Sucraflam

Uses

Aceclofenac is used for the relief of pain and inflammation in both acute and chronic pain like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, dental pain, post-traumatic pain, low back pain, gynaecological pain etc.

Sucralfate tablet is used for the treatment of acute, nonmalignant gastric and duodenal ulcers. Maintenance therapy to prevent the recurrence of duodenal ulcers.

Sucralfate suspension is used for the short-term (up to 8 weeks) treatment of active duodenal ulcer.

Sucraflam is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid ArthritisDyspepsia, Gastric Ulcer, Gastritis, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Healing, Mucositis, Peptic Ulcer, Stress Ulcers, Active Duodenal ulcer, Antiplatelet Therapy

How Sucraflam works

Through COX-2 inhibition, aceclofenac downregulates the production of various inflammatory mediators including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), IL-1β, and TNF from the arachidonic acid (AA) pathway. Inhibition of IL-6 is thought to be mediated by diclofenac converted from aceclofenac . Suppressed action of inflammatory cytokines decreases the production of reactive oxygen species. Aceclofenac is shown to decreased production of nitrous oxide in human articular chondrocytes . In addition, aceclofenac interferes with neutrophil adhesion to endothelium by decreasing the expression of L-selectin (CD62L), which is a cell adhesion molecule expressed on lymphocytes . Aceclofenac is proposed to stimulate the synthesis of glycosaminoglycan in human osteoarthritic cartilage which may be mediated through its inhibitory action on IL-1 production and activity . The chrondroprotective effects are generated by 4'-hydroxyaceclofenac which suppresses IL-1 mediated production of promatrix metalloproteinase-1 and metalloproteinase-3 and interferes with the release of proteoglycan from chrondrocytes .

The mechanism of action of this drug in the healing duodenal ulcers is not yet completely defined, however, there are several probable mechanisms that adequately describe the healing activity of sucralfate. There is evidence that sucralfate acts locally to aid in tissue healing, and not systemically .

Studies in both humans and animals have indicated that sucralfate forms a complex that binds to protein-rich exudate found on the surface of ulcers. It binds to albumin and fibrinogen preventing blood clot lysis by stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). Sucralfate increases the tissue levels of fibroblast growth factors and epidermal growth factors , leading to an increase in prostaglandins at the gastrointestinal tract lining, which promote the healing of gastrointestinal ulcers .

In the laboratory setting, a sucralfate-albumin film provides a barrier against the entry of hydrogen ions, which are a component of gastric acid. In humans, sucralfate, given at therapeutic doses for ulcers, decreases pepsin activity in gastric fluids by 32% . Pepsin has been shown to be damaging to tissues, further aggravating ulcer lesion inflammation . Bile salts have been implicated in mucosal injury to the gastrointestinal tract . Sucralfate has also been shown to adsorb bile salts in the laboratory, setting, which could further contribute to its beneficial effects in ulcer healing .

Dosage

Sucraflam dosage

Adults: The maximum recommended dose is 200 mg daily, taken as two separate 100 mg doses, one tablet in the morning and one in the evening.

Children: There is no clinical data on the use of aceclofenac in children.

Elderly: The pharmacokinetics of aceclofenac are not altered in elderly patients, therefore it is not considered necessary to modify the dose and dose frequency.

Renal insufficiency: There is no evidence that the dosage of aceclofenac needs to be modified in patients with mild renal impairment.

Hepatic insufficiency: The dose of aceclofenac should be reduced in patients with hepatic impairment. An initial daily dose of 100 mg should be administered.

Aceclofenac SR tablet:

The recommended dose is 200 mg once daily.

Adult: Usual dose 1 gm 4 times daily to be taken 1 hour before meals and at bed time. Maximum daily dose is 8 gm. Four to six weeks treatment is usually needed for ulcer healing but upto twelve weeks may be necessary in resistant cases. Antacids may be used as required for relief of pain, but should not be taken half an hour before or after Gastalfet.

Elderly: There are no special dosage requirements for elderly patients but as with all medicines the lowest effective dose should be used.

children: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established

Side Effects

Generally aceclofenac is well tolerated. The majority of side effects observed have been reversible and of a minor nature and include gastrointestinal disorders (dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhoea) and occasional occurance of dizziness. Dermatological side effects including pruritus and rash. Abnormal hepatic enzyme levels and raised serum creatinine have occasionally been reported.

The incidence and severity of side effects from sucralfate are very low. Mild side effect like constipation has been reported in some patients.

Toxicity

Some common adverse effects include gastro-intestinal disorders (dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea), rash, ruber, urticaria, symptoms of enuresis, headache, dizziness, and drowsiness . Oral LD50 value in rats is 130 mg/kg .

Overdose

Overdosage has never been observed with sucralfate . It is unlikely, as administering a maximum dose of up to 12 g/kg/body weight in several animal species did not result in death. The lethal dose could not be determined in these studies . It is likely that overdose of sucralfate in humans would result in constipation, and supportive treatment would be advised .

Use in pregnancy

This drug is considered a pregnancy Category B drug. Studies have been performed in rodents and rabbits at doses up to 50 times the recommended human dose. No harm to the fetus has been observed in the abovementioned studies. Sufficient and well-controlled clinical trials have not been performed in pregnant women. Due to the fact that the results of animal studies are not always relevant to human response, sucralfate should be used during pregnancy only if it is deemed essential for the mother's health .

Use in nursing

Whether this drug is excreted in human milk is currently unknown. Many drugs are excreted in breast milk, therefore, if sucralfate is administered to a lactating and nursing woman, caution should be observed .

Carcinogenesis

24 month toxicity studies were performed in rodents, and the dose of sucralfate reached up to 1 g/kg (equivalent to 12 times the recommended human dose). No signs of sucralfate-related tumors were noted.

Precaution

Aceclofenac should be administered with caution to patients with symptoms indicative of gastrointestinal disorders, with a history of peptic ulceration, ulcerative colitis, Crohn\'s disease, hepatic porphyria, and coagulation disorders. Patients suffering from severe hepatic impairment must be monitored.

The product should only be used with caution in patients with renal dysfunction

Interaction

Lithium and Digoxin: Aceclofenac, like many NSAIDs may increase plasma concentrations of lithium and Digoxin.

Diuretics: Aceclofenac, like other NSAIDs, may interact the activity of diuretics.

Anticoagulants: Like other NSAIDs, Aceclofenac may enhance the activity of anticoagulant. Close monitoring of patients on combined anticoagulants and Aceclofenac therapy should be undertaken.

Methotrexate: Caution should be exercised if NSAIDs and Methotrexate are administered within 24 hours of each other, since NSAIDs may increase Methotrexate plasma levels, resulting in increased toxicity.

Concomitant use of sucralfate may reduce the bioavailability of certain drugs as has been observed in animal studies with tetracycline, phenytoin and cimetidine and in human studies with digoxin. Administration of sucralfate with any of these drugs should be separated by two hours. Since sucralfate may hinder warfarin absorption, caution should be exercised when these two drugs are used together.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution is approximately 25 L .

This drug is absorbed in a very small quantity, and normally localizes to inflamed gastrointestinal lesions .

Elimination Route

Aceclofenac is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and circulates mainly as unchanged drug following oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are reached around 1.25 to 3 hours post-ingestion, and the drug penetrates into the synovial fluid where the concentration may reach up to 60% of that in the plasma . There is no accumulation in regular dosing, with similar maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) after single and multiple doses .

This drug is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in very minimal quantities . The adsorbed sulfated disaccharide is excreted in the urine . This drug contains aluminum and after the administration of 1 g of sucralfate 4 times per day, about 0.001% to 0.017% of this aluminum content is absorbed in patients with normal renal function . This number is expected to increase in those with impaired renal function .

Half Life

The mean plasma elimination half-life is approximately 4 hours .

The half-life is not known. In animals, the elimination half-life of the sucrose component of this drug is from 6-20 h .

Clearance

The mean clearance rate is approximately 5 L/h .

Sucralfate contains aluminum. The administration of sucralfate in non-dialyzed chronic renal failure patients warrants careful consideration from the treating physician as the excretion of absorbed aluminum may be decreased, causing possible aluminum toxicity .

In dialyzed patients diagnosed with chronic renal failure, aluminum toxicity related to sucralfate has been observed and reported. The daily amount of aluminum ingestion (including sucralfate) should be carefully examined before administering sucralfate in combination with other drugs also containing aluminum, including various antacids .

Elimination Route

The main route of elimination is via the urine where the elimination accounts for 70-80% of clearance of the drug . 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 .

The negligible amount of this drug that is absorbed is excreted mainly in the urine within 48 hours .

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy: There is no information on the use of aceclofenac during pregnancy. Aceclofenac should not be administered during pregnancy, unless there are compelling reasons for doing so. The lowest effective dose should be administered.

Lactation: There is no information on the secretion of aceclofenac in breast milk. The use of aceclofenac should therefore be avoided during lactation unless the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the children.

Although animal studies show no evidence of foetal malformation, safety in pregnant women has not been established and Sucralfate should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed.

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when sucralfate is administered to nursing mothers.

Contraindication

Aceclofenac should not be administered to patients with active or suspected peptic ulcer or gastro-intestinal bleeding. It should not be given to patients with moderate to severe renal impairment. Close medical surveillance is also imperative in patients suffering from severe impairment of hepatic function. It should not be prescribed during pregnancy, unless there are compelling reasons for doing so. The lowest effective dosage should be used. Aceclofenac should not be administered to patients previously sensitive to Aceclofenac or in whom aspirin or NSAIDs precipitate attacks of asthma, acute rhinitis or urticaria or who are hypersensitive to these drugs.

There are no known contraindications

Acute Overdose

There is no human data available on the consequences of aceclofenac overdosage. After overdosage, following therapeutic measures to be taken: absorption should be prevented as soon as possible by means of gastric lavage and treatment with activated charcoal. Supportive and symptomatic treatment should be given for complications.

There is no experience in human with overdosage

Storage Condition

Keep at a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture.

Store at 20-25° C.

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