mg tablet that should be taken twice in a day, morning and evening. Always take this medicine along with food that prevents you from causing indigestion and stomach irritation.
The medicine is taken orally and is swallowed along with water. Do not crush or chew the tablet. During the course of the treatment it is always suggested to keep visiting the doctor regularly. By this the doctor can keep a check on the progress of the patient’s condition.
Always tell your doctor about your current medical history or if you are already on a medication.
20) What are the common side effects caused by Aceclofenac?
Ans: The side effects mentioned below are possible with consumption of Aceclofenac. However, the side effects are not always evident. In such cases, patient should immediately seek medical attention.
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Skin rashes
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
Some of the uncommon side effects of this medicine are vomiting, mouth ulcer, itching and increase in the blood urea levels.
While consuming this medicine may cause difficulty in breathing, headache, drowsiness and tiredness.
The doctor will prescribe you with the lowest dose for a very less time in order to avoid side-effects. If you need to take Aceclofenac over a period of time, your doctor might prescribe you with another medicine in order to prevent your stomach from irritation. Avoid taking this medicine along with other NSAID as it may cause unwanted side-effects.
21) Is it safe to take Aceclofenac along with Ibuprofen?
Ans: No, the medicine should not be taken along with painkillers or any other NSAID such as Ibuprofen, diclofenac as it increases the risk of stomach and intestine disorders.
22) What is the effect of the medicine on the organs?
Ans: Patients suffering from liver disease should take Aceclofenac to a reduced level of 100mg. If the patient has the history of kidney disease, then this medicine should be taken only after consulting the doctor. In such cases, suitable adjustments and monitoring of kidney functions is necessary.
23) What is the medicine used to treat?
Ans: Some issues the drug is commonly used in the treatment of are fever, poisonous insect bites, rheumatic pain, swollen and joints, and others.
24) What is the medicine used for?
Ans: The medicine is used for extreme pains accompanied with inflammation, which usually are seen in muscles due to various reasons
25) How does Aceclofenac affects other medicines?
Ans: It is important to tell the doctor what medicines and health supplements you are taking. Check with the doctor before taking any medicines in order to make sure that the combination will not cause harm. Aceclofenac should not be used with other medicines like aspirin or any other NSAID that can be taken orally, like ibuprofen and naproxen as it increases the risk of side effects on intestines and stomach. In case of corticosteroids, the patient may experience the risk of ulceration or bleeding in the gut.
It can also cause an increased risk of bleeding if the medicine is taken with other medicines:
- Anti-blood-clotting (anticoagulant) medicines such as warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban, rivaroxaban, heparin
- Anti-platelet medicines to reduce the risk of blood clots or ‘thin the blood’, e.g., low-dose aspirin, clopidogrel and prasugrel
- Erlotinib
- Iloprost
- Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressants, eg fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram
- Venlafaxine
26) What are warnings that I should take while taking aceclofenac?
Ans: The following warnings should be taken carefully while taking aceclofenac:
- Gastro-intestinal bleeding: This medicine can cause severe bleeding if taken for prolonged time. Elder people who had suffered with gastrointestinal disease are at a higher risk.
- Heart surgery: Aceclofenac should not be taken to relieve pain before or after undergoing a heart surgery.
- Asthma: Do not take this medicine if you have asthma or family history of asthma.
- Impaired kidney function: Suitable dose adjustments and monitoring of kidney function is required.
- Impaired liver function: Patients should use it with caution and should start with 100mg once in a day in case of mild liver failure.
Tips to use Aceclofenac:
Patients should take the medicine only prescribed the doctor. A person should not consume the drug in the following medical conditions:
- Asthma
- Gastro-intestinal disorders
- Patients recovering after a surgery
- Heptaic insufficiency
- High blood pressure
- Stomach ulcer
- Suffering from bleeding disorder
It is advised to store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. Do not freeze the medicine unless required or told by the doctor. Keep this medicine away from the reach of children and pets. Also, do not flush this medicine as it cause harm to the environment. Always consult your doctor before discarding the medicine.
