Diclofenac
Generic Name:
Diclofenac
Diclofenac Description:
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) that is used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. Diclofenac is prescribed to relieve arthritis and inflammation associated with arthritis. It is also useful in relieving pain and discomfort associated with stiffness and joint pain.
Diclofenac Uses:
The main symptoms and conditions treated by diclofenac include:
- Arthritis swelling
- Inflammation
- Joint pains
- Menstrual pain
- Muscle stiffness
Diclofenac is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis that attacks the joints in the spine. Diclofenac is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints.
Diclofenac is also prescribed for the treatment of migraine headaches, though the number of migraines experienced by patients are not prevented or reduced, but the intensity of the migraines is not as strong.
Diclofenac Interactions:
Using this medication with ketorolac is not recommended due an increased risk of severe adverse effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding. A doctor may decide not to treat you with diclofenac or may change your ketorolac prescription or dosage.
Avoid using the following drugs while taking diclofenac because of an increased risk of gastrointestinal problems:
- Aspirin
- Cox 2 inhibitors (such as celecoxib)
- Ethanol
- Fondaparinux
- Probenecid
Avoid using the following drugs while taking diclofenac due to an increased risk of the additive toxicity effect they may have on the body when used together:
- Ace inhibitors such as ramipril, quinapril, lisinopril, fosinopril, enalapril
- Cidofovir
- Drotrecogin alfa
- Heparins like dalteparin, enoxapain, tinzaparin
- Hydrocodone/ ibuprofen
- Ibritumomab tiuxetan
- Ibuprofen/ oxycodone
- Lansoprazole/ naproxen
- Pentosan polysulfate sodium
- Pentoxifylline
- Sirolimus
- Sumatriptan/ naproxen sodium
- Tacrolimus
- Warfarin
Diclofenac Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Diclofenac is available in several dosing forms including an enteric coated tablet, an extended release tablet, capsule, powder for solution, tablet, and a liquid filled capsule.
When taken for severe arthritis, diclofenac must be taken every day for it to help the condition, and may not begin working immediately. Typically, the full effects can be felt after one week. In severe cases, it can take anywhere from two weeks or more for diclofenac to start working. Several weeks could pass before the full effects are felt.
Actual dosing is different based on the individual needs of the patient.
For ankylosing spondylitis the dose is 25mg, four times per day. An extra dose of 25mg may be taken at bedtime if needed.
For osteoarthritis adults are given 50mg two to three times per day or 75mg twice per day.
For rheumatoid arthritis adults are given 50mg three to four times per day or 75mg twice per day.
For migraine headaches adults are given 50mg as a single dose.
Doses for children must be determined by a doctor.
Missing a Dose
Do not take a double dose of diclofenac to regain your regular dosing schedule. Take the missed dose immediately, or if close to the next dose, simply skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
Overdosing
The following are symptoms of an overdose of diclofenac:
- Agitation
- Blurred vision
- Change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
- Change in consciousness
- Confusion
- Depression
- Difficult or troubled breathing
- Hives
- Hostility
- Insomnia
- Irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
- Irritability
- Loss of consciousness
- Muscle twitching
- Nervousness
- Pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat
- Pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
- Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- Rapid weight gain
- Seizures
- Shortness of breath
- Sleepiness
- Slow or fast heartbeat
- Stupor
- Swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
- Tightness in the chest
- Unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness
- Wheezing
Seek medical attention following an overdose of diclofenac.
Diclofenac FDA Approval:
November 24, 1993
September 28, 1995 for the delayed release tab
Diclofenac Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Diclofenac carries the following Black Box warnings:
Cardiovascular Risk
Similar to other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diclofenac use may increase the risk of serious and potentially fatal cardiovascular thrombotic events, heart attack, and stroke. Likewise, these risks may increase with the durational use of diclofenac. Diclofenac may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and the risk factors involved with the disease.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
Diclofenac usage should be avoided by patients undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), a type of heart surgery, due to potentially dangerous adverse effects.
Gastrointestinal Risk
Similar to other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diclofenac may increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal reactions including bleeding, ulceration, and stomach or intestine perforation, all of which can be fatal. Elderly patients are at a greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events.
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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July 30, 2010, 2:13 pm
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July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
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July 28, 2010, 3:58 pm
