Acent

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Acent

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

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 Acent

Property Description
Active Ingredient Aceclofenac
Form Tablet, Powder for oral suspension
Pharmacological Class Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General Purpose Pain relief and inflammation reduction
Origin Synthetic

Acent is a systemic medicinal product whose active ingredient is Aceclofenac, classifying it as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Acent is primarily supplied as a film-coated tablet for oral administration, designed to manage discomfort and physical symptoms associated with various inflammatory conditions.


What Type of Medicine is Acent and How is it Classified?

Acent belongs to the NSAID pharmacological class and is chemically defined as an acetic acid derivative. The compound, Aceclofenac, is synthetic and structurally related to Diclofenac. Pharmacological studies have widely confirmed Aceclofenac's efficacy in addressing pain and inflammation, making it a recognized choice for conditions like acute episodes of musculoskeletal pain.


What is Acent Made Of?

The therapeutic foundation of Acent is its primary active component, Aceclofenac. The drug is available as a single-ingredient product or in specific fixed-dose combination product variants, such as those that include the proteolytic enzyme Serratiopeptidase. This inclusion of Serratiopeptidase is a differentiating feature, intended to supplement the anti-inflammatory properties of Aceclofenac by assisting in the breakdown of inflammatory proteins and fluids in the affected tissue. All formulations are prepared using pharmaceutical excipients to create a stable dosage form for oral use, primarily targeting adult patient groups.


What is the General Purpose of Acent?

The general purpose of Acent is to provide effective relief from pain and to actively reduce the associated inflammation and swelling in the body. It achieves this by interrupting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers responsible for signaling pain and escalating the local inflammatory response. This targeted action makes Acent suitable for the general management of discomfort where both pain and active inflammation are present, providing a systemic dual-action benefit of analgesia and anti-inflammation.

What side effects are possible with Acent?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The medicine's safety profile, based on official regulatory documents, summarizes adverse reactions according to their frequency and the body system affected.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions are formally categorized based on the frequency observed in clinical studies:

  • Common side effects include Gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn, and diarrhea, as well as Nervous system disorders like dizziness and drowsiness. Increased liver enzymes are also commonly reported.
  • Less common and rare side effects involving Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue (e.g., skin rash) and Eye Disorders (e.g., visual disturbances) are also documented in the official regulatory texts.

Serious Adverse Reactions

Regulatory sources define several risks as serious adverse reactions, which typically require immediate medical attention. These include:

  • Gastrointestinal toxicity, such as stomach bleeding, ulceration, and perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestine wall), particularly with long-term use.
  • Severe kidney problems or kidney failure, with long-term treatment.
  • Severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) and serious skin reactions.

Population-Specific Safety Considerations and Restrictions

Certain patient groups require particular caution or are explicitly advised against using the medicine:

Population Group Safety Consideration or Restriction
Pregnancy Contraindicated in the third trimester and generally not recommended during breastfeeding.
Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy have not been established; generally not recommended for children under 18 years of age.
Pre-existing Conditions Contraindicated in patients with active or recurrent stomach ulcers/bleeding, severe heart failure, severe liver disease, or severe kidney disease. Caution is required in patients with asthma, high blood pressure, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Long-Term Exposure Long-term use is explicitly associated with an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal and renal complications. Regular monitoring of kidney function, liver function, and blood component levels is required for extended treatment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Official regulatory documents define Acent (Aceclofenac) overdose based on documented clinical manifestations and mandated emergency actions. No specific antidote is known; therefore, patient management is entirely symptomatic and supportive.

Documented Overdose Presentations

Symptoms of overdose may include headache, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and gastrointestinal irritation. Neurological symptoms include drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension, respiratory depression, and, occasionally, convulsions.

Required Emergency Actions

Urgent medical attention is necessary for any suspected potentially toxic amount or potentially life-threatening overdose.

In cases of significant poisoning, the possibility of acute renal failure and liver damage is officially documented. Renal and liver function must be closely monitored by healthcare professionals.

Official management procedures include the consideration of activated charcoal within one hour of ingestion of a potentially toxic amount. For adults with a potentially life-threatening overdose, gastric lavage may be considered within one hour. Frequent or prolonged convulsions must be treated with intravenous diazepam.

Therapeutic Uses of Acent

Acent is generally applied across therapeutic domains where symptoms related to physical discomfort and inflammatory or irritative states interfere with daily functioning. The medication is commonly used for symptomatic relief across specific musculoskeletal conditions.

Symptomatic Management in Chronic Conditions

Acent is primarily used for managing symptoms that may intensify temporarily in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, such as Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis. It is relevant for easing distressing symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and localized swelling, and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases with these long-term, fluctuating manifestations.

The medication is commonly used to help with conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort, including acute low back pain (lumbago), symptoms following physical trauma, and episodic pain and swelling after dental procedures or minor surgeries.

“It contributes to easing the overall symptom load associated with post-procedural discomfort, and assists with maintaining functional stability during symptomatic periods.”

Management of Acute and Episodic Discomfort

The medication is generally applied in addressing pronounced symptoms associated with sudden, intense pain affecting muscles and soft tissues. It may assist with maintaining functional stability by providing supportive relief when these symptoms interfere with routine activities. Acent is relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate across domains involving heightened discomfort or tension.

Quick Fact: Symptom Focus: Inflammation and Pain
Symptom Focus: May support the management of joint tenderness and localized swelling associated with acute flare-ups and chronic conditions.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility Profile for Acent (Aceclofenac)

Regulatory documents define specific populations who can and cannot use Acent. Use is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity to Aceclofenac or other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which may trigger asthma or urticaria. The medicine must not be used by individuals with severe hepatic or severe renal failure, or those with established congestive heart failure (NYHA II–IV), ischemic heart disease, or cerebrovascular disease.

Absolute contraindications also include patients with active or recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage, or those with active bleeding or bleeding disorders. The medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age due to a lack of clinical data.

Use is highly restricted during pregnancy: it is contraindicated in the last trimester and not recommended in the first and second trimesters, or during breastfeeding. Caution is mandatory for elderly patients, requiring the lowest effective dose. Similarly, patients with mild to moderate hepatic or renal impairment require close medical surveillance.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Acent Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents classify certain combinations with Acent, whose active ingredient is Aceclofenac, as contraindicated or requiring significant management due to potential interaction risks. These classifications are based solely on documented effects on exposure and risk profiles.

Contraindicated and High-Risk Combinations:

  • Other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including COX-2 inhibitors, are formally prohibited due to an additive risk of adverse effects.
  • Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) at anti-inflammatory doses is contraindicated.
  • Coumarin Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) are prohibited in certain international labels due to a documented high risk of severe hemorrhage.

Interactions Affecting Exposure and Toxicity:

  • Lithium and Digoxin plasma concentrations may be increased due to Aceclofenac reducing their renal clearance.
  • Methotrexate exposure is increased, particularly with high-dose administration, which is attributed to reduced renal tubular secretion.
  • Inhibitors of the CYP2C9 enzyme (e.g., Fluconazole) may increase Aceclofenac's systemic exposure.

Pharmacodynamic and Timing Rules:

  • Interactions with Diuretics and Antihypertensive Agents (e.g., ACE inhibitors/ARBs) are documented to potentially reduce the agents’ efficacy and increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.
  • Co-administration with Corticosteroids, Antiplatelet Agents, or SSRIs carries an additive risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • A mandatory time restriction exists for Mifepristone; Aceclofenac must not be administered for 8 to 12 days following its use. The official label also notes increased interaction severity in elderly patients and those with impaired hepatic or renal function.

Mechanism of Action

Blocking Inflammatory Signal Generation (Aceclofenac)

This primary mechanistic domain involves the inhibition of the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. By reducing the enzyme's activity, the compound limits the production of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)—a key chemical messenger that sensitizes nociceptors and contributes to local vascular changes—thereby initiating systemic consequences in nociceptive signaling and vascular responses.

Facilitating Clearance of Inflammatory Fluid (Serratiopeptidase)

In combination products, this mechanism introduces an enzymatic component that actively breaks down large protein molecules, such as fibrin, found within proteinaceous exudates. This action reduces fluid viscosity and tissue pressure, consequently accelerating the physiological clearance of proteinaceous exudates and related accumulation from the affected area.

️ Balancing Selectivity and Homeostasis

The mechanism retains a degree of activity against the Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme, which synthesizes prostaglandins involved in physiological homeostatic processes like gastric mucosal protection and renal blood flow regulation. This partial overlap highlights a mechanistic interaction where COX-2 inhibition intersects with the body's normal regulatory systems.

Dosage and Administration Information

The administration of Acent is governed by explicit instructions detailing the approved route, dosage limits, timing, and specific preparation requirements. The only official route for all dosage forms—which include the 100 mg film-coated tablets, the 200 mg Controlled Release tablets, and the powder for oral suspension—is oral.


Administration Schedule and Dosage

Instruction Entity Official Statement
Dosing schedule The total recommended daily dose is 200 mg. This is typically administered as 100 mg twice daily for standard tablets, or as a single 200 mg dose for the Controlled Release form.
Timing in relation to meals Acent doses may be taken with or immediately after food, as the intake timing relative to meals does not significantly affect the extent of absorption.
Missed-dose rules If a scheduled dose is forgotten, it must be skipped and the next dose taken at the regular time; a double dose is not permitted to compensate for the missed amount.

Preparation and Use Conditions

Condition Official Statement
Preparation Tablets must be swallowed whole with a sufficient quantity of liquid and should not be crushed or chewed. The powder for oral suspension must be dissolved in 40 ml to 60 ml of water before immediate consumption.
Dose Adjustment Patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment require a mandated reduction in the initial daily dose to 100 mg. No adjustment is necessary for older adults, and use is not recommended in the pediatric population due to a lack of data.

The procedural use of Acent is bound by the principle to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to achieve symptomatic control. The patient's continuing need for the medication should be re-evaluated by a healthcare provider at regular intervals as part of the overall use protocol.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Acent

1. Evidence for Chronic Inflammatory Conditions (Osteoarthritis, RA, and AS)

Research exploring Acent's relevance in chronic conditions, such as Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis, has relied primarily on Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and large-scale meta-analyses. These studies were used in research exploring patterns of symptom change over time. Researchers monitored changes in patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and documented variations in physical function. The findings describe patterns observed in the studies that were generally consistent with the patterns observed in the active comparator groups used in the studies. The evidence base provides limited information regarding long-term outcomes or the durability of symptom changes over multiple years.


2. Evidence for Acute Pain and Inflammation Management

Acent was studied for its relevance in short-term symptomatic management for conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes, such as acute low back pain and post-procedural discomfort. Research examined outcomes describing episodic or acute changes, such as the time it took for patients to report initial symptomatic change and the total amount of change in pain intensity. The evidence describes patterns of short-term changes in pain intensity that were comparable to those observed in the active comparator groups. Certainty remains low in some specific research scenarios for acute pain, as some regulatory reviews noted mixed findings when compared against a placebo. Consequently, evidence provides limited insight into long-term outcomes, as the follow-up durations were naturally restricted to the brief, acute period.


6. Identified Evidence Gaps and Areas of Uncertainty

Scientific reviews consistently identify several areas where research is ongoing or where data are still emerging. One key limitation is the variability of evidence quality across studies, particularly the heterogeneity noted in some systematic reviews. The evidence describes what is known and what remains uncertain regarding long-term effects. Because follow-up durations were limited, the long-term effects are not fully established beyond the intermediate-term timeframe. Additionally, the findings were mixed in specific single-dose postoperative pain models, suggesting that its relevance in those exact circumstances may be uncertain and requires further exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Acent (FAQ)


Q: How is Acent different from other medicines used for the same condition?

Official documents describe the active ingredient, Aceclofenac, as an Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) primarily classified as an acetic acid derivative. It is noted for preferentially reducing the activity of the COX-2 enzyme, which helps control pain and inflammation. Some product formulations also contain the proteolytic enzyme Serratiopeptidase.


Q: Does Acent have a generic or non-branded version available?

The active ingredient in Acent is Aceclofenac, which is the non-branded, generic name for this compound. Regulatory databases and product filings internationally confirm that medicines containing Aceclofenac are available both under the Acent brand name and under various generic product names.


Q: How long does it typically take for Acent to start working?

Pharmacokinetic data indicates that the active ingredient is absorbed after being swallowed. It is shown to reach its peak concentration in the blood within a timeframe of approximately one to three hours following oral intake, which may relate to the initial onset of symptomatic change.


Q: Is there any official information about Acent and alcohol consumption?

Yes, official safety information cautions against the consumption of alcohol while using the medicine. This is because alcohol intake may increase the risk of experiencing certain side effects, such as drowsiness and a higher potential for gastrointestinal bleeding.


Q: Are there any specific lifestyle or dietary changes mentioned in official Acent information?

Official instructions specify that Acent doses may be taken with or immediately after food to help with tolerability. Beyond this timing, specific, mandated general lifestyle or dietary changes are not typically detailed in official documentation, though caution is advised for people with underlying conditions like high blood pressure.


Q: What kind of monitoring is typically required while taking Acent?

For individuals receiving extended (long-term) treatment, official prescribing information mandates regular monitoring by a healthcare provider. This check-up is necessary to evaluate parameters like renal function (kidney health), hepatic function (liver health, including liver enzymes), and blood component levels.


Q: How long does the primary effect of a single dose of Acent last?

Regulatory information indicates that the active ingredient has a plasma elimination half-life of approximately four to five hours. This half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be cleared from the bloodstream, which is a key factor in determining the required dosing frequency.


Q: What should be done if an expected effect of Acent does not occur?

If the anticipated control of symptoms is not achieved, the official use protocol requires that the patient's continuing need for the medication be re-evaluated by a healthcare provider at regular intervals. This ensures that the treatment remains appropriate for the person's current condition.


Q: Is there information on whether Acent is safe to take while breastfeeding?

Official regulatory documents clearly state that the medicine is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. This is a necessary precaution because it is not known if the active ingredient passes into breast milk and could potentially affect an infant.


Q: Can Acent affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery?

Official warnings state that if a person experiences side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or visual disturbances, they should avoid driving or using machinery. These side effects can potentially affect a person's attention and coordination.


Q: What kind of studies have been done on the long-term effects of Acent?

Scientific reviews acknowledge that while many studies have focused on short- and intermediate-term use, the evidence base on long-term outcomes and the durability of symptom changes is limited and not fully established. Regulatory documents warn that extended use may be associated with increased gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks.


Q: What level of evidence supports the use of Acent for its approved indication?

The evidence supporting Acent's approved uses relies primarily on rigorous study designs, including Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. Regulatory assessments have noted that some evidence in specific scenarios, such as acute pain, included mixed findings when the drug was compared against a placebo.


Q: Are headaches a common complaint when taking Acent?

Official regulatory lists categorize adverse reactions by how often they occur. While side effects like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting are listed as common, headaches are generally not included in the official category of most frequently reported complaints.


Q: Is it common for doctors to adjust the dose of Acent based on patient response?

Official prescribing guidance strictly directs healthcare providers to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to achieve symptomatic control. This regulatory principle implies that a clinician must assess the patient's individual response and may make appropriate adjustments to manage symptoms.


Q: What are the signs that Acent may be working as intended?

The medicine is intended to address pain relief and inflammation reduction. Clinical studies monitored for patient-reported changes in perceived discomfort, documented improvements in physical function, and measured changes in pain intensity to assess the intended effects.

How should Acent be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Acent?

Regulatory documents define specific conditions for storing and disposing of Acent (Aceclofenac) to maintain its stability and ensure safety.


Required Storage Conditions

Storage Component Official Requirement
Temperature Store below 30 C in a cool, dry place.
Protection Requires protection from both light and moisture.
Container Keep containers tightly closed in the original packaging.
Child Safety Mandatory to keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Official Disposal Rules

Disposal of unused or expired Acent must be in accordance with local requirements. The product should not be flushed down the toilet or placed in surface water or sewer systems. Waste handling must be managed to avoid release to the environment, and patients should consult local authorities for approved take-back programs.

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

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