Aclonac

Quick links to important sections

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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 Aclonac

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Aceclofenac
Form Tablet, Capsule, or Topical preparation
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Common purpose Reduction of pain and inflammation
Origin Synthetic Phenylacetic acid derivative

What Type of Medicine is Aclonac?

Aclonac is the trade name for a pharmaceutical preparation whose active ingredient is Aceclofenac, which is systematically classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). This classification places Aceclofenac within the anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic products group for its role in managing conditions characterized by pain and inflammation. Aceclofenac functions as a Non-Opioid Analgesic, establishing its general purpose in managing discomfort and inflammation without relying on the central nervous system mechanisms characteristic of opioid medications.


Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

The defining chemical component of Aclonac, Aceclofenac, is a synthetic entity that is chemically identified as a Phenylacetic acid derivative with anti-inflammatory properties. This compound is typically provided as a pharmaceutical preparation for oral administration in various dosage forms, such as a tablet or capsule, allowing for its systemic distribution throughout the body. Aclonac is provided both as a single-ingredient product containing only Aceclofenac, and as a combination product, where the NSAID component is paired with other active substances, such as Paracetamol or the enzyme Serratiopeptidase.


General Therapeutic Purpose and Core Effects

The core purpose of Aclonac is to reduce the symptoms associated with the inflammatory process, delivering three documented effects: anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and antipyretic (fever-reducing). By interfering with the biochemical messengers responsible for pain and swelling, the preparation helps to alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling. This action is ultimately directed toward restoring comfort and functional capacity in situations involving localized inflammatory responses.

What side effects are possible with Aclonac?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Official regulatory documents classify the possible adverse effects of Aclonac (Aceclofenac) based on frequency and affected body system. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular events are key areas of safety focus for this Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID).

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported effects are generally categorized as Common, affecting 1 to 10 in every 100 users, and primarily include gastrointestinal disturbances such as dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhoea, alongside temporary increases in hepatic enzymes. Uncommon effects, affecting fewer than 1 in 100 users, include flatulence, gastritis, and various skin reactions like rash and pruritus.

Serious Adverse Reactions

The official safety profile highlights two major categories of serious adverse reactions. The first involves the Gastrointestinal System, with rare but potentially fatal events such as bleeding, ulceration, or perforation documented. The second key concern is the risk of Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events, including myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke, recognized as a class effect that may increase with the medicine's dosage and duration of use.

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

The regulatory label includes specific constraints for certain populations. Elderly patients are officially noted to have a higher frequency of adverse reactions, particularly the serious risk of fatal gastrointestinal complications. The medicine is contraindicated in individuals with established severe conditions, including certain classifications of congestive heart failure (NYHA II–IV), severe hepatic failure, or severe renal failure. The risk of serious skin reactions is noted to be highest within the initial month of treatment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Aclonac overdose involves specific documented clinical manifestations and the potential for severe, life-threatening outcomes in cases of significant poisoning. The official regulatory profile identifies common overdose presentations including nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, gastrointestinal irritation, and headache. Central nervous system effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and the possible occurrence of convulsions are also documented. More serious systemic effects include hypotension and respiratory depression. The most severe documented outcomes involve potential damage to major organs, specifically acute renal failure and liver damage.


When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Immediate medical attention must be sought in all cases of suspected overdose due to the documented risk of severe complications. The regulatory documents emphasize that treatment is symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidote is known for Aceclofenac poisoning. Officially described procedural steps for managing the overdose include the consideration of activated charcoal within one hour of ingestion of a potentially toxic amount, or gastric lavage for adults in potentially life-threatening scenarios. The official regulatory profile mandates that renal function and liver function must be closely monitored following an overdose.

Therapeutic Uses of Aclonac

Aclonac is applied across therapeutic domains that involve symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states. Its use is aligned with established therapeutic domains for conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort. Its application is relevant in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns.

Managing Chronic Pain and Stiffness

The medication is commonly used to provide symptomatic support for chronic, persistent inflammatory conditions that affect the joints and spine, including Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis. It helps address symptom clusters such as sustained joint pain, morning stiffness, and localized swelling, contributing to easing the overall symptom load and supporting general well-being.

Addressing Acute Discomfort

The medication also addresses acute episodes, such as pain following trauma and soft tissue injuries, or significant symptomatic burden including dental pain and menstrual cramps. Aclonac helps address these groups of symptoms, providing supportive relief that may help patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations.


Quick Fact: Symptom Focus

The supportive therapeutic benefit assists with maintaining functional stability and general comfort, helping patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes that interfere with daily activities. The medication is relevant across acute and chronic scenarios where additional supportive symptom management is appropriate.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Aclonac (aceclofenac) is a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) primarily used to relieve pain and inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Contraindications (Who Should Not Use Aclonac)

Aclonac is not suitable for everyone and is generally contraindicated in patients with the following conditions:

  • Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to aceclofenac, or any other NSAIDs (such as aspirin or ibuprofen), which may precipitate asthma attacks, urticaria, or acute rhinitis.
  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Active, recurrent, or suspected gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding.
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Established heart disease, including a history of heart failure, stroke, or heart attack.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, and is generally not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
  • Organ Impairment: Moderate to severe kidney or liver impairment.

Patient Populations Requiring Caution

Certain patient groups require cautious use and close medical supervision due to increased risk of side effects. These include the elderly, patients with a history of hypertension (high blood pressure) or mild heart failure, those with pre-existing asthma or other respiratory issues, and individuals with mild to moderate kidney or liver disease.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile of Aclonac (Aceclofenac) is structured by regulatory documents based on potential pharmacokinetic (exposure-altering) and pharmacodynamic (effect-reinforcing) outcomes. Co-administration with other NSAIDs, including COX-2 selective inhibitors, is officially restricted due to the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Exposure-Altering Interactions

Aceclofenac may increase the plasma concentrations of certain co-administered medicines, including Lithium, Methotrexate, and Digoxin, a pattern linked to reduced renal clearance. Caution is officially mandated if Methotrexate is administered within 24 hours of Aceclofenac. Furthermore, use is formally prohibited for 8 to 12 days following the administration of Mifepristone.

Pharmacodynamic Risks

Interactions that reinforce effects include the combination with Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin), Antiplatelet Agents, and Systemic Corticosteroids, which enhances the documented risk of bleeding or gastrointestinal ulceration. Co-administration with ACE-Inhibitors, ARBs, or Diuretics carries a risk of acute renal insufficiency, which is specifically heightened in elderly patients. The consumption of Alcohol is noted in regulatory information to increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Mechanism of Action

Aclonac's action profile is achieved by modulating distinct biological systems, focusing on the suppression of chemical mediators and the resolution of physical tissue swelling.

Inhibition of the Prostaglandin Synthesis Pathway

This core mechanism involves the primary active ingredient, Aceclofenac, acting as an enzyme inhibitor that targets the Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) pathway. By blocking these enzymes, the drug restricts the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are chemical mediators responsible for sensitizing nerve endings and influencing local vascular dynamics. This consequently reduces the creation of biochemical compounds that potentiate peripheral nociceptive signaling and local vascular changes.

Dual-Action Nociception and Thermoregulation Modulation

The combination utilizes a parallel action where the second component (Paracetamol) acts specifically within the Central Nervous System (CNS) to modulate the hypothalamic temperature set-point. This central action modifies the regulatory center, initiating mechanisms like vasodilation and sweating, which results in physiological heat dissipation and an increase in nociceptive signal tolerance.

Enzymatic Degradation of Proteinaceous Exudates

The third mechanistic domain, provided by the enzymatic component (Serratiopeptidase), involves the proteolytic degradation of abnormal proteins and large molecular complexes, such as fibrin and bradykinin, that accumulate in damaged tissue. This enzymatic breakdown helps to thin the inflammatory fluid, facilitating its drainage and clearance through the lymphatic system, leading to reduced fluid and protein accumulation.

Modulation of Cartilage Matrix Components

A secondary, non-COX-related mechanism of Aceclofenac is the stimulation of glycosaminoglycan synthesis. This action results in the increased synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, key components of the extracellular matrix within joint cartilage, which is distinct from the primary enzyme inhibition mechanism.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Aclonac is Used

Administration Guidelines

Aclonac (Aceclofenac) is administered via the oral route, most commonly in the form of a 100 mg film-coated tablet. Its usage is governed by a principle of utilizing the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to manage symptoms, with the necessity for continued therapy being reassessed periodically.

Dosing and Schedule

The standard prescribed adult regimen specifies a recommended total daily dose of 200 mg. This is achieved by taking two separate doses of 100 mg each per day, typically divided into a morning dose and an evening dose. The tablets are generally taken with or immediately after food to meet specific administration conditions.

Procedural Instructions and Constraints

The 100 mg tablet must be swallowed whole with a sufficient quantity of liquid and must not be crushed or chewed. This procedural constraint is tied directly to the intended release profile of the dosage form.

Population-Specific Instructions

Specific dose modifications are described for certain groups. Patients with hepatic impairment are typically initiated on a reduced daily dose of 100 mg. For older adults, no routine dose adjustment is mandated, but close monitoring is generally part of the overall therapeutic management. Usage in children and adolescents under 18 years of age is not recommended, as sufficient clinical data to support a dose recommendation in this population are currently lacking.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies

Overview of Clinical Trials

Research has explored whether the quality of life might be improved in individuals experiencing chronic inflammatory conditions. Trials examined a specific combination therapy for its potential to affect the severity and frequency of flare-ups.

  • Study Design: The primary data came from a series of double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs). These trials focused on adults diagnosed with Condition A, spanning an average of 12 weeks.
  • Key Findings: Studies examined whether the combination was associated with a reduction in the inflammatory markers over the 12-week period. Research investigated the timing of observed changes in individuals with acute symptoms. The results indicated variability in individual responses to the intervention.

Specific Research Areas

Biological Interactions

Research explored the substance’s interactions with biological pathways. This area was primarily investigated in pre-clinical cell-culture and animal models, and findings may not directly translate to human clinical outcomes.

  • Cellular Studies: Research explored the drug’s potential to affect cytokine release in laboratory settings. These in vitro studies assessed potential inhibition rates across various inflammatory pathways.
  • Pharmacokinetics: Studies evaluated the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of the compound to establish its half-life and bioavailability within the human body.

Safety and Tolerability Profiles

Long-term use was monitored to evaluate safety profiles in an open-label extension study over two years. Research collected data on adverse events, which were subsequently evaluated for frequency and severity, with findings detailed in the safety documentation.

  • Subgroup Analysis: Research reviewed outcomes for individuals with liver impairment, with results subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Drug Interactions: Evidence evaluated potential interactions with common pain relievers and immunosuppressants.

Patient Guidance and Interpretation

The information presented here is solely descriptive of the research findings and study parameters. The content does not constitute medical advice and cannot determine the suitability of treatment for specific health status and needs. The research was conducted using conditions outlined in the study protocol. The findings are intended to inform, not to recommend or advise.

Key Studies & References

  1. Two-Year Open-Label Extension Study Assessing the Long-Term Safety and Tolerability Profile of Aclonac in Adults

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Aclonac (FAQ)

Q: What is Aclonac used for?

Aclonac is approved by regulatory bodies for the management of [Condition A] and the relief of [Symptom B] associated with [Condition C]. Its specific uses are defined on the official product label.

Q: How does Aclonac work?

Aclonac is classified as a [Drug Class]. While research has observed that it may affect [Target System/Receptor], the full mechanism by which it provides its approved benefit is complex and the subject of ongoing study.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?

If a dose of Aclonac is missed, the recommended action is generally to take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, it is generally advised to skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Always consult the instructions provided by your prescriber or pharmacist for precise guidance.

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Aclonac?

The combination of Aclonac and alcohol may potentially increase the risk of specific side effects, particularly those related to the liver or central nervous system. It is generally recommended to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider to understand the potential risks in your specific situation.

How should Aclonac be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Aclonac

Aclonac (aceclofenac) tablets must be stored correctly to maintain stability and safety. Official regulatory documents specify storage at a controlled temperature, generally below 30 C or 25 C. It is crucial to protect the medication from both light and moisture, requiring it to be kept in its original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place.


Storage & Disposal Summary

Requirement Official Instruction
Temperature Store below 30 C / 25 C.
Protection Protect from light and moisture.
Accessibility Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Container Keep in original, tightly closed container.
Disposal Dispose of unused product and waste material according to local requirements.

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

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Aclonac found in:

A-Z Index: