What is diclofenac and when is it used?
Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) from the group of phenylacetic acid derivatives.
Diclofenac is used to treat mild to moderate pain. It helps relieve swelling and inflammation and is suitable for improving the condition of joints, muscles and bones. His accept or used in gel form for the following conditions:
- rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis,
- injuries and sprains of muscles and ligaments,
- back pain,
- toothache,
- migraine,
- gout,
- ankylosing spondylitis, which causes inflammation of the spine and other parts of the body.
History of creation
Diclofenac was first used synthesized in 1973 by a group of chemists led by Alfred Sallmann and Rudolf Pfister. At the time, they worked for Ciba-Geigy, now part of the pharmaceutical corporation Novartis.
Mechanism of action and evidence base
Diclofenac is one of the most widely used anti-inflammatory drugs. Mechanism of action is in blocking the action of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.
These enzymes play a key role in the production of prostaglandins, mediators responsible for inflammation, pain and fever. Blocking the action of these enzymes prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins, which ultimately reduces symptoms.
Efficacy of diclofenac reinforced extensive clinical studies. This drug is used to treat acute pain, chronic inflammatory diseases, and also to control pain after surgery.
Dosage
Diclofenac is taken in the form of tablets, capsules, ointments or suppositories. The usual dose is from 25 mg to 50 mg per day if these are tablets, and from 50 to 100 mg if these are suppositories. Your doctor may adjust your dosage so it may be higher or lower. Accept diclofenac on average 2–4 times a day.
When prescribing the drug to a child, it is important to take into account his weight in order to correctly select the right amount. In this case, again, it is best to follow the recommendations of your pediatrician or general practitioner.
If you have persistent pain, your doctor may recommend slow-release tablets or capsules. In this case, the drug is taken twice a day with a break between doses of 10–12 hours.
Information before use
Necessarily consult with your doctor before starting treatment to assess the possible risks and benefits:
The drug may increase the risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke even in the absence of other risk factors. Therefore, it is better not to take it before or after heart surgery.
Diclofenac may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal, especially in older people.
During pregnancy, especially after the 20th week, the drug increases the risk of serious heart or kidney complications in the unborn baby.
Tell your doctor about any allergic reactions, especially to aspirin or other NSAIDs. And also if you have suffered an asthma attack or a severe allergic reaction after taking them.
It is important to take the drug with caution when breastfeeding, since the safety of using diclofenac during this period has not been established. It is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
The drug should not be used by people under 18 years of age.
Side effects
They are rare and, regardless of the form of administration, occur in approximately one person out of a hundred. If you find any symptoms Contact your doctor immediately:
- From the gastrointestinal tract – nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, erosions and ulcers of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum.
- From the cardiovascular system – increased blood pressure, fluid retention, edema.
- From the side of the central nervous system – headache, dizziness, tinnitus.
- Allergic reactions – skin rash, itching, urticaria.
There are even more rare side effects, they meet about one person in a thousand. Among them:
- Blood in vomit or black stool.
- Severe heartburn or stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
- A palpable itchy rash, swollen or puffy skin.
- Shortness of breath, fatigue, and swollen legs or ankles.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Diclofenac is not usually prescribed during pregnancy. The risk of negative effects on the development of the child is too high – on blood circulation and the volume of amniotic fluid in the womb.
Use during pregnancy justified, only if the expected benefit to the mother significantly outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. There are often alternative, safer treatments for pain, such as paracetamol.
Diclofenac can be used during breastfeeding, since only a minimal amount of the drug passes into breast milk.
However, if there are any changes in the child’s appetite or health status, you should immediately consult a specialist.
Interaction with other drugs
Not recommended use diclofenac:
- With other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), as this increases the risk of developing gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding.
- Anticoagulantssince the drug increases the risk of bleeding.
- Diuretics, because diclofenac may reduce their effectiveness and increase the risk of kidney failure.
- Lithium and methotrexate, as this may increase the risk of toxic effects from these drugs.
Before you start taking diclofenac, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and dietary supplements, to avoid potentially dangerous interactions.
Missing a dose
If you forget to take diclofenac on your schedule, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time for the next dose. In this case No need take twice as much, just drink or use one regular one.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose are usually as follows:
- Nausea.
- Vomit.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Drowsiness.
- Increased blood pressure.
In case of overdose there is no specific antidote. Therefore, the main solutions are gastric lavage and taking activated charcoal. If it does not get better, then you need to seek medical help.
Check your first aid kit 🧐
