Aldigesic P Tablet: Uses, Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects

Aldigesic P is a fixed-dose combination tablet. Each tablet contains two pain-relieving medicines.

• Medicine: Aceclofenac; Amount in each tablet: 100 mg; What group it belongs to: An NSAID — a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
• Medicine: Paracetamol; Amount in each tablet: 325 mg; What group it belongs to: A simple painkiller that also brings down fever

It comes as tablets in strips of 10 and 15, and also as a liquid (a 60 ml suspension) that contains aceclofenac 50 mg and paracetamol 125 mg in every 5 ml. The liquid and the tablet have different strengths, so they are not interchangeable.

Aldigesic is made by Alkem Laboratories in India. You will see the company name on the box, but the important thing to check on your pack is the composition — aceclofenac 100 mg and paracetamol 325 mg.

Several products share the "Aldigesic" name and they are not the same medicine. Check the name and the composition printed on your strip before you take anything.

• Product name: Aldigesic P tablets (10's and 15's); What it contains: Aceclofenac 100 mg + paracetamol 325 mg; What it is: The two-medicine tablet this page is about
• Product name: Aldigesic P suspension (60 ml); What it contains: Aceclofenac 50 mg + paracetamol 125 mg per 5 ml; What it is: Liquid form, with different strengths
• Product name: Aldigesic XP tablets; What it contains: Aceclofenac 100 mg + paracetamol 325 mg; What it is: The same two medicines as Aldigesic P
• Product name: Aldigesic 100; What it contains: Aceclofenac 100 mg only; What it is: No paracetamol in it
• Product name: Aldigesic SPAS; What it contains: Aceclofenac 100 mg + drotaverine 80 mg; What it is: Two medicines
• Product name: Aldigesic MR; What it contains: Aceclofenac 100 mg + paracetamol 325 mg + chlorzoxazone 250 mg; What it is: Three medicines, including a muscle relaxant
• Product name: Aldigesic SP; What it contains: Aceclofenac 100 mg + paracetamol 325 mg + serratiopeptidase 10 mg; What it is: Three medicines
• Product name: Aldigesic TH Plus; What it contains: Aceclofenac 100 mg + paracetamol 325 mg + thiocolchicoside 4 mg; What it is: Three medicines
• Product name: Aldigesic Cold & Flu; What it contains: Aceclofenac 100 mg + paracetamol 325 mg + phenylephrine + cetirizine + caffeine; What it is: Five medicines, including a decongestant and an antihistamine

Because these packs look similar, it is easy to pick up the wrong one at home. If your prescription says Aldigesic P, take only the strip that matches it.

Aldigesic P is used to relieve pain and swelling (inflammation) in joints, muscles and other painful conditions, when a doctor has decided this combination is right for you. It is prescribed for:

• osteoarthritis of the knee, hip or hand, particularly during a painful flare-up
• rheumatoid arthritis
• ankylosing spondylitis, a long-term condition that causes back and joint stiffness
• low back pain
• muscle, joint and soft-tissue pain
• tooth pain
• shoulder pain from periarthritis and other rheumatic pain around the joints

A doctor may also prescribe it for other painful conditions where an anti-inflammatory painkiller is needed alongside paracetamol.

What it is not for

• It is not an antibiotic. It does not treat the cause of an infection. A dental abscess, a wound infection or a urine infection still needs the right treatment from your doctor.
• It does not reverse arthritis or undo joint damage. It eases pain and swelling while you take it.
• It is not a substitute for physiotherapy, weight management or the other treatment your doctor has advised for a joint problem.
• It is not a medicine to keep taking "just in case". Take it only for as long as your doctor has advised.

It may give slightly better pain relief than aceclofenac on its own. A 2024 review of 22 trials pooled the evidence on paracetamol with aceclofenac for knee osteoarthritis. Over the first two weeks, the combination reduced pain a little more than aceclofenac alone, and it did not increase side effects. That result came from a single trial, and the quality of the evidence behind it was rated moderate.

Aceclofenac is gentler on the stomach than several older anti-inflammatory painkillers. In studies and in a large observational study, people taking aceclofenac had fewer stomach-related side effects than those taking diclofenac. One analysis of observational studies found aceclofenac had the lowest risk of upper-gut complications among the anti-inflammatory painkillers compared, and the risk was not significantly higher than in people not taking these medicines at all.

The two medicines work in different ways. Aceclofenac acts on the inflammation in a joint or muscle, while paracetamol acts on how the body senses pain. That is the reason combinations like this are prescribed for short, sharp episodes of pain.

What the evidence does not show

• The benefit has mainly been shown for short-term use — roughly one to two weeks — in osteoarthritis and low back pain.
• There is no good evidence that this combination prevents joint damage or changes the long-term course of arthritis.
• The quality of this evidence is described as low to moderate. Treat the benefit as real but modest, not dramatic.

Aceclofenac belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. It blocks the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, which the body uses to make prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are the chemicals released at an injured muscle or a damaged joint that cause pain, swelling and heat. Aceclofenac acts mainly on the COX-2 form of the enzyme. When less prostaglandin is made, pain and swelling settle down.

Paracetamol works differently. It changes the way the body senses pain and helps bring down a high temperature. It relieves pain and fever, but it is not the ingredient that acts on inflammation.

Take exactly the number of tablets your doctor has prescribed, for exactly as many days as they have advised. Do not increase the dose on your own, even if the pain is bad, and do not continue beyond the course your doctor has given you.

In adults, the aceclofenac label sets the maximum recommended daily dose of aceclofenac at 200 mg — one 100 mg tablet in the morning and one in the evening. Each Aldigesic P tablet contains aceclofenac 100 mg, so two tablets in 24 hours is the ceiling set by that label, and it should never be exceeded. Your doctor may prescribe less than that. For people with liver problems, the label advises starting with only one tablet a day, and your doctor will say whether that applies to you.

A few practical points about taking it:

• In the study of this two-medicine combination in Indian patients with a knee osteoarthritis flare-up, it was given as one tablet twice a day for up to 10 days. The study tablet contained paracetamol 500 mg, a different strength from the 325 mg in Aldigesic P, so treat it as evidence that the combination helps rather than as a dose plan. Your own course may be shorter or longer — what is written on your prescription is what counts.
• Take the tablet with a glass of water, with or after food. Having it with a meal lowers the chance of the aceclofenac upsetting your stomach.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew it. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, ask your pharmacist before breaking or crushing it.
• You can eat and drink normally while you are taking it. If it tends to give you indigestion, ask your pharmacist about the best time of day for your dose.
• These combinations are meant for short courses. If your pain is not settling by the end of the course, go back to your doctor rather than continuing on your own.
• Do not add another anti-inflammatory painkiller — such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen or aspirin for pain — without asking your doctor first. Two of these medicines together increase the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
• If you have been on this medicine for a long time for arthritis, do not stop it suddenly on your own. Speak to your doctor at your next appointment.

Watch the total paracetamol you take

Paracetamol is present in many medicines you can buy without a prescription, including cold and flu remedies and combination painkillers. Health authorities advise that adults should not take more than 4,000 mg (4 g) of paracetamol in 24 hours from all sources. That ceiling includes the paracetamol in Aldigesic P.

Before you take any other medicine, read the label and look for the words "paracetamol" or "acetaminophen". If you are not sure whether a medicine contains paracetamol, ask your pharmacist. Do not take more than one paracetamol-containing product at a time.

If you miss a dose: take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and carry on with your normal schedule. Never take two tablets to make up for a missed one.

If you take too much: get medical help immediately, even if you feel completely well. Too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage, and sometimes death, and the early stage often has no obvious symptoms.

In India:

1. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department straight away.
2. Carry the strip, the box or the leaflet with you so the doctor knows exactly what you took and how much.
3. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before you go.

For an ambulance, call 108. For any medical emergency, call 112.

Early signs of paracetamol overdose include feeling sick, being sick, loss of appetite and pain in the upper belly. Later signs include yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, sweating, extreme tiredness, and unusual bleeding or bruising. An overdose of the anti-inflammatory ingredient can also cause stomach pain, bleeding in the gut, drowsiness, dizziness, ringing in the ears, low blood pressure, fits, kidney failure and liver damage.

Most people who take this medicine for a short time do not have serious problems, but side effects are common, particularly ones related to the stomach. You are more likely to get them if you are older, take a higher dose, or take it for a long time.

Common (up to about 1 in 10 people):

• dizziness
• indigestion or heartburn
• stomach pain
• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea
• a rise in liver enzymes, which shows up on a blood test

Uncommon (up to about 1 in 100 people):

• constipation or wind
• being sick (vomiting)
• mouth ulcers
• itchy skin or a rash
• a rise in blood urea and creatinine, which are kidney markers on a blood test
• inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis)

Rare (up to about 1 in 1,000 people) — stop the medicine and get medical help:

• heart failure, which can cause shortness of breath or swelling of the ankles
• severe allergic reaction, with difficulty breathing, wheezing, abdominal pain and vomiting
• a stomach ulcer, bleeding in the stomach or gut, or a perforation of the stomach or bowel
• a low red blood cell count, changes in eyesight, breathlessness or a rise in blood pressure

Very rare (up to about 1 in 10,000 people) — get medical help:

• yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes from liver problems
• inflammation of the pancreas, causing severe pain in the abdomen and back
• kidney problems, such as passing little or no urine, or blood in the urine
• severe blistering or peeling skin conditions
• a fall in white or red blood cells, which can lead to fever, sore throat or swollen glands

Get urgent medical help if you notice:

• black, tarry stools, or blood in your stools
• vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• severe or lasting stomach pain
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, a widespread itchy rash, or difficulty breathing
• passing much less urine than usual, or new swelling in your ankles, feet or hands
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• chest pain, breathlessness, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• a stiff neck with fever and unusual sensitivity to bright light

The heart and circulation risk

Medicines of the aceclofenac type can slightly increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, and the risk is higher with higher doses and longer treatment. In 2014, the European Medicines Agency updated the product information for aceclofenac to carry the same heart and circulation advice as diclofenac. That advice says the medicine should not be used by people who have already had a heart attack or stroke, or who have heart failure or narrowed blood vessels to the heart, brain or legs. In the diclofenac review, the estimated extra risk was about 3 heart attacks per 1,000 people treated for a year, among people who were already at moderate risk of heart disease.

Indian product information may differ from the European labelling, so ask your doctor whether this medicine is safe for your heart. The risk is higher if you already have heart or circulation problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, or if you smoke.

Serious skin reactions

The risk of a serious skin reaction is highest in the first month of treatment. Stop the medicine and see a doctor if you develop a rash, blisters, or sores in your mouth or eyes, or if your skin starts to peel.

Do not take this medicine if any of the following applies to you:

• You are allergic to aceclofenac, to paracetamol, or to any of the other ingredients in the tablet.
• You are allergic to aspirin or to other anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac.
• You have taken aspirin or another anti-inflammatory painkiller before and had an asthma attack (wheezing, chest tightness, breathlessness), a runny or itchy nose with sneezing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or raised red itchy patches on the skin.
• You have, or have had, an ulcer in the stomach or bowel, or bleeding there — especially if it was related to a previous anti-inflammatory painkiller.
• You have a bleeding problem or a bleeding disorder.
• You have established heart disease or cerebrovascular disease — for example, you have had a heart attack, a stroke or a mini-stroke, or you have blockages in the blood vessels to the heart or brain, or you have had an operation to clear or bypass such blockages.
• You have problems with the blood circulation to your limbs (peripheral arterial disease).
• You have severe liver failure or severe kidney failure.
• You are in the last three months of pregnancy.

If you are not sure whether any of these apply to you, check with your doctor before taking the tablet.

Tell your doctor before you take this medicine if you:

• have any form of liver or kidney disease — your doctor will monitor you and use the lowest dose that works for the shortest time
• have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding from the stomach or gut in the past
• have inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• have asthma or any other breathing problem
• have angina, a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol or raised triglycerides
• have diabetes, or if you smoke
• have a blood clotting disorder, or a blood disorder such as porphyria
• have lupus (SLE) or other skin problems — you may be more likely to develop a form of meningitis
• currently have chicken pox or shingles
• have recently had major surgery
• are over 65 — older people are more likely to have reduced kidney, heart or liver function, are at higher risk of stomach bleeding, and are more likely to be taking other medicines
• are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or have had problems becoming pregnant

Pregnancy. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy and must not be used in the last three months. Paracetamol on its own is usually considered the preferred painkiller during pregnancy. In September 2025, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued a safety warning that taking paracetamol during pregnancy may be associated with neurological conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or ADHD in children. It also noted that no evidence to date has shown that paracetamol causes these conditions. Indian labelling may differ. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using paracetamol while you are pregnant, and do not take this combination unless your doctor says it is suitable for you.

Breastfeeding. Aceclofenac is not recommended while you are breastfeeding, because it is not known whether it passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before taking this combination if you are feeding your baby.

Fertility. Anti-inflammatory painkillers of this type may make it more difficult to become pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or having trouble conceiving.

Alcohol. Drinking a lot of alcohol while taking anti-inflammatory painkillers can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of side effects. Paracetamol combined with heavy drinking also increases the risk of liver damage. If you drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day, paracetamol is not advised — tell your doctor before you take this tablet.

Driving. Dizziness is a common side effect. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy, drowsy, unsteady or unwell, or if your vision is affected.

Children. This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents. Children need different doses, and not every medicine of this type is suitable for them. Give it to a child only if a doctor has prescribed it for that child.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including medicines you bought without a prescription, and any supplements. Some medicines should not be combined with this one.

• Another anti-inflammatory painkiller — ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, or aspirin taken for pain — Higher risk of stomach bleeding, ulcers and kidney problems
• Blood thinners such as warfarin or heparin, and antiplatelet medicines such as clopidogrel — Higher risk of bleeding; aceclofenac can also affect how platelets work
• Corticosteroid tablets such as prednisolone — Higher risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding
• Antidepressants such as fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline or lithium — Higher risk of stomach bleeding; lithium levels can rise
• Medicines for high blood pressure — Aceclofenac can raise blood pressure and reduce how well these medicines work
• Water tablets (diuretics) such as furosemide — Higher risk of kidney problems
• Digoxin, used for heart failure and irregular heartbeats — Your doctor may need to monitor you
• Methotrexate — Aceclofenac can raise methotrexate levels in the body and increase its side effects
• Ciclosporin or tacrolimus — Higher risk of kidney damage
• Quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin — Higher risk of side effects, including fits
• Mifepristone — The two medicines can interact
• Zidovudine, used in HIV treatment — Higher risk of side effects
• Medicine for diabetes such as metformin — Your doctor may need to monitor your blood sugar
• Metoclopramide or domperidone, used for nausea and vomiting — These can change how quickly paracetamol is absorbed
• Flucloxacillin, an antibiotic — It can interact with paracetamol — tell your doctor if you are prescribed it

Never take a second anti-inflammatory painkiller on top of this one unless your doctor has specifically told you to.

• Keep the tablets in the strip and the box they came in, tightly closed, and out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store them at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Do not keep medicines in the bathroom.
• Check the expiry date on the pack. Do not use the tablets after that date.
• Do not share your tablets with anyone else, even if their pain sounds similar to yours. The dose has to be worked out for each person.
• Dispose of unused tablets safely. Do not flush them down the toilet or throw them in the bin where children or pets can reach them. Ask your pharmacist about a medicine take-back option.

If you have any question about your dose, a side effect, or another medicine you are taking, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They know your history and can give you advice that fits your situation.