Diclofenac is a NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). This drug works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Diclofenac is used to treat, signs and symptoms or mild to moderate pain of Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout, Migraine, sprains of muscles and joints. The Cataflam (Diclofenac potassium) brand of this medicine is also used to treat stomach cramps and menstrual cramps. In some cases, it is also used to treat mild to moderate fever. Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren-XR, Zipsor, Zorvolex, Voltaren, Dyloject are few of the brand names available.
How does Diclofenac work?
It works by blocking the effects of chemicals in your body, which is called COX (cyclo-oxygenase) enzyme. These enzymes help in the formation of other chemicals in the body, called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins produced at the sites of injury, and cause inflammation and pain. By blocking the effects of cox enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which means inflammation and pain is reduced.
Diclofenac used to treat following conditions
- Osteoarthritis: Diclofenac is used to treat symptoms like joint stiffness, painful joints of the knee, hip, neck, lower back associated with Osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diclofenac is used to treat symptoms like joint stiffness, pain, and swelling associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diclofenac is used to treat symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis such as spinal stiffness and pain.
Diclofenac also used in
- Sprains of muscles and joints
- Mild to moderate pain in cases like kidney stones and gallstones
- Migraine
- Dysmenorrhea(painful periods or menstrual cramps)
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Polymyositis (inflammation of muscles)
- Dental pain
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain
Diclofenac contraindicated in following conditions
1. Allergy
Avoid if you have allergy to Diclofenac or other NSAIDs
2. Asthma
Diclofenac is contraindicated if you are diagnosed with asthma or other respiratory complications.
3. Bleeding
If you are suffering from any bleeding disorder then it is not recommended for you. It could cause severe swelling and bleed in the intestines, stomach, and anus.
4. CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery)
Diclofenac tablet is not recommended for relieving pain before or after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.
Do not use Cambia to treat a cluster headache. Do not use Zipsor if you are allergic to beef or beef protein.
Diclofenac side effects
In addition to its intended effect, Diclofenac may cause some unwanted effects too. If you experience any of the following side effects consult your doctor immediately.
- Skin Rash
- Abdominal Pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Itching and increased sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased blood pressure
- Drug Interactions
Diclofenac has shown interactions with the efficacy of following drugs.
- Apixaban
- Benazepril
- Captopril
- Enalapril
- Fosinopril
- Ketorolac
- Ketorolac Intranasal
- Lisinopril
- Methotrexate
- Moexipril
- Pemetrexed
- Perindopril
- Pirfenidone
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Tacrolimus
Doctor’s advice for Diclofenac Tablet
- Diclofenac is a very safe and well-tolerated medicine for short-term use
- Consuming high dose or taking long time Diclofenac can cause kidney problems and stomach bleeding
- If you are suffering from kidney disease, inform your doctor first. Your dose may need to be adjusted
- When you are taking Diclofenac, avoid excess intake of alcohol, together they can affect your liver
- If you have taken overdoses of Diclofenac, immediately inform your doctor or contact a hospital emergency and you are feeling unwell.
Dosage
Available as following strengths
- Diclofenac sodium: 25 mg, 50mg, 75mg, and 100mg.
- Diclofenac potassium: 25mg, 50 mg, 75mg, and 100mg.
General warnings
Overdosage
Taking more than prescribed Diclofenac may cause harmful side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you find any side effects.
Missing dosage
If you miss the dosage take as soon as possible, and if it is near to next dose, skip the missing dosage continue the regular dosage. Do not take extra doses.
Pregnancy
Diclofenac is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Diclofenac is not known to cause any harm to the foetus, but should only be used after consultation with your doctor.
Breastfeeding
Diclofenac is safe to use during breastfeeding. Before taking this medicine consult your doctor.
Precautions before taking Diclofenac tablet
Some medications are not suitable for people with certain ailments, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking Diclofenac, it is important that your doctor knows:
- If you have stomach ulcer, or if you have an inflammatory bowel disorder such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- If you have high blood pressure
- If you have a heart condition or a problem with your circulation or blood vessels
- If you have any blood clotting problems
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medicines (such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen, indomethacin) or to any other NSAIDs.
- If you have a connective tissue disorder, such as a condition called SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus)
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
Substitutes for Diclofenac Tablet
Below is the list of tablets, which have the same composition, strength, and form as Diclofenac tablet, and hence can be used as its substitute:
- Diclonac 50 MG Tablet
- Diclomax 50 MG Tablet
- Dicloact 50 MG Tablet
- Topac 50 MG Tablet
- Fenak 50 MG Tablet
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Dr. Divya has been pursuing Dentistry for about 5 years now. Endodontics and Orthodontics are her areas of interest and she holds a BDS degree from Govt. Dental College, Vijayawada, AP. Besides pursuing her career as a Dentist, she is passionate about Technical writing and is spending her free time in writing medical articles to bring awareness and share medical knowledge to the public.
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