Description:

Zulu -MR (Aceclofenac, Paracetamol & Chlorzoxazone Tablets by OA&J) is a fixed-dose combination analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxant medication. It relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and relaxes muscle spasms/stiffness associated with musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, sprains/strains, arthritis, spondylosis, sciatica, post-injury pain, or muscle-related disorders. Aceclofenac provides anti-inflammatory/analgesic action, Paracetamol enhances pain relief, and Chlorzoxazone acts as a centrally acting muscle relaxant. In Ghana (Accra), Zulu -MR is a popular, affordable prescription NSAID-muscle relaxant combo available in pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Meldinpharma, Country Medical Pharmacy) for acute/chronic painful muscle/joint conditions.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx due to NSAID risks like gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcers and muscle relaxant sedation; not freely OTC for prolonged use).

Therapeutic Category:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) + Analgesic + Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxant Combination (for musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, and spasms.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Each tablet typically contains:

• Aceclofenac – 100 mg (NSAID; anti-inflammatory and analgesic).
• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) – 500 mg (analgesic and antipyretic).
• Chlorzoxazone – 500 mg (centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Microcrystalline cellulose, starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, film-coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, titanium dioxide). Tablets are film-coated (often white/off-white, capsule-shaped or round).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Zulu -MR Tablets (Aceclofenac 100mg + Paracetamol 500mg + Chlorzoxazone 500mg; common pack size 10 tablets per blister). Related variants: Zulu (Aceclofenac alone), Zulu-P (Aceclofenac + Paracetamol), or other combos (e.g., lower Chlorzoxazone doses like 250mg/375mg in similar products). The “-MR” denotes muscle relaxant (modified-release or muscle relaxant) variant.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush/chew to preserve coating).

Directions/Usage:

Take as prescribed by a doctor (lowest effective dose/shortest duration).

• Adults: Typically 1 tablet twice daily (morning and evening) with food/milk to reduce stomach upset.
• Do not exceed 2 tablets/day without advice.
• Duration: Short-term (e.g., 5–7 days for acute pain; longer for chronic conditions with monitoring).
• Take with plenty of water; avoid alcohol.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation.
• Central: Drowsiness/sedation (from Chlorzoxazone), dizziness, headache.
• Other: Rash, dry mouth, fatigue. Rare/serious (seek immediate help): Stomach ulcers/bleeding (black stools/vomiting blood), severe allergic reactions, liver issues (jaundice), kidney problems, or severe drowsiness/confusion.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip, packs of 1×10 or 2×10 = 10–20 tablets; foil blisters in carton with patient leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcers (especially elderly or with ulcer history)—take with food or antacids if needed.
• Contraindicated if allergic to Aceclofenac/NSAIDs/Paracetamol/Chlorzoxazone, active peptic ulcer, severe liver/kidney/heart failure, or late pregnancy (fetal risk).
• Caution in hypertension, asthma (NSAID-exacerbated), bleeding disorders, or on anticoagulants/steroids.
• Avoid alcohol (increases sedation and GI risk).
• Chlorzoxazone may cause drowsiness—avoid driving/machinery.
• Inform doctor if pregnant/planning, breastfeeding, or on other medications.
• If black stools, severe pain, swelling, or confusion occurs, seek immediate help. Regular monitoring for long-term use.

Product Substitutes: Similar Aceclofenac + Paracetamol + Chlorzoxazone tablets in Ghana include:

• Acepar-MR (similar combo).
• Lysodol MR or other generics (e.g., Aceclofenac 100mg + Paracetamol 500mg + Chlorzoxazone 250–500mg).
• Alternatives: Myospaz, Zerodol-MR, or other muscle relaxant combos (e.g., Aceclofenac + Thiocolchicoside). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Meldinpharma) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

OA&J Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. (or OA&J Pharmaceuticals; Ghana-based or affiliated company; Zulu -MR is their branded generic line for pain/muscle relief). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by OA&J or importers/pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy Limited).

Country of Origin:

India (manufactured by OA&J Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. or licensed Indian partner; imported and widely available in Ghanaian markets as a branded generic).