aceclofenac at a glance
Medicine class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Licensed role
Relief of pain and inflammation in three long-term joint conditions
Administration
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with liquid, preferably with or after food
What is aceclofenac used for?
The selected product is licensed for symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation in:
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
How does aceclofenac work?
Aceclofenac inhibits cyclo-oxygenase enzymes involved in producing prostaglandins. Reducing these inflammatory signalling substances can lessen joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
How to take aceclofenac
Follow the prescription label. The selected product is an oral film-coated tablet.
Swallow tablets whole with enough liquid.
Take preferably with or after food.
Do not combine with another NSAID unless specifically instructed.
Do not drive or operate machinery if it causes dizziness, drowsiness, visual disturbance or vertigo.
aceclofenac side effects
Common or expected effects
- Indigestion or abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Raised liver-enzyme results
Get urgent medical advice
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
- Severe allergic reaction
- Blistering or peeling skin, or sores affecting the mouth or eyes
- Chest pain or sudden stroke-like symptoms
- Signs of kidney injury, including reduced urine, blood in the urine or marked swelling
- Yellow skin or eyes suggesting liver injury
aceclofenac in pregnancy
Aceclofenac should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless a clinician considers it clearly necessary. NSAIDs can affect fetal kidneys and the ductus arteriosus from 20 weeks onwards, and aceclofenac is contraindicated during the third trimester. Anyone pregnant, planning pregnancy or exposed after 20 weeks should discuss this promptly with the prescriber; additional antenatal monitoring may sometimes be required.
aceclofenac while breastfeeding
Human evidence during breastfeeding is lacking. Product information advises avoiding aceclofenac unless the expected benefit outweighs potential risk. UK specialist guidance prefers ibuprofen or diclofenac when an NSAID is needed, particularly for a full-term, healthy infant.
aceclofenac interactions
Check prescribed, pharmacy and over-the-counter medicines before starting aceclofenac. Important interactions include:
Other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen and anti-inflammatory aspirin
Combining NSAIDs increases gastrointestinal bleeding and other adverse effects.
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines
Bleeding risk may increase; anticoagulant effects may also be enhanced.
Corticosteroids or SSRI antidepressants
Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding risk may increase.
Common questions about aceclofenac
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does aceclofenac cure arthritis?
No. It controls pain and inflammation but does not reverse or cure the underlying condition.
Can aceclofenac be taken with ibuprofen or naproxen?
Not routinely. Combining NSAIDs increases gastrointestinal bleeding and other adverse effects.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.