Airnac

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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 Airnac

Airnac Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Aceclofenac
Form Oral Tablet
Pharmacological Class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General Purpose Pain, Inflammation, and Fever Relief
Origin Synthetic Compound

Airnac: Identity and Drug Classification

Airnac is a prescription medication whose active ingredient is Aceclofenac, a synthetic compound classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). This classification defines its core action: reducing inflammation and associated pain without affecting the central nervous system like opioid medicines. Aceclofenac is structurally related to diclofenac, an older, established NSAID, but is generally understood to offer a unique pharmacological profile supported by extensive clinical experience. This indicates that the drug belongs to a well-studied class of medicines designed specifically to target physical discomfort caused by inflammation.

General Purpose and Action

The primary purpose of Airnac is to provide systematic relief from discomfort, stiffness, and swelling. The medicine achieves this through a triple action—it acts as an analgesic (pain reliever), an anti-inflammatory agent, and an antipyretic (fever reducer). The effectiveness of Aceclofenac in managing painful, inflammatory conditions is widely recognized across international formularies. This underscores the drug’s usefulness in tackling the core symptoms of inflammatory pain throughout the body. A typical scenario for its use would be to ease the persistent stiffness and joint discomfort associated with chronic conditions.

Composition and Physical Form

The core composition of Airnac is the active substance, Aceclofenac, presented in a solid oral tablet. Taking the medication via the oral route allows it to be absorbed into the bloodstream, thereby achieving a systemic effect. This means the medication is distributed throughout the entire body to treat widespread or internal inflammation. The tablet also contains non-active pharmaceutical excipients that ensure the drug's stability and correct release into the body.

What side effects are possible with Airnac?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information for Airnac

Airnac, presumed to be a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) based on its naming convention, carries safety warnings consistent with this drug class as documented by regulatory authorities like the FDA and EMA. The profile is characterized by risks primarily involving the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, which are typically dose- and duration-dependent.


Key Adverse Reactions

Category Common Reactions (Expected) Serious Reactions (Clinically Significant)
Gastrointestinal Dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal pain Perforation, ulceration, and bleeding of the stomach or intestines
Cardiovascular Hypertension, peripheral edema Thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke
Renal Fluid retention Acute kidney injury (AKI), renal papillary necrosis
Hypersensitivity Rash, pruritus Anaphylactic reactions, severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)

Serious adverse cardiovascular events can occur early in treatment and may increase with prolonged use or in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors. Gastrointestinal bleeding risk is increased in patients with a prior history of ulcers, the elderly, and those using concomitant anticoagulants.


Population-Specific Safety Considerations

Pregnancy: Use of NSAIDs is generally avoided from 20 weeks gestation onward due to the risk of fetal renal dysfunction leading to low amniotic fluid, and strictly contraindicated in the third trimester (after 30 weeks) due to the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.

High-Risk Patients: Caution and close monitoring are required for patients with pre-existing heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, significant renal or hepatic impairment, and bleeding disorders.

Restrictions and Limitations

  • Contraindications: History of NSAID hypersensitivity or aspirin-induced asthma, and use in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
  • Monitoring Notes: Regulatory labels recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to minimize potential risks, particularly cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks. Periodic monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and complete blood count (CBC) is standard for chronic use.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory documents state that an overdose of Airnac (Aceclofenac) may manifest with several documented physical signs. These typically include gastrointestinal presentations such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain, along with documented occurrences of gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding. Neurological signs like dizziness, drowsiness, and fainting (syncope) are also listed among the possible clinical manifestations.

In cases of significant poisoning, the official profile highlights the risk of severe outcomes. These include the documented potential for Acute renal failure and Liver damage. Other serious manifestations may involve Hypotension, Respiratory depression, and, occasionally, Convulsions.

Due to these potential life-threatening risks, the mandated regulatory action is to contact a doctor immediately or proceed to the nearest hospital casualty department if too many tablets have been taken. The official medical approach is symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidote is known. Management procedures explicitly documented include the consideration of activated charcoal or, for adults in specific scenarios, gastric lavage within one hour of ingestion. Furthermore, close monitoring of both renal and liver function is officially required during clinical observation.

Therapeutic Uses of Airnac

What Airnac Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Airnac is commonly used to provide symptomatic relief across several key therapeutic domains, focusing on symptoms related to physical discomfort, pain, and inflammation. Its primary application is the management of inflammatory joint diseases.


Symptomatic Management of Chronic and Acute Discomfort

Airnac is relevant in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms and persistent discomfort, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis. It is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed to address the core cluster of chronic pain, joint swelling, and symptoms that interfere with daily functioning like persistent stiffness. The medication may also be used for acute episodes, including low back pain, symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain like scapulohumeral periarthritis, and pain following minor procedures like dental surgery (odontalgia).

Quick Fact: Used for Managing Inflammatory Pain Symptoms Airnac supports general well-being during symptomatic phases and provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities.


Management of Pain, Swelling, and Fever Symptoms

Airnac helps address groups of symptoms that may appear suddenly or fluctuate by providing supportive relief for symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states. This supportive role contributes to easing the overall symptom load during periods of heightened symptoms. The medication is commonly used to help with conditions involving episodic manifestations of pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Airnac?

Eligibility for Airnac (Aceclofenac) is determined by official regulatory documents, primarily focusing on age, organ function, and pre-existing systemic conditions. The medicine is approved for use in adults (18 years and older).


Absolute Contraindications

Airnac must not be used by individuals with the following official non-eligibility criteria:

  • Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to Aceclofenac, aspirin, or other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Severe Organ Dysfunction: Established severe renal failure or severe hepatic failure.
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Established severe conditions, including congestive heart failure (NYHA II–IV), ischaemic heart disease, or cerebrovascular disease.
  • Gastrointestinal History: Active or recurrent peptic ulceration/haemorrhage, or history of GI bleeding related to prior NSAID use.
  • Pregnancy: Use is contraindicated during the third trimester.

Conditional Use and Age Restrictions

Population Group Regulatory Status
Pediatric (Under 18) Not recommended due to insufficient clinical data.
Older Adults Permitted, but requires close medical monitoring due to increased risk of adverse reactions.
Mild/Moderate Impairment Requires caution and surveillance in mild to moderate hepatic or renal impairment.
Lactation Not recommended during breastfeeding.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Airnac's interaction profile, as documented in official regulatory labeling, defines several required restrictions and documented effects when co-administered with other substances.

Prohibited and Restricted Combinations

Co-administration with other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including Aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors, is formally restricted due to a significantly increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events. Use is also restricted for 8 to 12 days following administration of Mifepristone.

Documented Exposure and Efficacy Changes

Aceclofenac may increase the plasma concentrations of certain co-administered medicines, including Lithium and Digoxin, due to documented reduced elimination, which carries a risk of toxicity for those substances. Similarly, co-administration with Methotrexate can increase its plasma levels. Conversely, Aceclofenac can reduce the anti-hypertensive effect of medicines like ACE-inhibitors and ARBs, as well as the efficacy of Diuretics.

Additive Risk and Required Monitoring

The combination with Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin), Corticosteroids, Antiplatelet agents, or SSRIs carries an officially documented increased risk of bleeding or gastrointestinal adverse effects. Caution is required when Aceclofenac is administered within 24 hours of Methotrexate. Close medical surveillance is noted for individuals who consume Alcohol regularly, as this exacerbates the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Furthermore, interaction risks with anti-hypertensives are officially noted to be higher in the Elderly or those with Impaired Renal Function.

Mechanism of Action

️ How Airnac Works: The Core Mechanisms

◦ Preferential Inhibition of Prostaglandin Synthesis

Airnac (Aceclofenac) exerts its action by competitively inhibiting the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme at sites of physiological challenge. This molecular action directly and reversibly blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostanoid mediators, primarily Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This action targets the initiation of the eicosanoid cascade, which is fundamental to the biochemical process of inflammation.

◦ Modulation of Central and Peripheral Signaling

The mechanism modulates physiological responses through two distinct pathways. Peripherally, the reduction of PGE2 decreases the sensitization of local nerve endings and affects vascular permeability, which results in decreased localized vascular permeability and fluid exudation in tissues. Centrally, the inhibition of PGE2 synthesis in the Hypothalamus acts to reset the elevated thermal set point, leading to a modulation of the thermoregulatory response and the lowering of the central set point.

◦ Downstream Interference with Inflammatory Mediators

Beyond direct enzyme blockade, the drug's action, supplemented by its active metabolite, engages mechanisms that suppress the signaling of secondary inflammatory components. This includes the downregulation of certain cytokines like IL-1beta and TNF. This downstream effect influences the continuation of the inflammatory cascade and alters the signaling dynamics within targeted pathways.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Airnac: Official Administration Guidelines

Airnac (Aceclofenac) is a medication supplied as a 100 mg film-coated oral tablet. Its use is governed by official prescribing instructions that specify the dose, frequency, and conditions for administration.

Standard Dosing and Administration

The approved route of administration for the film-coated tablet is oral. The total recommended daily dose for adults is 200 mg. This total dose is typically administered by taking one 100 mg tablet in the morning and a second 100 mg tablet in the evening, resulting in a twice-daily dosing schedule. The tablet must be swallowed whole with an adequate amount of liquid, and it should not be crushed or chewed. Airnac can be taken either with food or after food; however, taking it with food may alter the rate, but not the overall amount, of absorption.

Use Duration and Adjustments

Official guidelines state that the administration should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control the symptoms. This strategy is consistent with the standard use protocol for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Patient Population Official Dose Instruction
Standard Adult 200 mg daily, divided into two doses.
Hepatic Impairment Suggested initial daily dose is 100 mg.
Older Adults Dose adjustment is generally not necessary based on altered pharmacokinetics.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Airnac: Recent Clinical Evidence


Evidence for use in Acute Pain

Research has explored how Airnac was studied for conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes, such as pain experienced shortly after dental procedures or minor injuries. These investigations often use randomized trials, where Airnac was evaluated in settings with varying symptom burdens to monitor patient responses over defined time intervals. The primary focus of these trials was studying outcomes related to physical discomfort and research explored how quickly outcomes related to physical discomfort changed. The findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to outcomes describing episodic or acute changes when applied in studies examining patient-reported experiences. It is important to note that results apply only to the populations studied, and individual outcomes may vary.


Evidence for use in Osteoarthritis

Research has explored Airnac for conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations like osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, examining outcomes related to physical discomfort and daily functioning or activity level. Studies monitored outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level alongside patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort. Airnac data show patterns related to outcomes linked to inflammatory or irritative states and outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level. Evidence contributes to understanding symptom patterns in conditions where symptoms may vary in intensity.


Long-term Studies and Follow-up

This section summarizes what is still uncertain about Airnac use over extended periods. Studies were conducted during periods of increased symptom activity to observe long-term trends, but long-term effects are not fully established. Research highlights changes measured during the study period regarding how symptoms evolve, but the overall follow-up durations were limited in many studies. Certainty remains low regarding its effect profile beyond the typical trial length.


What is Still Uncertain about Airnac

This section synthesizes the areas where evidence is limited or where study findings were mixed. Overall, evidence highlights what is known — and what is still uncertain. One area of uncertainty relates to the consistency of patterns observed in the studies across all patient groups, as findings were mixed in some small subgroups. Comparative evidence is lacking to definitively position Airnac against all other available research examining temporary physiological imbalance. Study results reflect the specific conditions under which they were conducted, and findings help contextualize how patients reported their experience rather than providing personal predictions or guidance.

How should Airnac be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Airnac

The storage and disposal of Airnac (Aceclofenac) must adhere strictly to official regulatory guidelines to maintain product quality and ensure environmental safety.


Storage Requirements

Airnac tablets must be stored within a defined temperature range, typically below 25 C or 30 C, depending on the regulatory region. The medicine must be protected from light and moisture and should be kept in its original, tightly sealed container. To meet safety requirements, the product must be stored out of the sight and reach of children (Store locked up).


Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Airnac must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements and is often directed to an approved waste disposal plant. Due to the classification of Aceclofenac as toxic to aquatic life, disposal mandates the instruction to avoid release to the environment, meaning it should not be discarded into drains or wastewater.

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

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