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What is Relanac tablets used for? A Guide to the Different Formulations

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 50 million American adults suffer from chronic pain, making pain management a critical aspect of modern medicine. Relanac tablets are a brand of medication used to address various pain and inflammatory conditions, but they come in different formulations with varying active ingredients.

Quick Summary

Relanac tablets are used to relieve pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. The specific use depends on the formulation, which can include combinations of aceclofenac, paracetamol, serratiopeptidase, chlorzoxazone, or drotaverine for different pain conditions.

Key Points

  • Multiple Formulations: Relanac tablets come in different types, like Relanac-SP, Relanac MR, and Relanac Plus, with varied active ingredients for specific conditions.

  • Multi-ingredient Action: Most Relanac tablets combine aceclofenac (an NSAID) with other drugs like paracetamol (pain/fever reducer) and specific muscle relaxants or enzymes.

  • Relief for Pain and Spasms: The medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain, inflammation, and muscular spasms associated with conditions like arthritis, back pain, and post-operative discomfort.

  • Potential for Side Effects: Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, and drowsiness. Serious risks, including liver damage, kidney problems, and GI bleeding, are associated with long-term use.

  • Strict Medical Supervision: Due to varied formulations and potential risks, Relanac should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor, following recommended dosage and duration.

  • Consider Lifestyle Changes: Combining medication with lifestyle modifications such as appropriate diet and exercise can improve overall management of pain and inflammation.

In This Article

An Overview of Relanac Tablets

Relanac is a brand name for several tablet formulations designed to treat specific pain and inflammation conditions. Many formulations contain aceclofenac, an NSAID that reduces pain and swelling by blocking certain enzymes. Depending on the type, aceclofenac is combined with other ingredients like paracetamol for additional pain relief, muscle relaxants such as chlorzoxazone and thiocolchicoside for spasms, or enzymes like serratiopeptidase for tissue healing. Understanding the specific formulation is important as each targets different symptoms.

Relanac-SP

Relanac-SP is used for post-injury or post-operative pain, inflammation, and swelling. It combines aceclofenac, paracetamol for enhanced pain relief, and serratiopeptidase, an enzyme that helps break down abnormal proteins to aid healing.

Relanac MR

This formulation is for musculoskeletal pain with muscle spasms. Relanac MR contains aceclofenac, paracetamol, and chlorzoxazone, a muscle relaxant that helps relieve stiffness and spasms.

Relanac Plus

Relanac Plus treats pain, inflammation, and swelling from conditions like arthritis or muscle injury. Its active ingredients are aceclofenac and paracetamol, which enhances pain relief and reduces fever.

Relanac TH

Used for pain and swelling associated with muscle spasms, Relanac TH contains aceclofenac and thiocolchicoside, a muscle relaxant that works on the central nervous system.

Relanac Spaz

Relanac Spaz is for muscular pain with spasms, combining aceclofenac with drotaverine, an antispasmodic that relaxes smooth muscles.

Comparison of Relanac Formulations

Below is a comparison of some common Relanac formulations:

Formulation Primary Active Ingredients Main Use Mechanism of Action Additional Benefits
Relanac-SP Aceclofenac, Paracetamol, Serratiopeptidase Post-operative inflammation, pain, swelling, injury NSAID + Analgesic + Enzyme for healing Faster healing, smoother fluid drainage
Relanac MR Aceclofenac, Paracetamol, Chlorzoxazone Musculoskeletal pain, muscle spasms NSAID + Analgesic + Muscle relaxant Relieves muscle stiffness
Relanac Plus Aceclofenac, Paracetamol Pain, inflammation, swelling (arthritis, general injury) NSAID + Analgesic Well-tolerated due to paracetamol
Relanac TH Aceclofenac, Thiocolchicoside Pain and swelling with muscle spasms NSAID + Muscle relaxant (CNS) Specifically targets muscle contractions
Relanac Spaz Aceclofenac, Drotaverine Muscular pain with spasms, GI disorders NSAID + Antispasmodic Effective for abdominal cramps

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Relanac tablets can cause side effects, commonly gastrointestinal issues like nausea, indigestion, and stomach pain. Taking the medication with food can help. More serious side effects, especially with prolonged use, include gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney or liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and allergic reactions. It is important to inform your doctor about other health conditions and medications. Avoiding alcohol is recommended due to increased risks. For detailed drug interaction information, consult a medical resource like MedlinePlus.

Conclusion

Relanac tablets offer various options for managing pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms, with different formulations targeting specific needs. Understanding the active ingredients and potential side effects is vital. Always take Relanac as prescribed by a doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Key considerations before taking Relanac

  • Active Ingredients: Confirm the components like aceclofenac and any additional drugs are suitable for your condition.
  • Prescription: Relanac is a prescription medication; self-medication is not advised due to potential risks.
  • Contraindications: Individuals with heart, kidney, or liver issues, or a history of stomach ulcers, should be cautious and under medical care.
  • Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol while taking Relanac to avoid increased risks of liver damage and stomach bleeding.
  • Dosage and Duration: Follow the doctor's instructions precisely, as extended use can lead to serious complications.
  • Pregnancy: Relanac is generally not recommended during pregnancy.

Additional Considerations for Relanac

Lifestyle Modifications

Complementing medication with lifestyle changes can help manage related conditions:

  • Diet: An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and calcium can benefit joint health.
  • Exercise: Low-impact activities can improve joint movement and lessen muscle discomfort.
  • Posture: Maintaining good posture can reduce pain, particularly for musculoskeletal problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Relanac tablets should not be taken for stomach pain without consulting a doctor. Since aceclofenac can increase stomach acid secretion, it may worsen an underlying gastrointestinal condition.

No, it is highly recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while on Relanac. Alcohol can increase the risk of severe side effects such as stomach bleeding and liver damage.

No, Relanac tablets are not known to be a habit-forming medicine.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase side effects.

Yes, long-term or high-dose use of Relanac, especially due to the aceclofenac component, can cause damage to the kidneys. Use is not recommended for patients with pre-existing kidney disease.

Yes, Relanac is contraindicated for patients with known allergies to its components or other NSAIDs, those with a history of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding, and those with severe heart, kidney, or liver disease.

Relanac is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, as it may be harmful to the fetus. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.