acemetacin at a glance
Medicine class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Licensed uses
Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, and post-operative pain and inflammation
Administration
Taken by mouth, preferably with or after food
Important precaution
Do not combine with another NSAID unless specifically instructed by a prescriber
What is acemetacin used for?
The selected UK product is licensed to relieve pain and inflammation in:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Low back pain
Post-operative pain and inflammation
How does acemetacin work?
Acemetacin is related to indomethacin, its main active metabolite. It reduces prostaglandin production and the release of other inflammatory mediators, helping lessen pain and inflammation.
How to take acemetacin
Take the capsules by mouth exactly as shown on the dispensing label, preferably with or after food. Check with a pharmacist before using non-prescription pain or cold remedies because some contain another NSAID. Do not drive or operate machinery if you develop dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness or visual disturbance.
Take with or after food.
Follow the pharmacy label and prescriber's instructions.
Do not add ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin for pain, or another NSAID without professional advice.
Alcohol may worsen drowsiness and gastrointestinal adverse effects.
acemetacin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea
- Indigestion, wind, abdominal cramps or reduced appetite
- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness or malaise
- Rash or itching
- Agitation
- Raised liver enzymes
Get urgent medical advice
- Stomach or intestinal ulceration, bleeding or perforation
- Severe allergic reaction or worsening asthma
- Blistering, peeling or extensive skin reaction
- Kidney injury, fluid retention or worsening heart failure
- Liver injury, including jaundice
- Blood-cell disorders, which may cause fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising or marked tiredness
acemetacin in pregnancy
Acemetacin should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless a clinician considers it clearly necessary. Systemic NSAIDs should be avoided from 20 weeks unless clinically required and are contraindicated after 28 weeks because they can affect the baby's kidneys, amniotic fluid and heart circulation, and may affect labour or bleeding. Tell the prescriber promptly if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or have taken acemetacin during pregnancy; fetal monitoring may sometimes be required after later exposure.
acemetacin while breastfeeding
The product information advises avoiding acemetacin during breastfeeding where possible. Evidence is limited, while UK specialist guidance generally prefers ibuprofen or diclofenac among NSAIDs. A prescriber or pharmacist should assess alternatives, particularly if the baby is premature or unwell.
acemetacin interactions
Check all prescribed, pharmacy and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors
Combining NSAIDs increases gastrointestinal bleeding and other adverse-effect risks.
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
Acemetacin may increase anticoagulant effects and bleeding risk, requiring clinical and clotting assessment.
Antiplatelets, corticosteroids and SSRIs
These combinations can further increase gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding risk.
Common questions about acemetacin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is acemetacin an NSAID?
Yes. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce pain and inflammation.
What is acemetacin used for in the UK?
The selected product is licensed for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, and pain and inflammation after surgery.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.