DICLOFENAC

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Category – Analgesic

Introduction:

Diclofenac is a widely used as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly prescribed for pain relief and the management of inflammation conditions. It works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in the body’s inflammation response. It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, muscle pain and menstrual cramps.

Uses:

Diclofenac is used to relieve moderate and severe pain according to dose of drug.

How to Consume:

Diclofenac should be taken as per prescribed by the doctor.

The dosage form and quantity of the drug might be different for every pain and inflammation.

Diclofenac drug standard oral dosage is 50mg thrice in a day after food.

Which is in a format of morning, afternoon and night after breakfast, lunch and dinner after food.

Or it can be taken as 75mg twice a day as per recommended by the doctor

Keep the medication in a tightly closed container, store it at room temperature between 20-25°C. Avoid storing it in areas with excessive heat or cold, such as in direct sunlight.

Duration between two dose:

Diclofenac is normally taken at interval of 3-4 hrs as 50mg thrice a day after food or 75mg twice a day or as per prescribed by the doctor

It is mostly taken in the format of morning, afternoon and night after breakfast, lunch and dinner for better results.

Side effects:

Some common side effects can be seen after taking Diclofenac-

• Feeling sick (Nausea)

• Headache

• Feeling dizzy or vertigo

• Mild rash

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Stomach ache

1. There are less chances of having side effects with diclofenac gel or dressings.

2. Therefore, less medication enters into your body.

3. But you can still get the same side effects, particularly if you use a lot on a large skin surface.

4. Excessive diclofenac gel or dressings (plasters) can affect your skin. It can make your skin:-

• Sensitive to sunlight than normal exposure

• Dry or irritated (eczema)

• Itchy or inflamed (dermatitis)

• Develop a rash where you applied gel or dressing

Drug Mechanism:

Pharmacokinetics:

Diclofenac is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 1-2 hours. It is also available in topical formulations that are absorbed through the skin.

After absorption, diclofenac is widely distributed throughout the body, including the joints and synovial fluid. It is highly protein-bound, with approximately 99% bound to plasma proteins.

Diclofenac is extensively metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, primarily CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. The major metabolite, 4’-hydroxydiclofenac, is also active and contributes to the drug’s overall effect.

Diclofenac and its metabolites are eliminated primarily through the kidneys, with approximately 65% of the dose excreted in the urine and the remainder in the feces. The elimination half-life of diclofenac is approximately 2 hours, with steady-state concentrations achieved within 3-5 days of regular dosing.

Pharmacodynamics:

NSAIDs are group of drugs that work by inhibiting the activity of the COX enzymes, which leads to a decrease in the production of prostaglandins. By doing so, they can reduce pain and inflammation in the body.

Diclofenac works by inhibiting both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which results in a decrease in the production of prostaglandins. It results in a reduction of pain and inflammation in the body.

Safety Measures:

Also, for Skin- Excessive use of diclofenac gel or dressings can cause skin infection.

If you miss the dose, skip it, don’t double it.

Tell your doctor if you or anyone of your family has or ever had heart attack, or

a stroke

Diclofenac can lead to ulcers, bleeding or holes in the stomach or bowel.

When to see a doctor:

• Blood in vomit or black poo

• Severe indigestion

• Diarrhoea

• Heartburn

• Stomach pain

• Skin turns yellow

• Skin rash

• Itching skin

• Breathlessness

• Swollen legs or ankles

If conditions from this occur you should immediately visit the doctor or it can be dangerous for your health if not cured as soon as possible.

Allergic reactions:

This medication may result in a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Available Dosage Form:

Form:

1. Oral Tablet

Strengths:- 50mg, 75mg, 100mg

2. Intravenous (Injection)

Strengths:- 75ml/ml, 75mg/3ml

3. Gel (Ointment)

Strengths:- 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 3% topical solution gel

Child Dosage:

Children below 1 year age:

Medication as per prescribed by the doctor

Children above age 1 and below 12yrs:

The standard recommended dose is:

Single dose of 1mg for oral route

Single dose of 0.3mg for intravenous

Single dose of 0.5 for suppositories

Adults age above 12 years :

The standard recommended oral dose for adults is-

50mg thrice a day or 75mg twice a day

Important Note:

• Do not go to bed for a minimum of 10 minutes after taking the medicine.

• If gastric problem occurs while taking this medicine, you may take it with food, milk or antacid.

• Swallow the entire capsule or tablet to prevent exposure to a life threatening overdose, Do not chew, break, open or dissolve.

• Do not consume alcohol after taking the medicine.

• Do not continue taking the medicine without informing your doctor.

• Do not take diclofenac medication if you are pregnant without informing your doctor.

• Do not increase your dose or use it more frequently or for longer than prescribed.

• Follow the complete treatment prescribed by the physician, do not skip a dose in the treatment.

Various brands:

· Voveran-D (Tablet)

· DicloCare (Tablet)

· Diclowell-50 (Tablet & Injection)

· Dynapar (Tablet)

· Voltac50 (Tablet)

· MOB-D (Injection)

· Cubflam (Injection)

· SOLNEE (Gel)

· Diclogel (Gel)

References:

1) Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP)

2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

3) https://medlineplus.gov

4) https://www.nhs.uk