Diclofenac is a Nonsteroidal Anti inflammatory Drugs Used As painkillers.
Uses:
Diclofenac is used to treat painful conditions such as migraine,Osteoarthritis,Rheumatoid Arthritis,Dysmenorrhea dental pain,sprains and strains, gout, and pain after surgical operations. It eases pain and reduces inflammation.
Mechanism Of Action:
Diclofenac works by blocking the effect cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes. These enzymes help to make other chemicals in the body, called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced at sites of injury or damage, and cause pain and inflammation. By blocking the effect of cyclo-oxygenase COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which means pain and inflammation are eased.
Side Effects:
Stop using diclofenac and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- Black, bloody, or tarry stools;
- Chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
- Swelling or rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all
- Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- Nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
- Severe skin reaction — fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
- Neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions); or
Less serious side effects may include:
- dizziness, headache, nervousness;
- upset stomach, mild heartburn or stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation bloating, gas.
- ringing in your ears
- skin itching or rash;
- blurred vision
Note : Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Diclofenac dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Ankylosing Spondylitis:
Diclofenac sodium enteric-coated and delayed-release tablets: 25 mg orally 4 times a day. An additional 25 mg dose may be administered at bedtime, if necessary
Maximum dose: 125 mg per day
Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:
Diclofenac free acid capsules: 35 mg orally 3 times a day
Diclofenac potassium immediate-release tablets: 50 mg orally 2 or 3 times a day
Diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets: 50 mg orally 2 or 3 times a day or 75 mg orally 2 times a day
Maximum dose: 150 mg daily
Diclofenac sodium extended-release tablets: 100 mg orally once a day
Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Diclofenac potassium immediate-release tablets: 50 mg orally 3 or 4 times a day
Diclofenac sodium enteric-coated and delayed-release tablets: 50 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day or 75 mg orally twice a day
Maximum dose: 225 mg daily
Diclofenac sodium extended-release tablets: 100 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 100 mg orally 2 times a day; this would be for the rare patient in whom the benefits outweigh the clinical risks.
Usual Adult Dose for Dysmenorrhea:
Diclofenac potassium immediate-release tablets: 50 mg orally 3 times a day
Comments: An initial dose of 100 mg orally followed by 50 mg oral doses may provide better relief for some patients; initiate treatment upon appearance of the first symptoms and continue for a few days.
Usual Adult Dose for Migraine:
Diclofenac potassium for oral solution packets: 50 mg (1 packet) orally once
Comments: This drug is not indicated for the prophylactic therapy of migraine or for use in cluster headaches; the safety and efficacy of a second dose has not been established.
Usual Adult Dose for Pain:
Oral:
Diclofenac potassium immediate-release tablets: 50 mg orally 3 times a day; an initial dose of 100 mg orally followed by 50 mg oral doses may provide better relief in some patients.
Diclofenac potassium liquid-filled capsules: 25 mg orally 4 times a day
Diclofenac free acid capsules: 18 mg or 35 mg orally 3 times a day
Parenteral:
37.5 mg IV bolus over 15 seconds every 6 hours as needed for pain
Maximum Dose: 150 mg per day