Aceclofenac+misoprostol
About
Aceclofenac+misoprostol belongs to the class of 'painkillers' primarily used to treat signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in patients at high risk of developing pain killer-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers and their complications. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own cells and causes joint pain with inflammation.
Aceclofenac+misoprostol is a combination of two drugs: Aceclofenac and Misoprostol. Aceclofenac belongs to the class of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and relieves pain. It inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes and further prevents the formation of chemical messengers, 'prostaglandins' (PGs) that cause pain and swelling at the injured or damaged site. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analogue that belongs to the class of anti-ulcer agents. It helps prevent ulcers caused by Aceclofenac by protecting the stomach lining and decreasing the acid production in the stomach.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on the severity of your pain. Common side effects of Aceclofenac+misoprostol include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, indigestion, stomach pain, diarrhoea, constipation, and heartburn. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. However, if the side effects are persistent, please reach out to your doctor.
Before starting Aceclofenac+misoprostol, inform your doctor if you have any liver, heart or kidney diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach ulcers, asthma, and fluid retention. Aceclofenac+misoprostol is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Aceclofenac+misoprostol may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Aceclofenac+misoprostol should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Aceclofenac+misoprostol as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding/ulcers.
Uses of Aceclofenac+misoprostol
Medicinal Benefits
Aceclofenac+misoprostol treats pain, redness, and inflammation (swelling) in patients suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It contains Aceclofenac and Misoprostol. Aceclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and relieves pain. It inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that further prevent the formation of chemical messengers called 'prostaglandins (PGs). These prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the COX enzymes' effect, lesser PGs are made, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analogue and an anti-ulcer agent. Prostaglandins produced in the stomach and intestine protect the lining. Misoprostol helps prevent ulcers caused by Aceclofenac by protecting the stomach lining and decreasing the acid production in the stomach.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Aceclofenac+misoprostol
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Dyspepsia
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Gastritis
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Increased liver enzyme
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you have any liver, heart or kidney diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach ulcers, asthma, blood disorders like porphyria, and fluid retention before starting Aceclofenac+misoprostol. Do not take any other NSAID's for pain relief along with Aceclofenac+misoprostol unless prescribed. Stop taking Aceclofenac+misoprostol 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. Aceclofenac+misoprostol is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Misoprostol in Aceclofenac+misoprostol is an abortion drug and can cause congenital disabilities, miscarriage, premature labour, or rupture of the uterus in pregnancy. Aceclofenac+misoprostol may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Avoid consuming alcohol, and Aceclofenac+misoprostol as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding/ulcers. Aceclofenac+misoprostol is not recommended in children as safety and efficacy is not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Aceclofenac+misoprostol may interact with pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, ketorolac), blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel, dabigatran, enoxaparin), blood pressure medicines (aliskiren, captopril, lisinopril, valsartan, losartan), antivirals (cidofovir), anti-depressants (lithium), anti-cancer drugs (methotrexate), water pills (furosemide), and corticosteroids (dexamethasone, prednisone).
Drug-Food Interaction: Alcohol consumption may cause dizziness and increases the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Aceclofenac+misoprostol should be used with caution in cases of stomach ulcers, blood disorders, blood circulation problems to the brain, asthma, porphyria, diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, connective tissue diseases, heart, kidney, and liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Aceclofenac+misoprostol. Alcohol intake, along with Aceclofenac+misoprostol, may cause increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding/ulcers.
Pregnancy
unsafeMisoprostol in Aceclofenac+misoprostol is used for medical abortion. If taken in pregnancy, Aceclofenac+misoprostol can lead to birth defects, miscarriage, premature labour, or rupture of the uterus.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAceclofenac+misoprostol is not recommended for use during breastfeeding since it passes into the breast milk.
Driving
cautionAceclofenac+misoprostol may make you feel dizzy and sleepy. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor since Aceclofenac+misoprostol should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment/liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor since Aceclofenac+misoprostol should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
unsafeAceclofenac+misoprostol is not recommended in children younger than 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Exercising regularly helps in muscle stretching that is less likely to spasm, tear and sprain. Mild exercises such as jogging and walking are helpful for muscle stretching.
- Massages can also be helpful.
- Avoid freezing and hot temperatures.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes. Instead, wear loose garments.
- Rest well and get plenty of sleep.
- To avoid developing pressure sores, change your position at least every two hours.
- Hot or cold therapy can help treat muscle spasms. Apply an ice pack or hot-pack on the muscle for 15-20minutes.
- Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water.
Special Advise
- Aceclofenac+misoprostol may cause fluid retention (oedema); hence it is advised to monitor blood pressure and cardiovascular status (ECG) in patients with a heart failure history.
- The use of pain killers (NSAIDs) is associated with reversible infertility, so it is advisable to stop the intake of Aceclofenac+misoprostol in women who have difficulties conceiving.
- Use of Aceclofenac+misoprostol in pregnant women can cause abortion, congenital disabilities, premature birth or uterine rupture due to misoprostol.
- There is a high risk of developing gastric or duodenal ulcers associated with using the Aceclofenac+misoprostol due to pain killers (NSAIDs) like diclofenac, aceclofenac, etc. So in this case of a gastrointestinal ulcer or bleeding stop taking Aceclofenac+misoprostol and consult a doctor.
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 of 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. Hence, it is known as a degenerative disease since 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 autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue), leading to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities, and loss of joint function.
FAQs
Aceclofenac+misoprostol contains Aceclofenac and Misoprostol. It works by blocking certain chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site. Misoprostol helps prevent the stomach and intestinal ulcers triggered due to Aceclofenac (pain killers).
Aceclofenac+misoprostol is usually prescribed for a short period and can be discontinued if there is no pain. To treat your condition effectually continue taking Aceclofenac+misoprostol for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Aceclofenac+misoprostol.
Aceclofenac+misoprostol is to be carefully administered with caution in patients with liver, heart or kidney diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach ulcers, asthma, and fluid retention. Please consult your doctor before starting Aceclofenac+misoprostol if you have any other medical concerns.
Diarrhoea can be a side-effect of Aceclofenac+misoprostol. Drink enough fluids and eat fibre rich food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or experience excess diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrhoeal medicine on your own.
It is not advised to use other NSAIDs or pain killers while using Aceclofenac+misoprostol. Please seek medical advice for further information.
Aceclofenac+misoprostol can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight. Hence it is advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using Aceclofenac+misoprostol. It is also recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
