Aceclofenac is an anti-inflammatory medicine, specifically an oral NSAID, used to treat occasional inflammatory ocular pain.
| Drug class | NSAID (Oral) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Tablet |
| Common strength | 100 mg |
| Common Indian brands | Hifenac, Zerodol |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Aceclofenac is used for
Aceclofenac is an anti-inflammatory medicine belonging to the class of Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It is prescribed by ophthalmologists to help manage certain eye conditions.
- Occasional inflammatory ocular pain
How it works
Aceclofenac works as a systemic NSAID. This means that when you take the tablet, the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream and travels throughout your body, including to your eyes. It helps to reduce inflammation and pain by acting on certain chemical pathways in the body that are responsible for these responses. By reducing inflammation, it can alleviate the discomfort associated with inflammatory ocular pain.
How it’s used
Aceclofenac is available as a 100 mg tablet and is typically taken orally. The usual dosage prescribed for inflammatory ocular pain is 100 mg twice a day. It is crucial to follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions precisely regarding the dosage and duration of treatment. Do not alter the dose or stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms improve. Always take the tablet with a glass of water.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Hifenac
- Zerodol
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Good to know
Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
Precautions & side effects
While Aceclofenac is a commonly used oral NSAID in India, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions:
- Gastric Caution: Like many oral NSAIDs, Aceclofenac can sometimes affect the stomach. If you have a history of stomach issues, ulcers, or indigestion, please inform your ophthalmologist before starting this medication. They may advise you on how to take it to minimise gastric discomfort, such as taking it with food.
- Prescription Only: This is a prescription medicine. Use it only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or use an old prescription.
- Inform Your Doctor: Always inform your doctor about all other medicines you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies, to avoid potential interactions.
- Report Side Effects: If you experience any unusual or concerning side effects, such as stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, or any allergic reactions, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
Understanding Inflammatory Ocular Pain
Inflammatory ocular pain refers to discomfort or soreness in the eye that is caused by inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or irritation. When your eye becomes inflamed, it can lead to symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes blurred vision. This pain can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact your daily life. It’s important to understand that eye pain, especially when accompanied by inflammation, should always be evaluated by an ophthalmologist to determine the underlying cause and ensure appropriate treatment. Conditions that can lead to inflammatory ocular pain include various types of eye infections, allergies, injuries, or certain systemic diseases that affect the eyes. Your ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose the specific condition causing your pain and inflammation, and then prescribe the most suitable treatment, which may include medicines like Aceclofenac.
While Aceclofenac helps manage the pain and inflammation, it’s crucial to address the root cause of the inflammation. Your doctor might prescribe other medications or treatments alongside Aceclofenac, depending on your specific diagnosis. Always follow your doctor’s complete treatment plan to ensure effective recovery and prevent recurrence of the condition. Never ignore persistent eye pain or inflammation, as it could indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires prompt medical attention.
General Advice for Taking Oral Medications
Taking oral medications correctly is essential for their effectiveness and your safety. Here are some general guidelines:
- Follow Instructions: Always take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Pay close attention to the dosage (how much to take), frequency (how often to take it), and duration (for how long). Do not stop taking the medicine even if you feel better, unless specifically advised by your doctor.
- With or Without Food: Some medicines are best taken with food to prevent stomach upset, while others should be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption. For Aceclofenac, due to its gastric caution, your doctor might advise taking it with food. Always clarify this with your ophthalmologist or pharmacist.
- Swallow Whole: Unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you otherwise, swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break tablets that are not designed for it, as this can affect how the medicine is absorbed and works.
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
- Storage: Store your medicine in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and out of reach of children. Do not store medicines in the bathroom cabinet, as humidity can affect them.
- Expiry Date: Always check the expiry date on the packaging. Do not use any medicine past its expiry date.
When to Seek Medical Help
While Aceclofenac is prescribed to alleviate your symptoms, it’s important to know when to seek further medical attention. Your ophthalmologist is your primary guide, but here are some general situations where you should contact them or seek emergency care:
- Worsening Symptoms: If your eye pain, redness, or inflammation worsens despite taking the medication as prescribed.
- New Symptoms: If you develop any new or unusual symptoms, such as severe headache, sudden vision changes, flashes of light, floaters, or extreme sensitivity to light.
- Allergic Reaction: Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical help if you experience these.
- Stomach Issues: If you experience severe stomach pain, black or tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, as these could be signs of serious gastric irritation or bleeding.
- Persistent Side Effects: If any side effects you experience are severe, persistent, or bother you significantly.
- No Improvement: If you do not see any improvement in your condition after a reasonable period as advised by your doctor.
Always remember that your eyes are precious. Never hesitate to contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your ophthalmologist if you have any concerns about your eye health or your medication.
Frequently asked questions
What is Aceclofenac used for?
Aceclofenac is an anti-inflammatory medicine, specifically an oral NSAID, used to treat occasional inflammatory ocular pain.
How does Aceclofenac work?
Aceclofenac works as a systemic NSAID. When taken as a tablet, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and helps reduce inflammation and pain throughout the body, including in the eyes, by acting on specific chemical pathways.
What are the common Indian brands of Aceclofenac?
In India, Aceclofenac is commonly available under brand names like Hifenac and Zerodol.
How should I take Aceclofenac?
Aceclofenac is available as a 100 mg tablet. The typical dosage for inflammatory ocular pain is 100 mg twice a day, taken orally. Always follow your ophthalmologist's specific instructions for dosage and duration.
Do I need a prescription for Aceclofenac?
Yes, Aceclofenac is a prescription medicine. It should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
What precautions should I take while using Aceclofenac?
A key precaution with Aceclofenac, like other oral NSAIDs, is gastric caution. If you have a history of stomach issues, inform your doctor. Always take it exactly as prescribed and report any unusual side effects to your ophthalmologist.
References
- A novel approach to formulation factor of aceclofenac eye drops efficiency evaluation based on physicochemical characteristics of in vitro and in vivo permeation – PMC
- Eye Diseases – MedlinePlus
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.