Aceclofenac
About
Aceclofenac belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or pain killers used to reduce and relieve pain, and inflammation (swelling) associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis is a condition which affects the joints. Symptoms include swelling, pain, inflammation, stiffness, and tenderness.
Aceclofenac contains 'Aceclofenac' which works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme that makes other chemical prostaglandins. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, lesser prostaglandins are produced. This helps in reducing mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site.
You are advised to take Aceclofenac for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Aceclofenac may cause certain common side-effects such as dizziness, diarrhoea, nausea, and increased liver enzymes in the blood. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Aceclofenac may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive with caution. Aceclofenac is not recommended for children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Aceclofenac as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness; it might also increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Aceclofenac
Medicinal Benefits
Aceclofenac belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) used to reduce and relieve pain, redness, and inflammation (swelling) in patients suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Aceclofenac works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme that makes other chemical prostaglandins which are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, lesser prostaglandins are produced. This helps in reducing mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Aceclofenac
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Increased liver enzymes in blood
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you have had any recent heart surgery, do not take Aceclofenac as it can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Do not take Aceclofenac if you are allergic to aceclofenac or other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen); if you have stomach ulcers, have suffered bleeding problems, clotting problems, severe heart, liver or kidney problems. Inform your doctor if you have or had disorders of the stomach, blood circulation problems to the brain, asthma, porphyria (blood disorder), diabetes, high blood pressure, auto-immune diseases, connective tissue diseases; if you are recovering from major surgery or if you are elderly. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Aceclofenac may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Aceclofenac is not recommended for children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Aceclofenac as it could lead to increased drowsiness and may also increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Stop taking Aceclofenac and consult your doctor immediately if you have stomach pain or any signs of bleeding in the intestine or stomach such as blood in stools. Do not take any other NSAIDs for pain relief along with Aceclofenac unless prescribed.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Aceclofenac may have interaction with pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, etoricoxib), anti-depressants (citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, lithium), cardiac glycoside (digoxin), anti-hypertensives (enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, candesartan, hydralazine, methyldopa, clonidine, moxonidine, propranolol), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin moxifloxacin), diuretics (furosemide, amiloride hydrochloride), blood thinners (warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel), anti-rheumatoid (methotrexate), steroids (mifepristone), glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone, prednisolone), immunosuppressants (ciclosporin, tacrolimus), anti-HIV (zidovudine), anti-diabetic (glibenclamide, gliclazide, tolbutamide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Aceclofenac as it might cause increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have stomach ulcers, blood disorders, disorders of the stomach, blood circulation problems to the brain, asthma, porphyria, diabetes, high blood pressure, auto-immune diseases, connective tissue diseases, heart, kidney and liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Aceclofenac as it may cause increased drowsiness. It can also increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Aceclofenac passes into breastmilk. Please consult your doctor before taking Aceclofenac; your doctor will decide whether Aceclofenac can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionAceclofenac may cause drowsiness, dizziness and tiredness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeAceclofenac is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Follow heat or cold therapy, apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20minutes regularly.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoarthritis: It is a degenerative joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering called cartilage. Due to the absence of this protective covering, the joints rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, inflammation and tenderness. The main reason for osteoarthritis is age, the older you are, the more likely you could get osteoarthritis, thus known as degenerative disease, meaning that the joints wear out as a person ages. Other reasons include a past injury such as torn cartilage, dislocated joints and ligament injuries.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) which leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities and loss of joint function.
Ankylosing spondylitis: It causes pain and stiffness in the spine. The pain usually starts in the lower back and can spread to the neck, damaged joints or other parts of the body. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include decreased flexibility which usually leads to hunched-forward posture, pain and back and joints.
FAQs
Aceclofenac works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that causes pain and swelling. This helps in reducing mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site.
Do not take Aceclofenac for longer durations as it might increase the risk of heart problems and stomach bleeding. Do not exceed the dose and duration of treatment prescribed by the doctor.
To treat your condition effectually continue taking Aceclofenac for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Aceclofenac.
Taking Aceclofenac with pain killers like aspirin and ibuprofen can elevate symptoms of gastric ulcer and bleeding. So, talk to your doctor if you have gastrointestinal bleeding or other bleeding problems like haemophilia before using Aceclofenac.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Aceclofenac. Drink enough fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you have severe diarrhoea consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
