Actinac Plus

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Actinac Plus

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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 Actinac Plus

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Aceclofenac, Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Form Fixed-dose combination (FDC) Tablet, Oral
Pharmacological Class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) + Anilide Analgesic
General Purpose Pain relief, inflammation reduction, fever control
Origin Synthetic compounds

What Type of Medicine is Actinac Plus?

Actinac Plus is defined as a synthetic, oral, fixed-dose combination (FDC) product that integrates two active substances from distinct therapeutic categories. It is classified as a combination of a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) and an Anilide Analgesic. This identity is structurally significant, designed to manage multiple symptoms simultaneously. The medicine is consistently manufactured as an oral tablet for systemic action.

Composition: Aceclofenac, Acetaminophen, and Dual Action

The composition of Actinac Plus includes two active ingredients: Aceclofenac and Acetaminophen (Paracetamol). Aceclofenac, the NSAID component, provides the primary anti-inflammatory effect, while Acetaminophen provides complementary central analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) action. The combination of these two specific compounds, unlike formulations pairing an NSAID with an opioid, is commonly used when both significant pain and underlying inflammation must be addressed. The dual action of this fixed-dose blend, integrating peripheral inflammation control and central pain signaling modulation, is a key feature that differentiates it from single-agent formulations.

General Purpose of the Aceclofenac/Acetaminophen Combination

The general purpose of this combination medicine is to provide effective symptomatic mitigation by targeting the discomfort from two perspectives. The formulation is designed to combine an effective anti-inflammatory effect from the Aceclofenac component with potent analgesic and antipyretic actions from both substances. This dual-action mechanism makes the medicine suitable for mitigating pain, reducing associated swelling or inflammation, and lowering fever, thereby rapidly addressing the key symptoms often associated with underlying inflammatory processes.

What side effects are possible with Actinac Plus?

Actinac Plus: Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Adverse Reaction Scope

The most commonly reported side effects involve Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and heartburn, along with Nervous System disorders like dizziness and sleepiness.

Serious adverse reactions, though less frequent, are documented risks stemming from the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and paracetamol components. These include potentially fatal events such as gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. The NSAID component carries an associated risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events (e.g., heart attack and stroke), especially with high doses or prolonged use. The Paracetamol component carries a risk of severe liver damage or hepatic failure, particularly in cases of overdose or in patients with alcohol-related liver disease. Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, are rare but clinically significant risks.

Safety-Related Restrictions and Monitoring

The overall safety profile requires treatment to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to minimize risks. This combination is contraindicated in patients with active or recurrent peptic ulcers/haemorrhage, severe heart failure, or severe hepatic or renal failure. Caution is required in the elderly, who are at increased risk of severe adverse reactions, especially GI bleeding. Patients with a history of heart disease, hypertension, or kidney impairment require careful medical surveillance. Due to the risk of dizziness, alertness may be decreased, and patients should be mindful of this when driving or operating machinery.

Patients on long-term treatment are advised to undergo regular monitoring of renal function, hepatic function, and blood counts as a precautionary measure.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Actinac Plus contains two active components, the overdose of either of which can lead to serious health complications, with the risk being compounded by taking multiple products that contain these ingredients.

Immediate Medical Attention

Urgent medical help must be sought immediately if an overdose is suspected, even if no symptoms are present. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, as treatment for the paracetamol component is most effective if administered early. Contact a poison control center or emergency services immediately.

Documented Overdose Symptoms

The most significant risk from overdose is severe liver damage (hepatotoxicity), acute liver failure, and potentially death, primarily due to the paracetamol component. Initial symptoms may be vague or mimic other conditions, and can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain (often in the upper right side), loss of appetite, and paleness. Liver damage may take 24 to 72 hours to become clinically apparent. Severe toxicity can lead to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), confusion, and coma.

The aceclofenac component carries an overdose risk similar to other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including potential gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, ulceration, or perforation, which can be fatal. Other potential effects of severe NSAID overdose include convulsions, metabolic acidosis, and acute renal failure.

Risk Factors

Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as liver disease, chronic alcohol use, or poor nutritional status are at a higher risk for severe toxicity from paracetamol overdose. The elderly also face an increased risk of serious GI complications from NSAIDs.

Therapeutic Uses of Actinac Plus

Actinac Plus (Aceclofenac/Acetaminophen) plays a role in managing symptomatic support across therapeutic domains characterized by clustered symptoms of pain, inflammation, and fever. The combination is considered relevant for easing discomfort in conditions presenting with systemic or localized symptomatic burden, a use aligned with its established therapeutic category.

The medicine is generally applied in addressing chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, as well as acute episodes including sprains, strains, low back pain, and discomfort following minor surgical or dental procedures. Furthermore, it is relevant for easing symptoms in episodic conditions like headache, toothache, and painful menses.

“The combination is applied in addressing groups of symptoms, such as pain and swelling, that may appear suddenly or fluctuate.”

This supportive therapeutic approach helps patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations and contributes to improved day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods. The inclusion of the antipyretic component additionally assists with managing feverishness and generalized aches often associated with colds.

Quick Fact: The combination is used for managing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, contributing to relief from pain, swelling, and fever.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Actinac Plus?

Actinac Plus (a combination of aceclofenac and paracetamol) is generally prescribed for adults seeking relief from pain and inflammation. However, its use is contraindicated and should be avoided in certain patient groups due to the risk of serious complications.


Contraindications (Who Should NOT Use)

Condition
Known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to aceclofenac, paracetamol, or other Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen).
History of active or recurrent peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or perforation related to prior NSAID therapy.
Severe heart failure.
Severe liver or kidney failure.
Third trimester of pregnancy (due to potential harm to the fetus and complications during birth).
Active bleeding disorders or uncontrolled bleeding.

Precautions (Use with Caution)

Caution and close medical supervision are essential for patients with a history of heart disease, mild-to-moderate liver or kidney impairment, or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension). Use is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

Before starting Actinac Plus, always inform your doctor of your full medical history and all other medications you are taking, especially blood thinners, other NSAIDs, or corticosteroids, as these may interact with the medicine. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Actinac Plus is a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of Aceclofenac and Acetaminophen, and its interaction profile is the sum of documented risks for both components, as defined in regulatory labeling.

Contraindicated or Restricted Combinations

Co-administration with other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, is cautioned against due to the officially documented risk of increased gastrointestinal adverse events. Furthermore, the combination is restricted from co-administration with other Acetaminophen-containing products to avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose, which carries a documented risk of liver toxicity.

Officially Documented Pharmacodynamic and Exposure Interactions

Interaction with Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) is officially documented to enhance the anticoagulant effect and increase the risk of bleeding, a risk stemming from both active ingredients. The Aceclofenac component may inhibit the activity of Diuretics and reduce the antihypertensive effect of certain blood pressure medicines. Regulatory documents state that co-administration with drugs like Lithium and Methotrexate may increase their plasma concentrations due to reduced elimination or clearance. Conversely, agents such as Cholestyramine are documented to reduce the absorption of the Acetaminophen component. The label notes that Cholestyramine must be taken one hour apart to mitigate this effect.

Population and Substance Considerations

Chronic consumption of alcohol is formally linked to an increased risk of liver damage (Acetaminophen component) and gastrointestinal bleeding (Aceclofenac component). Elderly patients are documented to be at a higher risk of adverse reactions tied to these interactions due to underlying functional impairment.

Mechanism of Action

Peripheral Control of Inflammatory Signaling

This mechanism is driven by Aceclofenac, which acts as an inhibitor of the COX-2 enzyme at the site of tissue injury. By suppressing the conversion of arachidonic acid into pro-inflammatory PGE2 mediators, this component limits the local production of mediators which cause vasodilation and neuronal hypersensitivity, thus modulating the systemic inflammatory response.

Central Modulation of Nociceptive and Thermoregulation

Acetaminophen works mainly within the Central Nervous System ( CNS) and spinal cord, inhibiting PGE2 production to block signaling and reset the hypothalamic set-point for body temperature. This action is complemented by its metabolite's modulation of CB1 and TRPV1 receptors, engaging the body's descending pathways to modulate the central nociceptive input.

Mechanistic Synergy via Dual-Site Action

The fixed-dose combination achieves multimodal mechanistic action by coordinating two distinct pharmacological strategies. Aceclofenac focuses on managing the local, peripheral source of the inflammatory signals, while Acetaminophen simultaneously targets the central processing of these signals and temperature. This dual mechanism ensures a coordinated influence over the biochemical and neurological cascades responsible for both peripheral and central physiological responses.

Dosage and Administration Information

General Principles of Administration

Actinac Plus is administered through the oral route as a fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet. The usage protocol is designed to ensure systemic action while adhering to defined limits. The overarching principle for its use is to utilize the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to address symptoms.

Standard Dosing and Frequency

For adults, the standard regimen specifies a dose of one tablet per administration. The maximum recommended daily dose for this FDC product is two tablets daily, taken as one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening. This establishes a consistent twice-daily schedule that should not be exceeded.

Contextual and Procedural Instructions

For proper administration, the tablet must be swallowed whole with a sufficient quantity of liquid and should not be crushed or chewed. The tablets should be taken preferably with or after food. Furthermore, the medicine should not be combined with other analgesic products that contain Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) to avoid exceeding daily intake limits for the analgesic component.

Population-Specific Use

Specific populations may require adjustments. For patients with hepatic impairment, the initial daily dose of the Aceclofenac component should be reduced to 100 mg (equivalent to one tablet daily). The FDC is not recommended for use in children.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Actinac Plus: Recent Clinical Evidence


Early Research and Model Exploration

Research has explored the drug's effect on inflammation and joint pain symptoms. In these studies, investigators examined what effects the active compounds had in laboratory models. This research provides a foundation for understanding the drug's intended action.

  • Trials involved the drug being given alongside food.
  • Research commenced with a low dosage regimen.

Clinical Trial Findings

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the drug's effects over a long-term period. This research assessed the persistence of the drug's impact on symptoms and any changes in reported side effects over the study duration.

Impact on Flare-ups and Symptom Changes

Studies examined whether the combination of active ingredients affected the severity of flare-ups. Investigators focused on the frequency and intensity of symptoms reported by participants. Additionally, research evaluated the time until an observed change in symptom severity in trial participants. Data suggested that a portion of the participants reported an initial change within a defined period.

Comparison to Other Treatments

Some studies compared the drug’s effects to those of other available treatments. These comparative evaluations looked at differences in patient-reported outcomes and adverse event rates between the groups, offering context for the research findings.

Study Populations and Quality of Life

Research described the specific criteria used to select trial participants, which reflects the population included in the clinical studies. For example, some studies noted the presence of certain chronic conditions as an exclusion criterion.

The research assessed changes in the reported quality of life among participants over a six-week period. This involved participants completing standardized questionnaires to measure changes in physical and emotional well-being.

Key Studies & References

  1. Actinac Plus (Aceclofenac 100 mg and Paracetamol 500 mg Tablets) Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Actinac Plus (FAQ)


Q: Do I need to change my diet while taking Actinac Plus?

Official product information recommends taking the tablet with or immediately after food. Furthermore, chronic consumption of alcohol should be avoided due to the documented increased risk of certain side effects, such as liver damage and gastrointestinal issues. General guidance related to the known gastrointestinal side effects of NSAIDs sometimes mentions avoiding rich or spicy foods.


Q: Does Actinac Plus affect blood pressure?

Regulatory documents indicate that the Aceclofenac component, which is a Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), can be associated with an increase in blood pressure. Official documents state that caution and close medical supervision are required for patients with a history of high blood pressure (hypertension).


Q: Can women who are planning to become pregnant use Actinac Plus?

Regulatory information states that the NSAID component of the medicine may interfere with the process of ovulation, which can temporarily impair female fertility. Official documents describe the use of the medicine as generally not recommended for women who are actively attempting to conceive.


Q: What is the purpose of the 'Plus' in the drug name Actinac Plus?

The term 'Plus' is a common pharmaceutical naming convention used to denote that the medicine is a fixed-dose combination (FDC). In the case of Actinac Plus, this means the tablet contains two distinct active ingredients: Aceclofenac and Acetaminophen (Paracetamol).


Q: What is the typical expected duration of treatment with Actinac Plus?

Consistent with regulatory guidance for similar medicines, official guidance describes the principle for treatment as using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to address symptoms. This approach is applied to minimize the potential for side effects.


Q: Does Actinac Plus interact with common supplements like vitamins?

Official guidance describes that patients should provide a healthcare provider with a list of all other products, including vitamins and supplements, before starting treatment. This is done because the medicine has documented interactions with certain substances that can alter the safety profile.


Q: What happens if I miss a scheduled time for taking Actinac Plus?

Regulatory guidance on missed doses typically describes the procedure: If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose entirely. Taking a double dose to compensate for a missed one is generally not recommended in official instructions.


Q: Is Actinac Plus a controlled substance?

Based on the classification of the active ingredients, Aceclofenac and Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), Actinac Plus is not typically classified as a controlled substance by major regulatory bodies.


Q: How long do the effects of a dose of Actinac Plus typically last?

The product is generally prescribed to be taken on a twice-daily schedule, typically once in the morning and once in the evening. This indicates that the intended therapeutic effect for the combination is expected to last for approximately 12 hours.


Q: Can Actinac Plus cause changes in weight?

The Aceclofenac component, which belongs to the class of NSAIDs, has been associated with the potential for side effects such as fluid retention, known as peripheral edema (swelling). This fluid retention may sometimes lead to changes in body weight.


Q: Is Actinac Plus safe to take if I am already taking an antidepressant?

Official documentation describes that caution is required when the medicine is used with certain types of antidepressants. This potential interaction, which may increase the risk of bleeding, is a matter for discussion with a healthcare provider.


Q: Can people with diabetes use Actinac Plus?

Official regulatory updates list diabetes mellitus as a significant risk factor. The decision to initiate treatment requires careful consideration by a healthcare provider, and close medical surveillance is often described as necessary if the medicine is prescribed to patients with this condition.


Q: What if I experience a persistent headache after starting Actinac Plus?

Headache is listed in regulatory documents as a potential side effect of the combination. The official documents advise that persistent or severe headaches are among the symptoms that warrant consultation with a healthcare provider for evaluation.


Q: What should I do if Actinac Plus seems to stop working?

Regulatory guidance advises that if the pain persists, worsens, or lasts longer than a defined period (e.g., ten days for pain), consultation with a healthcare provider is warranted. This is done to ensure the condition is properly evaluated.


Q: Are there any known interactions with herbal products or supplements?

Official guidance describes that patients should provide a healthcare provider with a list of all products being used, including herbal supplements and vitamins, before starting treatment. This is because the medicine has documented interactions with certain substances that can alter the safety profile.


Q: Does Actinac Plus have a specific warning about sun exposure?

The class of medicines known as NSAIDs, which includes the Aceclofenac component, is associated with a risk of photosensitivity reactions in rare instances. Regulatory documents describe that the treatment should be discontinued if skin reactions occur.


Q: What are the official sources for information on Actinac Plus safety?

Official safety information for this medicine is derived from reports and Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) documents published by national and regional regulatory bodies. These include organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

How should Actinac Plus be stored and disposed of?

Storage Conditions for Actinac Plus

Actinac Plus tablets must be stored according to specific regulatory requirements to maintain product integrity and safety. The medicine must not be stored above 30 C. To protect its stability, the product requires storage in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, and must remain in its original, tightly closed container or pack. When stored correctly, the medicine has a labeled shelf life of 24 months. Furthermore, a mandatory child-safety requirement is to keep Actinac Plus out of the sight and reach of children.

Official Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Actinac Plus must be disposed of exactly as directed by the instructions provided on the package or label. The disposal procedure requires care to ensure that the medicine is not consumed by pets, children, or other individuals.

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

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