Recommended Dosage of Aceclofenac
The recommended dose of aceclofenac is 200 mg daily, taken as one dose (every 24 hours) for the controlled-release formulation, or 100 mg twice daily for the immediate-release formulation. 1, 2
Dosage Forms and Administration
- The standard oral dosage for immediate-release aceclofenac in adults is 100 mg twice daily 2, 3
- For controlled-release formulation (Clanza CR), the recommended dose is 200 mg once daily 1, 4
- Dose modification may be required under physician or pharmacist supervision based on individual patient factors 1
Clinical Efficacy and Comparison with Other NSAIDs
- Aceclofenac demonstrates efficacy similar to other NSAIDs such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, piroxicam, indomethacin, and naproxen in treating various rheumatic disorders 3
- It shows superior efficacy to diclofenac in treating osteoarthritis according to some clinical trials, with improvements in WOMAC scores, joint tenderness, and investigator assessments 5
- The analgesic efficacy of aceclofenac 100mg is more prolonged than paracetamol 650mg 3
Safety Profile and Tolerability
- Aceclofenac appears to have better gastrointestinal tolerability compared to diclofenac and other traditional NSAIDs 3, 5
- Like other NSAIDs, it should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration to minimize adverse effects 6
- In patients with increased gastrointestinal risk, consider using aceclofenac with a gastroprotective agent 6
Special Considerations
- Food does not significantly affect the bioavailability of controlled-release aceclofenac, allowing it to be taken without regard to meals 4
- For patients who cannot tolerate oral formulations, topical preparations containing 1% aceclofenac have been developed, though these may not be widely available 7
- As with all NSAIDs, caution should be exercised in patients with cardiovascular risk factors, renal impairment, or history of gastrointestinal complications 6
Practical Dosing Guidelines
- For osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis: 100 mg twice daily (immediate-release) or 200 mg once daily (controlled-release) 2, 4
- For acute pain management (post-trauma, post-operative): 100 mg twice daily 2
- Maximum daily dose should not exceed 200 mg 1, 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Avoid prolonged use at high doses without periodic reassessment of benefits and risks 6
- Do not combine with other NSAIDs as this increases risk of adverse effects without providing additional benefit 6
- Remember that despite its improved GI safety profile compared to some NSAIDs, aceclofenac still carries risks associated with NSAID class, including cardiovascular and renal effects 6