Description

Aceclofenac is a non-steroidal agent with marked anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The mode of action of aceclofenac is largely based on the inhibition to prostaglandin synthesis. Aceclofenac is a potent inhibitor of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase, which is involved in the production of prostaglandins.

Presentation

    Mervan Tablet: Each film coated tablet contains Aceclofenac BP 100 mg.
    Mervan SR Tablet: Each sustained release tablet contains Aceclofenac BP 200 mg.

Indications

    Aceclofenac is indicated for the relief of pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, low back pain, dental pain, post-traumatic pain etc.

Dosage & Administration

    Mervan Tablet: Adults: 1 tablet (100 mg) twice daily- 1 tablet in the morning & 1 tablet in the evening.
    Children: Not recommended. Reduce the dosage to 100 mg daily initially in patients with hepatic dysfunction. There is no evidence that the dosage of aceclofenac needs to be modified in patients with mild renal impairment, but as with other NSAIDs caution should be exercised.
    Mervan SR Tablet: The recommended dose is 200 mg (1 SR tablet) once daily.

Contrainidications

    Aceclofenac is contraindicated in patients with history of hypersensitivity reactions to ibuprofen, aspirin or other non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and also in patients with active or history recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage.

Warning & Precautions

    Patients with a history of gastrointestinal disorders or peptic ulceration, as well as those with severe liver or renal impairment should be under close medical supervision.

Side effects

    The majority of adverse effects observed are of minor in nature and these include gastro-intestinal disorders such as dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea & diarrhea, dizziness, increase in hepatic enzyme etc. Undesirable effects may be minimized by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.

Drug interaction

    Other NSAIDs: Concomitant use of two or more NSAIDs (including aspirin) may increase the risk of adverse effects, including GI bleeding.
    Anti-hypertensives: NSAIDs may reduce the effect of antihypertensives. Diuretics: Aceclofenac, like other NSAIDs, may inhibit the activity of diuretics.
    Digoxin: NSAIDs may exacerbate cardiac failure, reduce GFR (glomerular filtration rate) and inhibit the renal clearance of digoxin, resulting in increased plasma digoxin levels. Lithium: Several NSAIDs inhibit the renal clearance of lithium. Methotrexate: Caution should be exercised if both an NSAID and methotrexate are administered within 24 hours of each other, since NSAIDs may increase plasma levels of methotrexate. Anti-coagulants: NSAIDs may enhance the effects of anti-coagulants, such as warfarin. Quinolone antibiotics: Patients taking NSAIDs and quinolones may have an increased risk of developing convulsions. Anti-platelet agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): If taken with NSAID, the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding may be increased.

Use in special groups

    There is no information on the use of aceclofenac during pregnancy. There is also no information of the secretion of aceclofenac to breast milk. The use of aceclofenac should therefore be avoided in pregnancy and lactation unless the potential benefits to the mother outweighs the possible risks to the foetus and children.

Packing

    Mervan Tablet: Box containing 100's tablets in blister pack.
    Mervan SR Tablet: Box containing 50's tablets in blister pack.