Imflanex

Generic composition: Aceclofenac

General Introduction

Imflanex is Aceclofenac, an effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. It is a potent COX-II blocker and inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandin E2.

Therapeutic category

• NSAIDs (Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs)

Dosage forms available

• IMFLANEX 100mg Tablets

Mechanism of action

Aceclofenac preferentially inhibits Cyclooxygenase (COX), which is a key enzyme in the inflammation cascade. The inhibition of COX leads to the suppression of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and cytokines. Thus, NSAIDs act as analgesic, antipyretic by central as well as peripheral action. Because of its safety profile the drug can be continued for long-term management of chronic rheumatic disorders and for acute inflammatory episodes

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from GI tract and almost 100% bioavailability, peak plasma levels in 1-3 hours, 99% bound to plasma proteins,

Distribution:  volume of distribution is approximately 25 L

Metabolism: metabolized in liver and excreted via urine.

Elimination: Approximately two thirds of the administered dose is excreted via the urine, mainly as glucuronidated and hydroxylated forms of aceclofenac, about 20% of the dose is excreted into feces.

Half-life: mean plasma elimination half-life is approximately 4 hours

Uses

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Low back pain

Dose

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): pain-killing action of aceclofenac 100mg is more prolonged than that of paracetamol (acetaminophen) 650mg
• Osteoarthritis Arthritis (OA): 100mg twice daily
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: 100 mg twice daily in adults for symptomatic treatment of pain and inflammation
• Dysmenorrhea: 100mg once a day is sufficient to reduce primary dysmenorrhoea.
• Dental Pain Management: 100 mg twice a day
• Low Back Pain: alone or in combination with Tizanidine

Side effects

Diarrhea, nausea, headache, indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain, flatulence, feeling sick, dizziness, rash, abdominal bleeding

Contraindications

• Contraindicated in patients with severe ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hypersensitivity
• Pregnancy and lactation
• History of Asthma

Precautions

• Aceclofenac must be taken preferably with or after food
• Elderly: may cause severe bleeding
• Impaired hepatic and renal function
• Gastrointestinal disorders of the upper or lower tract, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis) and chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease)
• Chicken pox occurs
• Cardiovascular diseases such as porphyria, circulation disorders, heart stroke etc

Drug Interactions

• Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or lithium
• Phenytoin
• Antacids like sucralfate
• Alcohol: increases risk of GI bleeding
• Cardiovascular drugs such as digoxin, anti-hypertensive’s, anticoagulants, diuretics
• Quinolone antibiotics, anti-diabetics or any other NSAID drugs