1. Generic Name & Brand Names
Generic Name: Diclofenac
Common Brand Names (Varies Globally):
Oral: Voltaren® (SR/tablets), Cataflam® (immediate-release)
Topical: Voltaren® Emulgel/Ge (gel), Pennsaid® (liquid solution), Flector® (patch)
Injectable: Dyloject® (IV), generic formulations
Generic/Store Brands: Diclofenac Sodium/Potassium (e.g., Zorvolex®, Cambia®)
2. Dosage Forms
Tablets (Immediate/Sustained-Release)
Capsules
Topical Gel/Cream (1% OTC; higher Rx)
Transdermal Patch
Liquid Solution (for topical or oral use)
Suppositories
Intravenous/Intramuscular Injection (hospital use)
Powder for Oral Solution (e.g., Cambia®)
3. Drug Class
NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)
Analgesic (Pain Reliever)
Anti-inflammatory
Antipyretic (Fever Reducer)
4. Uses
Inflammatory Pain: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis.
Acute Pain: Migraines (oral powder), dental/surgical pain, menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea).
Localized Pain: Sprains, strains (via topical gel/patch).
Gout Flare-Ups (short-term use).
5. Side Effects
Common:
Stomach upset, heartburn, nausea
Diarrhea/constipation
Dizziness, headache
Mild skin irritation (topical use)
Serious (Seek Immediate Help):
GI Bleeding/Ulcers: Black stools, vomit with blood/coffee grounds.
Heart Attack/Stroke: Chest pain, sudden weakness/slurred speech (↑ risk with long-term/high-dose use).
Kidney Damage: Swollen ankles, reduced urine output, fatigue.
Severe Allergic Reactions: Rash, blisters (SJS/TEN), throat swelling, wheezing.
Liver Toxicity: Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), dark urine.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure).
6. Warnings Before Taking
Black Box Warning (USA): ↑ Risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack/stroke) and GI bleeding/ulcers.
Contraindications:
Allergy to NSAIDs/aspirin.
History of asthma/urticaria after NSAIDs.
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery pain.
3rd trimester pregnancy.
Use with Extreme Caution If:
History of heart/kidney/liver disease, ulcers, IBD, or stroke.
Over 65 years old.
Taking blood thinners (warfarin), SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine), or steroids.
Pregnancy: Avoid in 3rd trimester; consult doctor in 1st/2nd trimesters.
7. How to Take It
Oral: Take with food/milk. Swallow whole (do not crush SR tablets).
Topical Gel: Apply thin layer to clean skin (4x daily max); avoid bandaging. Wash hands after.
Patch: Apply once daily to dry, intact skin.
Dosing (Adults):
Oral: 50mg 2–3x daily (max 150mg/day) for pain/inflammation.
Topical (OTC gel): 4g per joint (e.g., knee) up to 4x daily.
Never exceed prescribed dose!
8. Uses in Adults
Short-term pain (e.g., sprains, dental pain).
Chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., arthritis) under strict medical supervision.
9. Missed Dose
Scheduled Dosing: Skip if close to next dose. Never double dose.
As-Needed Use: Take when required (wait ≥4–6 hours between doses).
10. Overdose Symptoms & Action
Symptoms: Severe vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, seizures, kidney failure.
Emergency: Call poison control (1-800-222-1222) or seek ER immediately.
11. Avoid While Taking
Other NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin (↑ bleeding/ulcer risk).
Alcohol: ↑ GI bleeding risk.
ACE Inhibitors/Diuretics: May reduce kidney function (e.g., lisinopril, furosemide).
Lithium/Methotrexate: Diclofenac ↑ toxicity risk.
12. Storage
Oral/Suppositories: Room temperature (20–25°C); avoid moisture.
Topical Gel/Patches: Below 30°C; do not freeze.
Keep all forms away from children/pets.
Critical Safety Notes:
⚠️ Cardiovascular Risk: Higher than some NSAIDs; avoid in heart disease/uncontrolled hypertension.
⚠️ Topical vs. Systemic: Gel/patch have lower systemic absorption but never combine with oral diclofenac/other NSAIDs.
⚠️ Short-Term Use: Minimize dose/duration to reduce risks (especially for chronic conditions).
Consult your doctor/pharmacist before use—especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medications.
Comments
Post a Comment