Generic Name:Voltaren,Diclofenac sodium 50/100mg
Diclofenac
Brand names Diclomax SR, Motifene, Rhumalgan, Volraman, Voltarol, and others
Used in the following combined preparation Arthrotec
General Information
Taken as a single dose ,diclofenac has analgesic properties similar to those of paracetamol. It is taken to relieve mild to moderate headache, menstrual pain, and pain following minor surgery.
When diclofenac is given regularly over a long period, it exerts an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to relieve the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Diclofenac may also be prescribed to treat acute attacks of gout.
The combined preparation, Arthrotec, contains diclofenac and misoprostol .
Misoprostol helps prevent gastroduodenal ulceration and may be particularly useful in patients at risk of developing this problem.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, SR-tablets, injection, suppositories, gel.
Frequency and timing of doses
2-3 x daily with food.
Adult dosage range
75-150mg daily.
Onset of effect
Around 1 hour (pain relief); full anti¬inflammatory effect may take 2 weeks.
Duration of action
Up to 12 hours; up to 24 hours (SR-tablets).
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
When taken for short-term pain relief, diclofenac can be safely stopped as soon as you no longer need it. If prescribed for long-term treatment (e.g., for arthritis), speak to your doctor before stopping the drug.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
But if you notice any unusual symptoms or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
The most common adverse effects are the result of gastrointestinal disturbances.
Black or bloodstained faeces should be reported to your doctor without delay.
INTERACTIONS
General note Diclofenac interacts with a wide range of drugs. These include oral anticoagulants, corticosteroids, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and aspirin.
Indigestion remedies
These should not be taken at the same time of day as diclofenac preparations that are enteric coated (i.e., coated to resist being broken down in the stomach) as they disrupt this coating.
Lithium, digoxin, and methotrexate
Diclofenac may increase the blood levels of these drugs.
Antihypertensive drugs and diuretics
The beneficial effects of these drugs may be reduced.
Cyclosporin Diclofenac may increase the risk of kidney problems.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug , Analgesic , and drug for Gout
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have a bleeding disorder.
You have had a peptic ulcer or oesophagitis.
You have porphyria.
You suffer from indigestion. You are allergic to aspirin. You suffer from asthma.
You have heart problems or high blood pressure.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not usually prescribed in the last 3 months of pregnancy as it may increase the risk of adverse effects on the baby’s heart and may prolong labour.
Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
Small amounts of the drug pass into the breast milk, but adverse effects on the baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Reduced dose necessary.
Over 60
Increased risk of adverse effects. Reduced dose may therefore be necessary.
Driving and hazardous work
No problems expected.
Alcohol
Keep consumption low. Alcohol may increase the risk of stomach irritation.
Surgery and general anaesthetics
Discuss with your doctor or dentist before any surgery.
PROLONGED USE
There is an increased risk of bleeding from peptic ulcers and in the bowel with prolonged use of diclofenac.
