Aceclofenac tablets (Airtal, Acelak) are used to treat muscle spasms, non-specific arthralgias, and myalgias, as well as inflammatory disorders such rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Aceclofenac is an analog of Diclofenac, a Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
It is considered more effective and is a safer alternative to diclofenac. Unlike diclofenac, it may be taken once or twice daily because of its longer duration of action than diclofenac.
Aceclofenac for headache:
- All NSAIDs including diclofenac, aceclofenac, naproxen, and ibuprofen may be used to treat both tension and migraine headache.
- However, they should be used if paracetamol or other simple painkillers are not effective.
- Furthermore, chronic use of aceclofenac and other NSAIDs should be avoided as they may be associated with a condition called as analgesic headache.
Aceclofenac vs diclofenac for tooth pain:
Aceclofenac, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, can be used to treat patients with tooth pain and post-operatively after dental surgery.
A study compared the efficacy and safety of diclofenac and aceclofenac in patients with dental surgery drew the following conclusions:
- Both the drugs did not have any significant effects on platelet functions
- Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, heartburn and epigastric pain were significantly more in the diclofenac group compared to the aceclofenac group.
- No significant cardiovascular or cerebrovascular effects were reported in both groups.
- Patients in the aceclofenac group had better compliance than those in the diclofenac group.
- Comparing patients using aceclofenac to those taking diclofenac, the overall global assessment was superior in the aceclofenac group.
- Diclofenac was inferior to aceclofenac in terms of relieving pain.
- When compared to diclofenac, aceclofenac was more efficacious, had a quicker onset, a longer duration of action, and a more manageable adverse effect profile.
aceclofenac vs ibuprofen:
- Ibuprofen and aceclofenac are both anti-inflammatory medications with similar degrees of efficacy.
- Ibuprofen and aceclofenac comparison studies produced a range of conclusions.
- Some studies suggested a superior pain relief with ibuprofen while others have found aceclofenac.
- A randomized study comparing the efficacy of ibuprofen and aceclofenac after third molar surgery found a marginal superiority of ibuprofen in terms of pain relief.
- However, adverse effects were common in both groups.
- Another study found aceclofenac more effective in relieving the symptoms of pulpitis compared to ibuprofen.
Contraindications to Aceclofenac tablets:
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Active gastrointestinal bleeding
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Active gastrointestinal ulceration
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Cerebrovascular disease
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History of gastrointestinal bleeding related to previous NSAID therapy
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History of gastrointestinal perforation related to previous NSAID therapy
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History of recurrent gastrointestinal hemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes)
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History of recurrent gastrointestinal ulceration (two or more distinct episodes)
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Ischaemic heart disease
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Heart failure, and
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Peripheral arterial disease.
Cautions!
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Avoid in patients who are allergic to it.
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Avoid aceclofenac in:
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Cardiac impairment (NSAIDs may impair renal function)
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Coagulation defects
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Connective-tissue disorders
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Crohn’s disease (maybe exacerbated)
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Elderly (risk of serious side-effects and fatalities)
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History of cardiac failure
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Hypertension
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Left ventricular dysfunction
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Edema
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Risk factors for cardiovascular events, and
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Ulcerative colitis (may be exacerbated).
Usual Adult dose:
- 100 mg twice daily
Aceclofenac 200 mg:
- Extended-release tablets that contain 200 mg may be advised to patients who require long-term treatment for osteoarthritis as a once-daily dose.
Aceclofenac (Airtal, Acelak) dose in kidney disease:
- Aceclofenac, like other NSAIDs, should be avoided in patients with renal failure.
- If, however, it is used, it should be used for the shortest possible duration and the minimum effective dose.
- In severe renal impairment, it should be avoided.
Acelak (Airtal) dose in Liver disease:
- Both fluid retention and gastrointestinal bleeding might happen.
- Patients with serious liver disease should avoid.
- Use 100 mg once daily for diseases that are mild to moderate.
How to administer Aceclofenac?
- It should be taken with meals.
- The risk of gastrointestinal side effects increases if it is taken on an empty stomach.
Aceclofenac in Pregnancy:
Pregnancy category C in the first two trimesters
Pregnancy category D in the third trimester
- In the first two trimesters, it may be used cautiously.
- This could lead to premature closing of the fetal Arteriosus.
- This can lead to pulmonary hypertension during the third trimester.
- Avoid it during the third trimester. You might delay labor's onset. Patients trying to conceive should not use it.
Lactation:
- It is best to avoid it while breastfeeding, according to the manufacturer.
Side effects of Aceclofenac (acelak, Airtal):
- Like all NSAIDs, Aceclofenac tablets can cause gastritis, gastrointestinal ulceration, gastrointestinal bleeding, and heartburn.
- Aceclofenac also causes salt and fluid retention. It may exacerbate heart and renal failure.
Rare side effects of aceclofenac include:
- Alveolitis,
- aseptic meningitis
- hepatic damage,
- interstitial fibrosis associated with NSAIDs can lead to renal failure,
- pancreatitis,
- papillary necrosis associated with NSAIDs can lead to renal failure,
- pulmonary eosinophilia,
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome,
- toxic epidermal necrolysis, and
- visual disturbances
Other rare Side effects of aceclofenac (Acelak):
- Angioedema,
- blood disorders,
- bronchospasm,
- Crohn’s disease exacerbation
- Depression,
- diarrhea,
- dizziness,
- drowsiness,
- fluid retention
- gastrointestinal bleeding,
- gastrointestinal discomfort,
- gastrointestinal disturbances,
- gastrointestinal ulceration,
- haematuria,
- headache,
- hearing disturbances,
- hypersensitivity reactions,
- insomnia,
- nausea,
- nervousness,
- photosensitivity,
- raised blood pressure,
- rashes,
- renal failure (especially in patients with preexisting renal impairment),
- tinnitus, and
- vertigo.
In addition, long-term treatment is associated with reduced female fertility.
Mechanism of action of aceclofenac:
- Aceclofenac blocks the action of cyclooxygenase, which is involved in the production of prostaglandins.
- It can be used to treat painful and inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
International Brands of aceclofenac:
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Air-Tal
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Airtal
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Aital
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Barcan
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Beofenac
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Berlofen
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Biofenac
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Bristaflam
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Falcol
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Gerbin
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Locomin
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Preservex
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Proflam
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Sanein
Aceclofenac brands in Pakistan:
Aceclo(Alied medical)
Tablets:100mg:10 tablets pack : Rs.35
Acecol(Pharmedic (PVT) LTD)
Tablets:100mg:10 tablets pack: Rs.75
Acefen(Semos phamaceuticals(PVT) LTD)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack: Rs.42.50
14 tablets pack: Rs.75
Acelak(Linear paharma)
Tablets:50mg:
20 tablets pack:Rs.90
Acelish(platinum pharmaceuticals(PVT) LTD)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.35
Acelo(Maple pharmrceuticals(PVT) LTD)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.75
Acelonac-sr(maple pharmaceuticals(PVT) LTD
Tablets:200mg:
30 tablets pack:Rs.265
Acenac(S.J.& G.Fazul ellahie(PVT) LTD
Gel:1.5%w/w:
20 gram pack:Rs.54
Injection:50mg:
3ml*5amp:Rs.95
Tablets:100mg:
30 tablets pack:Rs.105
Acenim(nimrall laboratories)
Gel:1.5%w/w:
20 gram pack:Rs.54
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.75
Acer(Rotix medica pakistan(PVT) LTD)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.35
Aclofen(Alliance pharmaceuticals (PVT) LTD)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.35
Aeconec(Goodman laboratories)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.35
Airtal(Highnoon laboratories)
Tablets:100mg:
20 tablets pack:Rs.175
Airtel ER(Highnoon laboratories)
Tablets:200mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.65
Alkeris(Sami pharmaceuticals (PVT) LTD)
Gel:1.5%w/w:
20 gram pack:Rs.54
Tablets:100mg:
20 tablets pack:Rs.67
Tab SR:200mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.65
Alwel(wns field pharmaceuticals)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.35
Analfen(Baxter karachi)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.35
Acemed(novartis pharma(PAK)LTD)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.60
Ceclo(medizan labs(PVT) LTD)
Tablets:100mg:
30 tablets pack:Rs.99
Ceclofen(Maq pharma)
Tablets:100mg:
30 tablets pack:Rs.200
Cyclonas(Danas pharmaceuticals(PVT) LTD)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.75
Tablets:50mg:
20 tablets pack:Rs.90
Dyclo-ace(Indus pharma (PVT) LTD)
Tablets:100mg:
28 tablets pack:Rs.75
Eclotec(panacea pharmaceuticals)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.75
Tablets:50mg:
20 tablets pack:Rs.90
Educe(sccotman pharmaceuticas)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.40
Tabs sr:200mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.65
30 tablets pack:Rs.180
Glif A(Adcare pharma)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.74.11
Jcenac(Jawa pharmaceuticals (PVT) LTD)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.0.00
Lacenac(Shaheen pharmaceutical)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.35
Loft(Weather folds pharmaceuticals)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.35
Ophen(Standpharm Pakistan (PVT) LTD)
Tablets:100mg:
30 tablets pack:Rs.97
Osikar(Fynk phamaceuticals)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.35
Pefree(Abbott laboratories Pakistan limited)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.35
Preserx(Macter international (PVT) LTD)
Tablets:100mg:
30 tablets pack:Rs.35
Rheutrx(Siza international (PVT)LTD) Tablets:200mg
30 tablets pack:Rs.180
Zinase(Opal laboratories)
Tablets:100mg:
10 tablets pack:Rs.40
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