Details

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medicine works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Diclofenac is used to treat mild to moderate pain, or signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The Cataflam brand of this medicine is also used to treat menstrual cramps. Diclofenac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. To make sure diclofenac is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding asthma liver or kidney disease fluid retention. Taking diclofenac during third trimester of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby.

Typical Uses

Diclofenac is used to relieve pain, swelling (inflammation), and joint stiffness caused by arthritis. Reducing these symptoms helps you do more of your normal daily activities. This medication is known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Diclofenac may also be used to treat other painful conditions (such as dental pain, muscle aches, pain after surgery or after having a baby). However, if you have sudden severe pain and want quick relief, it may be better to use other pain medications that are faster acting than this medication.

Side Effects

Get immediate medical assistance if you have signs of a heart attack such as chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or feeling short of breath. Stop using diclofenac inform your healthcare professional if you encounter the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild shortness of breath (even with mild exertion) swelling or rapid weight gain signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) kidney problems - little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath high blood pressure - severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety, confusion low red blood cells (anaemia) - pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating or 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.

Drug Interactions

• Diclofenac+adefovir- Talk to your doctor before using adefovir together with diclofenac. Adefovir may cause kidney problems, and combining it with other medications that can also affect the kidney such as diclofenac may increase that risk. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.

• Diclofenac+apixaban- Using apixaban together with diclofenac may increase the risk of bleeding, including severe and sometimes fatal haemorrhage. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications.

• Diclofenac+cidofovir- Using cidofovir together with diclofenac is not recommended. Cidofovir may cause kidney damage, and combining it with other medications that can also affect the kidney such as diclofenac may increase that risk. If you have been receiving diclofenac, you may need to wait at least seven days after your last dose before you can start treatment with cidofovir.

• Diclofenac+dicumarol- Talk to your doctor before using diclofenac and dicumarol. Using diclofenac together with dicumarol may cause you to bleed more easily. You may need a dose adjustment based on your prothrombin time.

• Diclofenac+ketorolac- Using diclofenac and ketorolac is not recommended. Using diclofenac together with ketorolac can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black

Mechanism of action

Diclofenac belongs to group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the production of a certain chemical substance in the body that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.

Pregnancy Category : C