Diclofenac

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammation medication which is used as a painkiller in the treatment of conditions like Gout, migraines, Rheumatoid Arthritis, fever and to some degree of muscle spasms and joints. It is known to effectively relieve pain, swelling and joint stiffness caused by arthritis.

This is a prescription drug and has some severe side effects such as abdominal pain, constipation, Diarrhoea, Nausea, and vomiting, these side effects can generally be avoided by taking the drug with food. The consumption of alcohol is not advisable as it may cause dizziness and in severe cases gastrointestinal bleeding.

The medication is not recommended for pregnant women and is known to pass down through milk while breast-feeding. Patients suffering from peptic ulcer and have undergone Coronary artery bypass are not recommended to this medication.

You must inform your doctor before initiating this medication, if you suffer from various conditions such as

• Asthma
• Impaired kidney function
• Heart diseases.

The strength of this medication to be prescribed depends upon the age, gender, and physical conditions of the patient. It is not recommended if you are expecting or planning on becoming pregnant anytime soon. During pregnancy, it is not recommended in the first and last trimesters of the pregnancy due to the possible harm of the fetus.

Symptoms of Diclofenac overdose include acute renal failure, vomiting, drowsiness, leukocytosis. Management of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intoxication is primarily supportive and symptomatic.

Fluid therapy is commonly effective in managing the hypotension that may occur following an acute NSAID overdose, except when this is due to an acute blood loss.

Take this medication exactly as directed; do not increase dose without consulting prescriber. Do not crush or chew tablets. Take with 8 ounces of water, along with food or milk products to reduce GI distress.

Maintain adequate fluid intake (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake). Avoid excessive alcohol, aspirin and aspirin-containing medication, and all other anti-inflammatory medications unless consulting prescriber.

GI bleeding, ulceration, or perforation can occur with or without pain; discontinue medication and contact prescriber if persistent abdominal pain or cramping, or blood in stool occurs.

Diclofenac may rarely cause agranulocytosis; use caution with clozapine and carbamazepine; may decrease the clearance of lithium resulting in elevated serum levels and potential toxicity; monitor serum lithium levels.

Diclofenac is helpful in treating the below problems:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Dysmenorrhea

• Mild To Moderate Pain

• Migraine

• Bursitis

• Tendinitis

• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (Cabg)

• Allergy

• Peptic Ulcer

• Porphyria

Common side effects of diclofenac includes:

• Abdominal Pain

• Heartburn

• Indigestion

• Nausea

• Angina Pectoris

• Rash

• Arrhythmia

• Dizziness

• Nervousness

• Itching

• Vomiting

• Vaginal Bleeding

• Tinnitus

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect generally lasts for about 2-3 hours after intake of the medication.

• What is the onset of action?

  The medication having a potassium base usually starts its action within 10-15 minutes of intake as it is easier for the absorption in the the stomach.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medication is generally not recommended for pregnant women as it can cause harm to the developing child and alter the developmental progress.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendencies were reported and is not addictive.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  Breast-feeding mother are not advised to take this medication as traces of the drug passes on through breast milk.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  It is not recommended with alcohol as it may interact and cause in the increase of side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, weakness and sever gastrointestinal bleeding. This will do more harm than good and is therefore not suggested that the two be mixed together.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  It may cause side effects like blurred vision, drowsiness or dizziness in some patients which affect their ability to drive.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Caution must be taken in patients with kidney disease. Thus dose adjustment is needed. Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Caution must be taken in patients with liver disease. Thus dose adjustment is needed. Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  If you have missed a dose then take it as soon as you remember, do not overlap or take multiple doses to make up for the missed dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  If there are symptoms of overdose then contact the nearest emergency room and get professional help.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Diclofenac as ingredient

• Diclofenac 75 MG Injection

  Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Dicloran 2 % Gel

  LEKAR PHARMA LTD.

• Dicloflam 50 MG Tablet

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Diclomax 75 MG Tablet

  Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Diclogesic Rr 75 MG Injection

  Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Ark 75 MG Tablet

  Apex Laboratories Ltd

• Dicloran 50 MG Tablet

  LEKAR PHARMA LTD.

• Diclopar Plus 50 MG Tablet

  Vintech Remedies

• Dicloran 25 MG Tablet

  Jb Chemicals

• Diclonac 100 MG Tablet SR

  Lupin Ltd

This medication works by inhibiting an enzyme named Cyclooxygenase which is responsible for the formation of prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is a major contributor to the process of inflammation and pain sensation in the body.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

• Interaction with Alcohol

  The drug should not consumed with or under the effect of alcohol as they react and cause side effects like nausea, dizziness and severe indigestion.

• Interaction with Medicine

  • Painkiller such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen should be avoided as it increases the chance of side effects.
  • Blood thinner are also not recommended if you are hypertensive you should consult your doctor before starting this medication.
  • Increased toxicity of digoxin, methotrexate, cyclosporine, lithium, insulin, sulfonylureas, potassium-sparing diuretics, aspirin.

• Interaction with Disease

  Use with caution in patients with congestive heart failure, dehydration, hypertension, decreased renal or hepatic function, history of GI disease, or those receiving anticoagulants.

• Interaction with Food

  One should have ample food while taking this medication as it will help in the absorption of the medication and increase the effectiveness.