Diclofenac
Diclofenac sodium
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Diclofenac
Diclofenac belongs to NSAIDs (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) group of medicines. It acts by reducing chemicals (e.g. prostaglandins) that cause pain and inflammation in our body. Diclofenac and related medicines are commonly known as pain killers.
Therapeutic Uses of Diclofenac
Diclofenac is used in the treatment of pain and inflammation that is caused by arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, osteo arthritis etc.), ankylosing spondylitis etc. It can also be used in other medical conditions that are painful and due to inflammation.
Direction of use of Diclofenac
Take Diclofenac orally with food unless your doctor advice you to take otherwise. If you take Diclofenac on empty stomach or without food it can cause gastric irritation and ulcer. If you get any doubt regarding Diclofenac use, consult your doctor or other health care giver.
Dose of Diclofenac, if Missed
If a dose of Diclofenac is missed by you it should be taken as soon as you can remember it. If it is time for the next dose than skip the missed dose and take as usual dose. Do not 2 doses of Diclofenac together.
How to Store Diclofenac
Diclofenac should be stored at room temperature i.e. 68 degree F and 77 degree F or 20 to 25 degree Centigrade. For a brief period it can be stored at little higher or little lower temperature than ideal room temperature. Store it out of reach of children and pets. It should be stored away from heat, moisture and sunlight.
More Information About Diclofenac
Diclofenac should be used by the patient for whom it was prescribed. It should not be shared. If you do not get relief from pain anf inflammation you shoul discuss or consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Diclofenac
Do not take Diclofenac if you have any of the following condition and inform your doctor about your condition:
- If you are allergic to Diclofenac or other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, piroxicam etc.
- If you are suffering from peptic ulcer.
Important notes:
- If you are pregnant you should not take Diclofenac. If you become pregnant during treatment with Diclofenac, consult with your doctor about the risks of using it during pregnancy. Diclofenac is secreted in breast milk and you should not breast feed your child if you are taking Diclofenac.
- Diclofenac should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the medicine is not established.
- Diclofenac can cause drowsiness and blurring of vision and these effects are more prominent if alcohol is taken with Diclofenac. Do not drive or perform till you are sure that you do not get drowsiness and vision change with Diclofenac.
- If you have to take another medicine you should check if it contains other NSAIDs. If it contains other NSAIDs or you are not sure than consult your doctor or other health care provider.
Possible Adverse Effects
- Consult your doctor if you get any of the common side effects with Diclofenac like nausea, GIT (gastrointestinal tract) bleeding, blood in stool, vomiting gastric irritation, burning sensation, redness in the eyes, stomach upset etc.
- Get immediate medical attention if you are suffering from any of the serious side effects like blurring of vision, swelling of eyelids, eye infection, sensitivity to light and severe allergic reaction that is manifested by difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, rash, itching, swelling of lips, mouth, face etc.
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