Airtal Mechanism of Action

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic products. Derivatives of acetic acid and related substances. ATC Code: M01AB16.
Pharmacology: Mechanism of Action: Aceclofenac (Airtal) is a non-steroidal agent with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Aceclofenac's mechanism of action is largely based on inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Aceclofenac is a potent inhibitor of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is involved in producing prostaglandins. After oral administration, Aceclofenac is rapidly and completely absorbed as unaltered drug. Maximum plasma concentrations are reached approximately 1.25 to 3.00 hours after administration. Aceclofenac penetrates into the synovial fluid, where its concentrations reach approximately 57% of the plasma concentrations. The volume of distribution is approximately 25 L.
The plasma half-life is around 4 hours. Aceclofenac shows high protein binding (>99%). Aceclofenac mainly circulates in the form of unaltered drug. The principal metabolite found in the plasma is 4'-hydroxyaceclofenac. Approximately two thirds of the dose administered is excreted through the urine, predominantly in the form of hydroxymetabolites.
The results from preclinical studies performed with aceclofenac are congruent with those expected in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The main target organ was the gastrointestinal tract. No unexpected findings were recorded.
Aceclofenac was considered not to have any mutagenic activity in three in vitro studies and in one in vivo study in rats. However, in a study in rabbits treatment with aceclofenac (10 mg/kg/day) caused a series of morphological alterations in some foetuses.
Teratogenesis studies in rats were negative and presented no abnormalities. Aceclofenac was not found to be carcinogenic in mice or rats.