Diclofenac is available as tablets, injections, gels, suppositories and even patches. Diclofenac preparations are used mainly in rheumatology, e.g. in osteoarthritis, RA, but also in the treatment of eye pain, after injuries, and menstruation.
Diclofenacis o-N- (2,6-dichlorophenyl) -aminophenylacetic acid, but in pharmaceutical preparations it is most often in the form of the sodium s alt.
Diclofenac - advantages
The drug has the effect ofanti-inflammatory ,analgesicandantipyretic . It is most often used in the form of tablets. It is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentration is reached after 1-2 hours.
In the form of suppositories, it can be applied once a day at night; as a lubricating gel - up to 4 times a day. Regardless of the route of administration, it penetrates into the synovial fluid and relieves pain for 4-5 hours. It is excreted within 12 hours of administration in urine and faeces. It does not accumulate in the body.
Diclofenac - disadvantages
Diclofenac should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to other NSAIDs or salicylic acid derivatives. Bronchial asthma, gastric and duodenal ulcer disease, renal failure and impaired liver function are also contraindications to the use of this drug substance. If we use diclofenac with other drugs, we must remember about the risk of interactions.
Taken with digoxin or lithium, it increases their concentration in the blood. Increases the toxicity of methotrexate. When combined with medications for high blood pressure, it reduces their effectiveness, and can also damage the kidneys. When used together with diuretics (water tablets), it increases the amount of potassium in the blood. Concomitant administration with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Like any drug, it can have side effects. The most common ones include digestive tract disorders (nausea, diarrhea), skin allergic reactions, and sometimes even the activation of gastric or duodenal ulcers.
Diclofenac - contraindications
People with:
should not use the drug without consulting a doctor- asthma,
- hypertension,
- suffering from peptic ulcer disease,
- kidney failure
- liver failure.
Another contraindication is an allergic reaction that occurs with the previous administration of painkillers or antipyretics from the group of NSAIDs or acetylsalicylic acid.
Pregnant women are only given it when the benefits to the mother outweigh the risk of side effects for the baby.
Diclofenac should not be used longer than necessary. If you do not take the next dose, do not take the next dose twice. Long-term use or the use of high doses may cause liver dysfunction, renal failure, and sometimes even disorders of the hematopoietic system. Systemic symptoms may occur if you use diclofenac analgesic gels for too long (especially on large surfaces).
ImportantIn drugs sold without a prescription, the amount of active substance is several times smaller than in those that are issued on a prescription. Nevertheless, you should always follow the dosage recommendations contained in the leaflets.
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