Comparison Table: Naproxen vs Aceclofenac
| Category | Naproxen | Aceclofenac |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drug Class | Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) | Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), a diclofenac derivative |
| 2. Chemical Structure | Propionic acid derivative | Phenylacetic acid derivative |
| 3. Primary Use | Pain, inflammation, fever, arthritis | Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis |
| 4. Onset of Action | 1–2 hours | 1–3 hours |
| 5. Duration of Action | 8–12 hours | 8–12 hours |
| 6. Half-Life | 12–17 hours | 4–5 hours |
| 7. Mechanism of Action | Non-selective COX-1 & COX-2 inhibitor | Selective COX-2 inhibitor (milder COX-1 inhibition) |
| 8. GI Tolerability | Moderate to High GI irritation risk | Lower GI side effects compared to naproxen |
| 9. Cardiovascular Risk | Moderate | Mild to moderate |
| 10. Hepatotoxicity Risk | Low | Higher compared to naproxen |
| 11. Renal Safety | Moderate risk | Moderate risk |
| 12. Preferred In | Gout, menstrual cramps, migraine | Chronic arthritis, musculoskeletal pain |
| 13. Formulations Available | Tablets, gel, suspension, extended-release | Tablets, topical gel |
| 14. Availability | Widely available globally | Common in Asia and Europe |
| 15. Common Side Effects | Heartburn, nausea, dizziness, ulcers | Flatulence, rash, diarrhea, liver enzyme rise |
| 16. Pregnancy Category | Category C (1st & 2nd tri) → D (3rd tri) | Category C |
| 17. Lactation Use | Generally safe, but caution advised | Avoid unless benefits outweigh risks |
| 18. Food Interaction | Take with food to reduce GI upset | Same (food reduces irritation) |
| 19. Alcohol Interaction | Increases GI bleed risk | Increases liver and GI risk |
| 20. Over-the-counter (OTC) use | Available OTC in many countries | Usually prescription-only |
📋 Indications
| Naproxen | Aceclofenac |
|---|---|
| – Rheumatoid arthritis | – Osteoarthritis |
| – Osteoarthritis | – Rheumatoid arthritis |
| – Ankylosing spondylitis | – Ankylosing spondylitis |
| – Gout attacks | – Dental pain |
| – Menstrual cramps | – Back pain |
| – General pain, muscle strain | – Musculoskeletal injuries |
⚠️ Contraindications
| Naproxen | Aceclofenac |
|---|---|
| – Peptic ulcer disease | – Active peptic ulcers |
| – GI bleeding history | – Severe hepatic impairment |
| – Severe kidney or liver impairment | – Severe heart failure |
| – Allergy to NSAIDs | – Hypersensitivity to aceclofenac or NSAIDs |
| – Pregnancy (3rd trimester) | – History of asthma induced by NSAIDs |
💊 Dosage (Adults)
| Drug | Typical Dose |
|---|---|
| Naproxen | 250–500 mg twice daily (max 1000–1250 mg/day) |
| Aceclofenac | 100 mg twice daily |
🚨 Warning Signs (Stop Use & Seek Help)
| Naproxen | Aceclofenac |
|---|---|
| – Black/tarry stools | – Yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice) |
| – Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material | – Severe skin rash |
| – Chest pain, shortness of breath | – Dark urine, light stools (liver damage) |
| – Swelling of ankles or legs | – Unexplained bruising or bleeding |
| – Severe stomach pain or indigestion | – Visual disturbances or severe headache |
✅ Which One is Best and Safer?
| Criteria | Naproxen | Aceclofenac |
|---|---|---|
| GI Safety | Higher risk of ulcers | Safer for stomach |
| Liver Safety | Safer for liver | Higher risk of liver toxicity |
| Effectiveness in Pain | Effective for acute pain | Preferred in chronic inflammatory pain |
| Availability | More globally accessible | Less available in U.S. |
| Overall Safety Profile | Good but more GI side effects | Milder GI effects but caution in liver patients |
🔹 Conclusion:
Naproxen is generally better for acute pain (like injury, gout, cramps).
Aceclofenac is usually preferred for chronic inflammatory conditions (like osteoarthritis) due to lower GI side effects.
Safety depends on the individual’s liver, kidney, GI, and cardiac health. Doctor consultation is advised before use.
