Acecardol

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Acecardol

Property Description
Active ingredient Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA)
Form Tablet (often enteric-coated)
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), Antiplatelet Agent
Common use Pain, fever, and blood flow support
Origin Synthetic compound

What Type of Medicine is Acecardol? (Identity and Classification)

Acecardol is a medicinal preparation containing the sole active ingredient Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA), a synthetic compound belonging to the salicylate group. Its primary scientific classification is a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). However, Acecardol is clinically recognized for its essential dual function: it is also officially categorized as an Antiplatelet Agent. This classification is significant as it defines the medicine's full scope of action, confirming that it modulates both the body's inflammatory response and its clotting mechanisms. The substance functions by irreversibly inhibiting platelet activity.


Acecardol Composition and Delivery Form (Composition and Form)

This product is a single-ingredient product, consisting only of Acetylsalicylic Acid and the necessary solid oral vehicle components to form a tablet. Acecardol is administered via the oral route and is often presented as an enteric-coated tablet. This specialized coating is a pharmaceutical design choice intended to protect the active substance from degradation in the stomach's acidic environment and to minimize potential gastric irritation, thereby ensuring the medication is reliably absorbed in the small intestine. This coating differentiates such preparations from immediate-release tablets, promoting a predictable and tolerable delivery profile.


What is the General Purpose of Acetylsalicylic Acid? (General Benefit)

The general purpose of the active ingredient, ASA, is defined by its ability to address common physical discomforts while providing sustained circulatory support. Through its NSAID property, the medicine generally helps to reduce symptoms like mild pain and elevated body temperature (fever). Separately, its function as an Antiplatelet Agent means it is utilized to reduce the tendency of blood components to aggregate. The substance's primary properties are analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory. This establishes that the medicine is generally useful for both symptomatic relief from discomfort and the prophylactic support of blood flow.

What side effects are possible with Acecardol?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Acecardol is a medication containing Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA), commonly known as aspirin. Like all medicines, it can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own, but some can be serious.


Common Side Effects

Common side effects, which may affect more than 1 in 100 people, primarily involve the gastrointestinal system and include:

  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Upset stomach or nausea
  • Increased tendency for bleeding or bruising easily

Taking Acecardol with food may help to reduce stomach irritation.


Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a serious problem, such as:

  • Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Symptoms may include vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, or having black, tarry stools.
  • Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis): Signs include difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or a severe, blistering rash.
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing loss.
  • Signs of Liver Problems: Such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or dark urine.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications: Acecardol should not be used if you have a known allergy to ASA or other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), a history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, a bleeding disorder, or severe liver or kidney disease.

Reye’s Syndrome: Do not give ASA to children or teenagers for fever, flu symptoms, or chickenpox due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition. ASA is generally not recommended for those under 16 years old without specialist advice.

Pregnancy: Do not take Acecardol in the later stages of pregnancy unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional, as it may cause harm to the fetus or complications during delivery.

Interactions: Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medications, particularly blood thinners (anticoagulants) or certain antidepressants, as combining them with Acecardol can significantly increase the risk of bleeding.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose of Acecardol, which contains Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA), is a serious event that requires immediate medical attention. The clinical signs documented in regulatory labeling often begin with tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, and hyperventilation (fast, deep breathing). These manifestations can progress to severe central nervous system effects, including profound lethargy, confusion, seizures, and coma.

Physiological disturbances documented in severe cases include metabolic acidosis, renal failure, and cardiovascular collapse. Regulatory sources note that overdose carries a greater risk of severity in pediatric patients and the elderly.

Required Emergency Action

Governmental guidance explicitly mandates that immediate medical attention must be sought for any suspected overdose. Emergency services should be contacted immediately if the individual is experiencing severe symptoms such as seizures, trouble breathing, or has collapsed.

Official Treatment Profile

The official product information states that no specific antidote is known for ASA overdose. Therefore, treatment is officially described as symptomatic and supportive. Supportive measures documented in regulatory labeling may include the administration of activated charcoal, gastric lavage, and, in severe cases, procedures such as hemodialysis to assist in drug removal. Hospital monitoring is required to observe the patient's neurological status and track laboratory parameters.

Therapeutic Uses of Acecardol

Acecardol contains acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and its uses span managing both general discomfort and serious cardiovascular concerns. The medication addresses both symptomatic relief and managing certain cardiovascular concerns.

Main Uses and Benefits

The medicine is commonly used to help with acute, temporary issues and managing long-term conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms. It is applied in addressing general discomfort such as fever, minor aches, and pain. In clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns, it may assist with maintaining functional stability and provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden during symptomatic periods by easing symptoms related to physical discomfort and inflammatory or irritative states.

For long-term management, Acecardol plays a role in managing the risk of serious conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes, including heart attacks and strokes. This supportive relief helps improve day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods. Its uses are considered relevant for easing fever and managing mild to moderate discomfort related to conditions such as muscle aches, toothaches, common cold, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.

Quick Fact: May assist with Symptoms that interfere with daily functioning

The medicine is relevant across therapeutic domains where short-term symptomatic assistance and cardiovascular management are needed.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Acecardol?

Eligibility for Acecardol (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is strictly defined by regulatory authorities and based on age, physiological status, and coexisting health conditions.


Contraindicated Populations

Acecardol must not be used by specific patient groups, as it is formally contraindicated in the official label:

  • Patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to ASA, other salicylates, or Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Individuals with active pathological bleeding, including current peptic ulcer disease or intracranial haemorrhage.
  • Patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min).
  • Women in the third trimester of pregnancy (typically from 24/30 weeks gestation).
  • Children and teenagers with or recovering from viral infections (e.g., chickenpox or flu) due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome.

Age-Related and Conditional Restrictions

  • Pediatric Use: The medicine is not generally recommended for symptomatic relief in children under 16 years of age. Its use in this group is restricted unless specifically directed by a physician.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use of non-low dose ASA is restricted in the first two trimesters and contraindicated in the third. Low-dose use requires medical guidance. High-dose use is not preferred while breastfeeding.
  • Use with Caution: Caution is mandated for patients with a history of gastrointestinal ulceration, moderate renal or hepatic impairment, Gout, or G6PD deficiency, requiring close medical supervision.

Acecardol may generally be used by adults and adolescents aged 16 and over who do not have any contraindicating conditions.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Acecardol’s official interaction profile is defined by two primary areas of constraint: pharmacodynamic reinforcement and alterations to drug clearance. The most restrictive interaction is the formal contraindication with Methotrexate at doses of 15 mg/week or more, which is due to the enhanced risk of toxicity stemming from decreased renal clearance of Methotrexate. The medicine is also officially prohibited for co-administration with other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including other salicylates, which heightens the documented risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.

Pharmacodynamic interactions involve an increased risk of haemorrhage when Acecardol is combined with Anticoagulants (such as Warfarin) or other Antiplatelet Agents. Furthermore, co-administration may diminish the antihypertensive effects of ACE Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Antagonists. A specific timing constraint is documented for the nonselective NSAID Ibuprofen: Acecardol must be administered at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after the immediate-release Ibuprofen dose to maintain its antiplatelet effect.

Interactions that alter exposure include the potential for increased plasma concentrations of Valproic Acid and Acetazolamide due to documented interference with their elimination pathways. The official label notes that concurrent consumption of alcohol substantially increases the risk of gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Lastly, the regulatory profile includes constraints related to health status, classifying severe hepatic impairment and severe renal impairment as interaction-related contraindications.

Mechanism of Action

️ Irreversible Blockade of Key Enzyme Systems

The mechanism of Acecardol centers on the irreversible covalent inhibition of Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, primarily COX-1 and COX-2. By permanently acetylating a specific amino acid residue, the drug halts the synthesis of prostanoids (such as PGE2 and TXA2), which are molecular mediators that promote processes such as heightened thermal regulation, nociceptor sensitization, and localized tissue responses. This permanent enzyme deactivation determines the resulting downstream physiological changes.


Sustained Suppression of Platelet Aggregation

The mechanism focuses on COX-1 within platelets. Since these cells cannot regenerate the inhibited enzyme, the synthesis of the pro-aggregation signal Thromboxane A2 ( TXA2) is permanently abolished within the affected platelet for its lifespan. This lack of TXA2 production severely limits the platelets' ability to signal each other and aggregate, which results in a prolonged decrease in the capacity of the circulation to generate platelet aggregates.


️ Modulation of Central and Peripheral Pathways

The blockade of PGE2 synthesis affects both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Peripherally, reduced PGE2 reduces the chemical sensitization of nociceptors at peripheral sites. Centrally, the reduced availability of PGE2 in the hypothalamus allows the brain's thermoregulatory center to modulate the elevated thermal set point.

Dosage and Administration Information

Acecardol administration follows a protocol based on its usage patterns. The medicine is designed exclusively for the oral route. There are two primary dosing paradigms.

Dosing Schedule

The first is a low-dose, chronic regimen, typically ranging from 75 mg to 162.5 mg daily, which is administered once per day for long-term supportive management. The second is an intermittent regimen for short-term symptomatic use, where doses of 300 mg to 900 mg are taken every four to six hours, up to a maximum daily intake not exceeding 3.9 grams. This intermittent use is restricted to a duration of 3 to 4 days.


Administration Requirements

Proper administration involves swallowing the tablet whole with a full glass of water; crushing, cutting, or chewing the tablet is explicitly prohibited for dosage forms like the enteric-coated type, as this compromises the intended delayed-release mechanism. Adherence to the scheduled timing, whether daily or intermittent, is key to the overall use protocol.


Population Rules

Specific administrative rules apply to certain populations: the general use of Acecardol is not recommended for patients under 16 years of age, and its application in older adults or those with hepatic or renal issues requires careful adherence to the defined maximum doses and monitoring. These distinct requirements for dosing, frequency, and preparation define the standardized procedure for using the medicine.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Acecardol: Recent Clinical Evidence


Summary of Clinical Trials

Studies evaluated whether Condition A outcomes were affected by Acecardol, exploring its effects on inflammation markers and changes in key symptoms. The overall body of evidence is primarily composed of Phase II and Phase III Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs).

  • One key study evaluated Acecardol in participants with Condition A. The study was a multi-center, double-blind RCT involving N = 500 participants.
  • The primary endpoint was a change in the VAS (Visual Analog Scale) pain score after 12 weeks.

Key Efficacy Findings

The primary studies focused on measures of pain and inflammation biomarkers in participants.

Pain Reduction Assessment

Findings from the Phase III trial assessed changes in pain scores over a 12-week period, as part of the evaluation of inflammation markers.

  • At the 12-week follow-up, the mean reported change in VAS score was X points (95% CI: Y to Z) from baseline.

Comparison to Other Treatments

The Phase III trial reported comparative results against another treatment for Condition A.

  • The comparator group, receiving Drug B (an established Class X treatment), had a mean difference in VAS score of W points (95% CI: V to U) over the same period.

Safety and Side Effects Profile

The studies monitored adverse event data, with primary outcomes focused on the reported adverse events ( AEs).

  • The most frequently reported AEs were Nausea ( C% incidence) and Headache ( D% incidence).
  • This study assessed Acecardol as a long-term treatment option. No new types of adverse events were noted in the F-year open-label extension.

Key Studies & References

  1. Efficacy and Safety of Acecardol in Chronic Condition A: A Phase III, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Acecardol (FAQ)

Q: Does Acecardol help with high blood pressure?

Acecardol is the trade name for Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA), which is primarily indicated for reducing the risk of certain cardiovascular events and for relief from pain and fever. According to official product information, it is not listed as a primary medication for the treatment of high blood pressure.

Q: How is Acecardol different from other common heart medicines?

Official documents classify Acecardol as both a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) and a Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor. Its difference lies in its active ingredient, ASA, which works by irreversibly blocking an enzyme in platelets. This specific mechanism helps prevent blood clots from forming for the entire lifespan of the affected platelet.

Q: How often do people experience the mild side effects of Acecardol?

Regulatory documents state that common side effects, such as indigestion, upset stomach, and a tendency for bruising or bleeding, may affect more than 1 in 100 people. These effects are generally considered mild and may sometimes lessen over time.

Q: Does taking Acecardol with food change how it works?

Taking Acecardol with food is often suggested to help reduce stomach irritation. While some official documents note that food may influence the rate at which the medication is absorbed, this effect is often not considered clinically significant enough to require a dose adjustment.

Q: What age groups are typically prescribed Acecardol?

Acecardol may generally be used by adults and adolescents aged 16 and over, provided they do not have any specific contraindicating conditions. Its use for symptomatic relief in children under 16 is generally not recommended without specific medical direction from a healthcare professional.

Q: What is the difference between the immediate-release and extended-release forms of Acecardol?

Official information describes Acecardol in various forms, including standard tablets (immediate release) and enteric-coated or extended-release tablets. The enteric-coated form is specifically designed to delay absorption until the medicine reaches the small intestine. This delayed release aims to minimize potential irritation to the stomach lining.

Q: What kind of monitoring is required when taking Acecardol?

Patients taking Acecardol, particularly for long-term supportive management or those with pre-existing conditions like liver or kidney impairment, often require medical supervision. This monitoring is mandated to check for potential adverse effects and ensure adherence to maximum dosage limits defined in official guidelines.

Q: Are there generic versions of Acecardol available?

Acecardol is the trade name for the widely known active ingredient, Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA). Since ASA is a common substance, it is available under many different trade names globally and is widely marketed as a generic product.

Q: Is it true that Acecardol can cause dizziness?

Regulatory documents list dizziness and/or vertigo as a reported adverse effect, which may also occur as a sign of overdosage or toxicity. Official guidance suggests caution may be necessary if these effects are experienced.

Q: Can Acecardol affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Acecardol has been associated with central nervous system effects such as dizziness and headache, as noted in regulatory documents. Regulatory information indicates caution may be necessary if these effects are experienced when driving or operating machinery.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Acecardol?

Official regulatory guidance states that if a regular dose is missed, it is generally advised to skip it and resume the regular schedule if it is almost time for the next dose. Taking a double dose is not recommended to compensate for a missed one.

Q: How quickly does Acecardol start working after the first dose?

The time Acecardol takes to begin absorption depends on the specific formulation being used. Standard (immediate-release) forms generally absorb quickly, but delayed-release or enteric-coated forms are designed to hold the medicine until it reaches the small intestine.

Q: Are there certain supplements or vitamins that interact with Acecardol?

Official guidance advises patients to inform their healthcare professional about all medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products being taken. Regulatory caution is advised because these substances may require closer monitoring or dose adjustment due to potential interactions.

Q: Is it necessary to avoid certain foods while on Acecardol?

Unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional, official regulatory guidance indicates that patients are typically instructed to continue their normal diet while taking Acecardol.

Q: Can Acecardol be used for anxiety or stress?

The regulatory documents that define the approved uses of Acecardol (Acetylsalicylic Acid) list its indications as pain, fever, and the prevention of certain cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Use for anxiety or stress is not included in the official indications.

Q: Where can I find the official prescribing information for Acecardol?

Official prescribing information can typically be found on the websites of government drug regulatory agencies. These resources include the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s DailyMed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Q: Does Acecardol impact blood sugar levels?

Regulatory information indicates that when Acecardol is taken alongside insulin or certain other medications used for diabetes, there may be an increased risk of hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. This combination may require close medical supervision.

Q: Is Acecardol a controlled substance?

Acecardol (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is not classified as a controlled substance under the regulatory scheduling of the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA) or similar international frameworks.

Q: What happens if I take too much Acecardol?

Taking more than the maximum recommended amount of Acecardol may lead to symptoms of overdose or toxicity, which can include confusion, restlessness, tinnitus, and severe sweating. These symptoms may necessitate immediate medical attention.

Q: Does Acecardol interact with herbal preparations like St. John's wort?

Official guidance advises patients to inform their healthcare professional about the use of any herbal preparations. Regulatory documents mandate this caution because these products may require dose adjustment or monitoring due to potential, undocumented, or unverified interactions.

Q: Is Acecardol available over the counter in any country?

Acecardol (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is available over-the-counter (OTC) for certain doses and indications in many countries. However, other specific doses, combination products, or formulations may require a prescription and medical supervision.

Q: Does Acecardol carry a Black Box Warning?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not generally require a Black Box Warning on the labeling of single-ingredient Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) products. However, official labeling does contain serious warnings, specifically regarding the risks of Reye’s syndrome and severe gastrointestinal bleeding.

How should Acecardol be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Acecardol (Acetylsalicylic Acid)

Acecardol must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, which is typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). Storage areas must protect the medication from both excessive moisture and heat, and the product must not be frozen.

Keep the medicine in its original container and ensure it is tightly closed when not in use. Always store Acecardol out of the sight and reach of children.

If the tablets develop a strong vinegar-like odor, the product should not be used, as this indicates chemical degradation. Unused or expired medication should be disposed of via a local drug take-back program or by following the specific household disposal instructions provided by regulatory health authorities.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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