Asozen MR

Thiocolchicoside (4mg) + Aceclofenac (100mg) + Paracetamol (325mg)
Price: ₹85 - ₹130 for 10 tablets strip
Mfr: Alkem Laboratories Ltd. | Form: Tablet

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination (FDC) analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and centrally-acting muscle relaxant. Thiocolchicoside is a semi-synthetic derivative of colchicoside with GABA-agonist and glycine-mimetic activity. Aceclofenac is a potent NSAID of the phenylacetic acid class. Paracetamol is a centrally-acting analgesic and antipyretic. This combination provides synergistic action for acute painful musculoskeletal conditions by targeting pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm simultaneously.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: One tablet (Thiocolchicoside 4mg + Aceclofenac 100mg + Paracetamol 325mg) twice daily, after meals. Maximum duration: 7-10 days unless supervised by a physician.

Note: Take with or immediately after food with a full glass of water to minimize gastric irritation. Do not crush or chew. Swallow whole. Maintain adequate hydration. Do not take for more than the prescribed duration.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to thiocolchicoside, aceclofenac, paracetamol, or any excipient
  • History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
  • Active peptic ulcer or GI bleeding
  • Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) or active liver disease
  • Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min)
  • Third trimester of pregnancy
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis) exacerbation

🔬 Mechanism of Action

The combination exerts a multi-modal action. Thiocolchicoside acts as a competitive antagonist at spinal and supraspinal GABA-A receptor sites and as a glycine receptor agonist, leading to hyperpolarization of motor neurons and reduced muscle tone. Aceclofenac inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, preferentially COX-2, reducing prostaglandin synthesis (PGE2, PGF2α) at the site of inflammation. Paracetamol's exact mechanism is debated but involves central inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, activation of descending serotonergic pathways, and possible interaction with the endocannabinoid and TRPV1 systems.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Nausea, dyspepsia, epigastric pain
  • Dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Skin rash, pruritus

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category C (Aceclofenac/Thiocolchicoside) and Category B (Paracetamol). Avoid in first and second trimesters unless potential benefit justifies risk. ABSOLUTELY CONTRANDICATED in third trimester (risk of premature closure of ductus arteriosus, oligohydramnios, prolonged labor).

Driving: Thiocolchicoside can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Patients should be cautioned against driving or operating machinery until their response is known.

🔄 Drug Interactions

Warfarin/AcenocoumarolIncreased risk of bleeding due to aceclofenac's antiplatelet effect and protein binding displacementMajor
MethotrexateReduced renal clearance of methotrexate, increasing toxicity riskMajor
LithiumNSAIDs decrease renal lithium clearance, leading to lithium toxicityMajor
Diuretics (Furosemide, Thiazides)Reduced diuretic and antihypertensive efficacy; increased risk of nephrotoxicityModerate
ACE Inhibitors (Ramipril) / ARBs (Losartan)Reduced antihypertensive effect; increased risk of renal impairmentModerate
Other NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen)Increased risk of GI toxicity without added benefitMajor
Antiplatelets (Clopidogrel, Aspirin)Increased risk of GI bleedingModerate
SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline)Increased risk of upper GI bleedingModerate
Anticonvulsants (Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine)Increased metabolism of paracetamol to toxic NAPQI, raising hepatotoxicity riskModerate
Alcohol (Chronic use)Increased risk of hepatotoxicity (paracetamol) and GI bleeding (aceclofenac)Major
CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Fluconazole, Amiodarone)Increased aceclofenac plasma levels, risk of toxicityModerate
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Ketoconazole, Clarithromycin)Increased thiocolchicoside levels, risk of CNS side effectsModerate

🔁 Alternatives to Asozen MR

Same composition (Thiocolchicoside (4mg) + Aceclofenac (100mg) + Paracetamol (325mg)), different brands:

Aceproxyvon Dolokind MR Zerodol MR Aceclo TZ Ace TH 4