Acemetacin

Indications

Acemetacin is used for: Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Lower back pain, Ankylosing spondylitis, Post-operative pain, Musculoskeletal and joint pain

Adult Dose

Adult: PO Pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal and joint disorders; Post-op pain 120-180 mg/day.

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Administration

Should be taken with food. Take w/ or immediately after meals.

Contra Indications

Previous/active peptic ulcers; hypersensivity to aspirin/NSAIDs; severe liver disease; neonates with untreated infection, children, pregnancy, lactation.

Precautions

Elderly; allergic disorders/coagulation defects; epilepsy; parkinsonism; psychiatric disturbances (prolonged therapy may require ophthalmic and blood examinations); renal, hepatic or cardiac impairment.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

May reduce the antihypertensive effect of beta-blockers. May prolong bleeding when used with acenocoumarol. Increased risk of convulsion when used with quinolone. Concurrent use with aspirin, NSAIDs, SSRIs or corticosteroids may increase risk of GI bleeding. May increase serum levels of ciclosporin. May increase serum levels of lithium. Potentially Fatal: Increased risk of methotrexate toxicity when used together.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Acemetacin : Headaches, dizziness, GI disturbances; anaemia; acute interstitial nephritis; corneal deposits, retinal disturbances; rash, urticaria; alopoecia; CHF, tachycardia, arrhythmias, palpitations; jaundice. Potentially Fatal: Toxic hepatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Mechanism of Action

Acemetacin is the glycolic acid ester of indometacin. It inhibits cyclooxygenase and hence prevents the formation of prostaglandins which are involved in the inflammation process.