Acemetacin

Acemetacin

Basics

Acemetacin belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effect and is used for the symptomatic treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or spinal disorders. The active ingredient is also used to treat low back pain and pain triggered by surgery or injury.

The antirheumatic drug was developed in 1972 by the Cologne-based drug manufacturer Tropon and is commercially available as an imitation drug. Acemetacin is now only rarely used due to its relatively strong side effects.

Effect

Pharmacodynamics

Acemetacin is the inactive precursor of indomethacin. This inhibits the enzyme COX, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. It specifically inhibits the formation of prostaglandin E2 and F2 (molecules derived from fatty acids). This allows the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects to develop, as prostaglandins are primarily responsible for the transmission of pain to the brain.

Pharmacokinetics

Acemetacin is metabolized by esterolytic cleavage to indomethacin. The drug is strongly and almost completely bound to plasma proteins. The half-life is 4.5 hours. Acemetacin is excreted 40% by the kidney and 60% in the feces.

Contraindications

Acemetacin should not be used in case of:

  • Hypersensitivity
  • renal and hepatic dysfunction
  • disturbance of hematopoiesis
  • Heart failure
  • gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer
  • Pregnancy and lactation

Toxicity

Side effects

Common side effects include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • abdominal pain or upper abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • diarrhea and constipation
  • headache and dizziness
  • drowsiness and fatigue
  • Depression
  • Tinnitus

Toxicological data

Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis also reduces renal blood flow and glomerular filtration. Consequently, acemetacin causes decreased renal function with transient renal insufficiency and further renal and urinary disorders.

Chemical & physical properties

ATC Code M01AB11
Formula C21H18CINO6
Molar Mass (g·mol−1) 415,83
Physical State solid
Melting Point (°C) 151,5
Boiling Point (°C) 637
PKS Value 2,6
CAS Number 53164-05-9
PUB Number 1981
Drugbank ID DB13783

Editorial principles

All information used for the content comes from verified sources (recognised institutions, experts, studies by renowned universities). We attach great importance to the qualification of the authors and the scientific background of the information. Thus, we ensure that our research is based on scientific findings.
Markus Falkenstätter, BSc

Markus Falkenstätter, BSc
Author

Markus Falkenstätter is a writer on pharmaceutical topics in Medikamio's medical editorial team. He is in the last semester of his pharmacy studies at the University of Vienna and loves scientific work in the field of natural sciences.

Mag. pharm. Stefanie Lehenauer

Mag. pharm. Stefanie Lehenauer
Lector

Stefanie Lehenauer has been a freelance writer for Medikamio since 2020 and studied pharmacy at the University of Vienna. She works as a pharmacist in Vienna and her passion is herbal medicines and their effects.

The content of this page is an automated and high-quality translation from DeepL. You can find the original content in German here.

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