Welcome to Dwaey, specifically on Acemetacin page.
This medicine contains important and useful components, as it consists of
Acemetacin is available in the market in concentration.
Acemetacin
Acemetacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to manage pain and inflammation associated with various conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. However, there are several precautions to consider before using this medication:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Acemetacin is classified as a category C drug during pregnancy, meaning it should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Like other NSAIDs, it should be avoided during the third trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. It is not recommended during the first and second trimesters unless deemed necessary. In breastfeeding women, acemetacin is excreted in breast milk, and its use should be approached with caution.
- Gastrointestinal risks: NSAIDs, including acemetacin, can cause gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, bleeding, or perforation. Patients with a history of gastrointestinal disorders (such as peptic ulcers, bleeding, or Crohn's disease) should use acemetacin with caution. Prolonged use may increase the risk of GI complications, so it should be taken with food to minimize irritation. Patients should be monitored for signs of GI bleeding, such as black stools, vomiting blood, or severe abdominal pain.
- Renal function: Acemetacin can impair renal function, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney conditions. Prolonged use may cause fluid retention, elevated creatinine levels, and decreased urine output. Renal function should be monitored during treatment, especially in elderly patients or those with a history of kidney disease.
- Cardiovascular risks: Prolonged use of acemetacin may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart disease or hypertension. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly, and acemetacin should be used with caution in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.
- Allergic reactions: Acemetacin may cause hypersensitivity reactions, including skin rashes, pruritus, and asthma-like symptoms. It should be avoided in patients with a known allergy to acemetacin, other NSAIDs, or aspirin.
- Monitoring parameters: Regular monitoring of kidney and liver function is recommended for long-term use. Patients should also be monitored for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially if they are taking other medications that can increase the risk of ulcers, such as corticosteroids or anticoagulants.
Acemetacin is indicated for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with several musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions:
- Osteoarthritis: Acemetacin is used to manage pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: It is effective in reducing pain, swelling, and stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that affects the joints.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: Acemetacin is prescribed to manage the inflammation and pain in the spine and pelvis in patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine.
- Acute pain conditions: Acemetacin is also used for the relief of pain associated with acute injuries, surgery, or trauma, as well as conditions like dental pain or musculoskeletal disorders.
- Off-label uses: Though not formally approved, acemetacin may be used off-label for conditions such as gout, tendinitis, and fibromyalgia, where inflammation plays a significant role in pain management.
Acemetacin is contraindicated in several specific conditions and populations:
- Hypersensitivity: Acemetacin should not be used in patients with a known allergy to acemetacin, other NSAIDs, or aspirin. This includes individuals who have had previous allergic reactions to NSAIDs, such as asthma, rhinitis, or skin rashes.
- Active gastrointestinal disease: Acemetacin is contraindicated in patients with active gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or a history of GI perforation, as it can worsen these conditions by increasing the risk of bleeding or ulcer formation.
- Severe renal impairment: Acemetacin should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment (e.g., those with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) due to the increased risk of kidney damage.
- Cardiovascular disease: Acemetacin is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, or severe heart failure, as NSAIDs may exacerbate these conditions by increasing blood pressure and promoting fluid retention.
- Pregnancy (third trimester): Like other NSAIDs, acemetacin should be avoided during the third trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of fetal harm, including premature closure of the ductus arteriosus.
Like all NSAIDs, acemetacin can cause a variety of side effects, some of which can be serious. The side effects can be categorized as common, less common, and severe:
- Common side effects:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: These include nausea, dyspepsia (indigestion), abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Patients are advised to take acemetacin with food to help alleviate these effects.
- Headache: A mild, transient headache is a common side effect, which typically resolves over time.
- Serious side effects:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding: Acemetacin can cause serious gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers, bleeding, or perforation, which can be fatal. This is particularly concerning for elderly patients or those with a history of gastrointestinal problems.
- Renal toxicity: Prolonged use can lead to kidney dysfunction, with symptoms such as fluid retention, swelling, or decreased urine output. Kidney function should be monitored regularly in patients receiving long-term therapy.
- Cardiovascular events: Acemetacin can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure, particularly in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling should be promptly addressed.
- Liver toxicity: Although rare, acemetacin can cause liver damage, which may present as jaundice, dark urine, or elevated liver enzymes. Liver function tests should be conducted periodically, especially during long-term use.
- Management of side effects:
- Gastrointestinal side effects can often be mitigated by taking the medication with food or milk.
- Patients should be advised to monitor for signs of more serious effects, such as signs of GI bleeding, swelling, or chest pain, and to seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
Acemetacin is an NSAID that exerts its therapeutic effects primarily by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which play a key role in the production of prostaglandins—compounds that mediate pain, inflammation, and fever.
- COX inhibition: Acemetacin inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, but it has a slightly greater selectivity for COX-2. COX-2 is responsible for producing prostaglandins at sites of inflammation, while COX-1 is involved in maintaining the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: By inhibiting COX-2, acemetacin reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins that promote inflammation and pain, providing relief for conditions like arthritis and musculoskeletal pain.
- Analgesic and antipyretic effects: The reduction in prostaglandin levels helps alleviate pain and reduce fever, which is why acemetacin is effective in managing a variety of inflammatory and pain-related conditions.
Acemetacin may interact with various drugs, which can affect its efficacy or increase the risk of side effects:
- Antihypertensive drugs: Acemetacin may reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), or diuretics, leading to increased blood pressure. Blood pressure should be carefully monitored when acemetacin is used with these medications.
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs: Co-administration of acemetacin with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) or antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin) increases the risk of bleeding. Monitoring for signs of bleeding (such as bruising or dark stools) is essential, and dose adjustments may be necessary.
- Lithium: Acemetacin may elevate lithium levels in the blood, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity. Patients using both acemetacin and lithium should have their lithium levels monitored regularly.
- Corticosteroids: The combination of acemetacin and corticosteroids can significantly increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding. These drugs should be used together only when absolutely necessary, with careful monitoring for signs of gastrointestinal issues.
- Methotrexate: NSAIDs like acemetacin can reduce the renal clearance of methotrexate, potentially increasing its toxicity. This combination should be avoided or used cautiously, with regular monitoring of methotrexate levels.
- Alcohol: Alcohol should be consumed with caution while taking acemetacin, as it can increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, and bleeding.
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: The usual dose for adults is 60 to 120 mg per day, typically divided into two doses. It is recommended to take acemetacin with food to minimize gastrointestinal irritation.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: The usual dose is also 60 to 120 mg per day, divided into two doses.
- Acute pain conditions: For acute pain, the dose may be adjusted to 120 mg per day, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Acemetacin is generally not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age due to a lack of sufficient evidence regarding its safety and efficacy in pediatric populations. Alternative medications should be considered for pain or inflammation management in children.
- In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, the dose of acemetacin may not need to be adjusted. However, close monitoring of renal function is advised. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), acemetacin should generally be avoided.
Not available in a medicine form yet