Introduction
Aceclofenac and Paracetamol combination is a medication that is formulated together for a synergistic effect in pain and inflammation treatment.
They are often formulated as tablets but they can also be formulated as capsules or other dosage forms.
The strength of their individual combination could vary across brands but most available brands come as Aceclofenac 100 mg and Paracetamol 500 mg.
Aceclofenac is a medication that inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E2 while increasing the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans.
These effects help repair and regenerate articular cartilage and have positive effects on cartilage anabolism.
On the other hand, Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic medication that has a weak anti-inflammatory activity.
Uses and Dosage of Aceclofenac and Paracetamol combination
Aceclofenac and Paracetamol combination is used to treat pain and inflammation.
The recommended adult dosage is one tablet of aceclofenac 100mg and paracetamol 500mg in the morning and one in the evening, with a maximum of two tablets per day.
The safety and efficacy of the medication for children are not established, and it is therefore not recommended for them.
Administration and Advice to Patients
Aceclofenac and Paracetamol combination should be taken with food to minimize the risk of upset stomach.
The medication may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so it is not advisable to drive or perform any activity that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Patients should avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication as it may cause excessive drowsiness and increase the risk of liver damage.
It is not recommended to take any other medication containing paracetamol without consulting a doctor first. Doing so without the knowledge of your doctor could lead to an overdosage in paracetamol.
Contra-indications, Precautions, and Interactions
The medication is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe renal or hepatic impairment, severe heart failure, active peptic ulcer, or GI bleeding.
Just like every other non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Aceclofenac and Paracetamol combination should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Patients with renal or hepatic impairment, alcohol dependence, asthma or allergic disorders, history of GI disease, hypertension, cardiac impairment, haemorrhagic disorders, and elderly patients should take caution while using the medication.
Paracetamol may reduce the absorption of cholestyramine within 1 hour of administration and accelerate absorption with metoclopramide.
Aceclofenac may increase the plasma concentrations of lithium and digoxin, lead to increased nephrotoxicity with diuretics, enhance activity of anticoagulants, and increase plasma methotrexate levels leading to toxicity if administered within 2-4 hours of methotrexate administration.
The medication may also increase the risk of convulsions with quinolones.
Side Effects and Pharmacovigilance
Paracetamol’s adverse effects include nausea, allergic reactions, skin rashes, acute renal tubular necrosis.
Aceclofenac’s adverse effects include diarrhea, headache, vertigo, dizziness, nervousness, tinnitus, depression, drowsiness, insomnia, fever, angioedema, bronchospasm, rashes, and blood dyscrasias.
Very rare blood dyscrasias and liver damage may occur with Paracetamol, while severe gastrointestinal bleeding and nephrotoxicity may occur with Aceclofenac.
Patients taking Aceclofenac and Paracetamol for a long time should have their renal and hepatic function and blood counts monitored, and persistently elevated hepatic enzyme levels may require drug withdrawal.
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