INN monograph
Aceclofenac gel
NSAID / analgesic–anti-inflammatory · POM
Source-linked · Updated 03 Aug 2026 · Source: Clinical review pipeline
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Active peptic ulcer / GI bleeding.
- Severe heart failure.
- NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (aspirin-sensitive asthma) for non-selective agents.
- Third trimester pregnancy (ductus arteriosus, oligohydramnios — class warning).
- Severe renal impairment for many agents.
- Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs.
Precautions
- Lowest effective dose, shortest duration.
- GI protection (PPI) if high risk.
- CV risk (MI/stroke) with many NSAIDs — caution in known CVD.
- Monitor renal function in elderly, diuretic/ACEI/ARB users (triple whammy).
- Avoid combining multiple NSAIDs.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Apply to the affected area 2-3 times daily. Rubbing or massaging should be usually avoided.
Paediatric
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Renal
Haemodynamically mediated AKI risk — high alert in volume depletion and renin-angiotensin blockade.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Rare idiosyncratic hepatitis; more concern with prolonged high doses/diclofenac in some datasets.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Risk-stratify GI and CV before prescribing.
- Prefer topical NSAIDs for local MSK pain when adequate.
- Review after short courses.
- Educate on black stools/haematemesis red flags.
Safety
Adverse effects
- Dyspepsia, nausea, fluid retention, raised BP.
- Serious: peptic ulcer/bleed, AKI, heart failure exacerbation, severe skin reactions, bronchospasm, hepatitis (rare).
Use
Indications
- Pain, inflammation and swelling cases of osteoarthritis, soft tissue, rheumatic disorders, sports, and accidental injuries.
- Clinical selection for Aceclofenac gel should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
- Class context: NSAID / analgesic–anti-inflammatory.
- Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.
Pharmacology
Mode of action
Inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase [COX-1 and COX-2] enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGH2.
Full mechanism text
Inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase [COX-1 and COX-2] enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGH2. NSAIDs inhibit cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and/or COX-2), reducing prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis. This yields analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. COX-1 inhibition drives many GI and platelet adverse effects; COX-2 selective agents spare some GI risk but retain CV warnings.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | 30–60 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4–12 hours (agent-dependent) |
| Route | ORAL / TOPICAL / RECTAL / IM (agent-dependent) |
| Elimination | of metabolites. Half-lives vary widely (ibuprofen short; naproxen longer; oxicams long). |
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| No brands linked yet. | |||
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Avoid in third trimester. Earlier pregnancy: use only if needed; prefer paracetamol first-line.
Lactation
Short-course ibuprofen generally acceptable; avoid chronic high-dose/long half-life agents when possible.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Clinical review pipeline
Last reviewed: 03 Aug 2026
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.