Aceclofenac Paracetamol Serratiopeptidase Tablet: Uses & Side Effects

The most common strength sold in India is aceclofenac 100 mg + paracetamol 325 mg + serratiopeptidase 15 mg. Some brands use 10 mg of serratiopeptidase. Always check the strength printed on your strip

Aceclofenac is a painkiller from the same family as diclofenac and ibuprofen. It blocks enzymes called COX (cyclooxygenase). These enzymes make prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause pain, redness and swelling. Fewer prostaglandins means less pain and inflammation.

Paracetamol (called acetaminophen in the US) works mainly in the brain. It lowers how strongly you feel pain and helps control fever. It is gentle on the stomach, but too much can damage the liver.

Serratiopeptidase (also called serrapeptase) is an enzyme first taken from bacteria that live in silkworms. It is thought to break down proteins and dead tissue at the injury site, which may help swelling go down faster. The research on it is limited, so doctors see it as a supporting ingredient, not the main painkiller.

Each ingredient targets a different part of the problem. Aceclofenac calms inflammation at the source. Paracetamol lowers the pain signal and any fever. Serratiopeptidase aims at the swelling.

Because aceclofenac and paracetamol work in different ways, together they can give good pain relief with a lower dose of each. This is why doctors pick this combination when pain comes with visible swelling, for example a swollen cheek after a tooth is removed.

Doctors prescribe this tablet for short-term relief of pain with swelling, such as:

• Dental pain: after tooth extraction, root canal treatment, wisdom tooth removal or gum surgery.
• Sports and accident injuries: sprains, strains, bruises and muscle pulls.
• Pain after surgery: to ease pain and swelling around the wound.
• Joint pain: flare-ups of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Back and neck pain: including low back pain and stiff neck.
• ENT conditions: pain and swelling with sinusitis or after ENT surgery (as advised by the doctor).
• Fractures: to manage pain and swelling while the bone heals.

This tablet only treats symptoms. It does not cure the cause, such as an infection or arthritis. If you have an infection, your doctor may give an antibiotic along with it.

For adults, the usual dose is one tablet twice a day, after meals, for a few days. Your doctor will decide the exact dose and how long you take it, based on your condition, age and health.

1. Take the tablet after food or with milk to protect your stomach.
2. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew it.
3. Keep about 12 hours between doses, for example after breakfast and after dinner.
4. Do not take more than your doctor prescribed, even if the pain is strong.
5. Stop and call your doctor if the pain is not better in 3–5 days.

Can I take it on an empty stomach? It is better not to. Aceclofenac can irritate the stomach lining and cause acidity or, rarely, ulcers. Your doctor may add an antacid tablet such as pantoprazole to protect your stomach.

Children: this combination is not usually given to children. Use it in children only if a doctor prescribes it.

Older adults (65+): they have a higher risk of stomach bleeding and kidney problems, so doctors usually prescribe it for the shortest possible time.

Most people take this tablet for a few days without trouble. Stomach upset is the most common problem.

Common side effects (usually mild)

• Acidity, heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain or bloating
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Dizziness or headache
• Loss of appetite

• These often settle on their own. Taking the tablet after food helps.

Serious side effects (get medical help right away)

• Black, tarry stools, blood in stool, or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Severe stomach pain that does not go away
• Rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing
• Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine (signs of liver trouble)
• Passing much less urine, or swelling of the feet (signs of kidney trouble)
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness on one side of the body
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Do not take it, unless your doctor knows and still advises it, if you:

• Are allergic to aceclofenac, diclofenac, aspirin, ibuprofen, paracetamol or any other painkiller
• Have ever had asthma, hives or a runny nose triggered by a painkiller
• Have a stomach or intestinal ulcer, or past bleeding from the stomach or gut
• Have severe liver disease or severe kidney disease
• Have heart failure, a past heart attack or stroke, or poorly controlled blood pressure
• Have a bleeding disorder
• Are in the last three months of pregnancy

Pregnancy: NSAIDs like aceclofenac can harm the baby, especially in late pregnancy. Avoid unless your doctor says it is needed.

Breastfeeding: there is not enough safety data. Ask your doctor before using it.

• Use it for the shortest time. It is meant for a few days, not months. Long use raises the risk of ulcers, kidney damage and heart problems.
• Before surgery or dental work: tell the doctor you are taking it, because it may increase bleeding.
• Diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney problems: your doctor may check your blood pressure or kidney function.
• Driving: it can cause dizziness in some people. Do not drive if you feel dizzy.
• Storage: keep it below 25°C, away from moisture and out of reach of children.

Take it when you remember, if it is not close to your next dose. If it is almost time for the next one, skip the missed dose. Never take two tablets together to make up for it.

Go to the nearest hospital emergency room at once, even if you feel fine. A paracetamol overdose may cause no symptoms for the first day, but it can still badly damage the liver. Early treatment works best.

Aceclofenac, paracetamol and serratiopeptidase tablets give short-term relief from pain with swelling. Take one tablet after food as prescribed, for the fewest days needed. Watch for stomach problems, avoid alcohol and extra paracetamol, and get help fast if you notice bleeding, allergy signs or yellow skin.

If your pain or swelling does not improve in a few days, see a doctor to find and treat the cause.