Diclofenac

Diclofenac: instructions for the use of tablets and ointments

Many people, especially the elderly, are well aware of Diclofenac. After all, this drug is designed to treat inflammation and relieve pain in the joints and muscles, which especially often make themselves felt in old age. Even those people who do not know what this drug is, most likely, still enjoyed diclofenac, but under a different trade name.

Diclofenac is included in the list of vital drugs. The reason for this lies in the powerful anti-inflammatory action of the drug. This factor together with the low price of Diclofenac made it extremely common. 

principle of operation

In its chemical structure, the active substance of the drug refers to derivatives of acetic acid. Its exact name is 2- (2,6-dichloroaniline) phenylacetic acid. In medicinal preparations there is a sodium salt of this acid - diclofenac sodium.

Diclofenac is characterized by three types of action
: Anti-inflammatory
 Antipyretic
 Pain Reliever 

Particularly strong anti-inflammatory properties of Diclofenac. Its antipyretic effect is also quite strong. Often the drug helps when other means do not work. Diclofenac can be removed and pain, although its analgesic effect is not so powerful, so the drug is more suitable for the management of pain syndrome of mild to moderate strength.

Mechanism of action of Diclofenac is based on the fact that it suppresses the synthesis of prostaglandins and cyclooxygenase - substances that play an important role in the processes of inflammation. As a result, such unpleasant symptoms of inflammation as pain and swelling decrease. 

Dosage forms
The main dosage forms of diclofenac are tablets and ointment. Also produced are rectal suppositories, gel, eye drops, solutions for injections and infusions.


There are two types of tablets - ordinary, enteric-coated and delayed-release tablets (retard), coated with a film coat. Tablets of prolonged action release the active substance more slowly, thereby providing its necessary therapeutic concentration in the blood. The maximum concentration of the substance in the blood plasma when taking conventional tablets is reached after 2 hours, and after taking the retard tablets - after 4 hours. Both types of tablets are accompanied by an annotation, which shows their characteristics and instructions for use.

Ointment can have two dosage options - 10 mg and 20 mg of active substance per 1 g. Other substances that make up the ointment:

polyethylene oxide-400
polyethylene oxide-1500
dimethoxide
1,2-Propyleneglycol
The solution for injections is supplied in ampoules of 3 ml and contains 25 mg of active substance in 1 ml. Also in the solution are water, sodium hydroxide, benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol, mannitol.


Indications
Diclofenac tablets are used for the diseases of the musculoskeletal system. These include:

arthritis of various nature
rheumatoid soft tissue damage
osteoarthritis
bursitis
osteochondrosis
herniated intervertebral disc


The drug is used to relieve the conditions such as:
neuralgia
myalgia
proctitis
migraine
headache
toothache
postoperative pain
injuries


Also, the drug is used when: inflammatory processes of the small pelvis algodismenorea complex therapy of infectious diseases of the respiratory system Diclofenac injections are shown when: exacerbations of osteochondrosis radiculitis arthritis rheumatic damage to the organs of the cardiovascular system and eyes acute otitis and antritis postoperative and post-traumatic pain conjunctivitis acute form of gout

Ointment is intended for external use and faster than other dosage forms penetrates into tissues located near the surface of the skin. Ointment can remove swelling of the joints, increase their mobility and relieve pain. In addition, when using ointment, the risk of adverse events associated with drug overdose is minimized.


Contraindications
 When breastfeeding, you can not take Diclofenac. The drug can not be taken and late pregnancy (in the third trimester). This prohibition applies to external forms - ointments and gel. There are several reasons for this circumstance. First, the drug weakens the contractility of the uterus, which can prolong the process of childbirth. Secondly, he is able to increase bleeding during childbirth.

The drug negatively affects fertility, so do not resort to Diclofenac women who are trying to get pregnant or suffering from infertility. Also, do not take Diclofenac when: severe liver and kidney pathologies ulcer of the stomach and intestines gastrointestinal bleeding bronchial asthma individual intolerance of components disorders of hematopoiesis and hemostasis heart failure diseases of peripheral arteries ischemic heart disease under 6 years of age


Instructions for use
Don’t use the drug without consulting a doctor. In other cases, taking the drug is only possible after the doctor's prescription. self-medication of Diclofenac can cause many side effects and contraindications, especially strongly manifested with prolonged therapy.

Ointments
It is necessary to easily rub the ointment with a thin layer into the affected area 3-4 times a day. A single dose is 2-4 g, the maximum daily intake is 8 g. For children under 12 years, a single dose should not exceed 2 grams, and the number of procedures per day should not be more than two.

Side effects
From the gastrointestinal tract are possible such phenomena as:

nausea
dyspepsia
diarrhea
vomiting
flatulence
Seldom can be observed hepatitis, gastric bleeding.

Also it has some other side effects :
headache
insomnia
drowsiness
dizziness
tremor
depression
visual impairment

Drug Interactions
 It is not recommended to use diclofenac with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants, as this may increase the risk of side effects, in particular, bleeding. 

Analogues
 On the market, you can find a lot of drugs, where the active ingredient is Diclofenac. Among the tablets are Ortophen, Voltaren, Naklofen. Among other ointments with Diclofenac, Voltaren's ointment can be noted. However, Voltaren, as a foreign-made drug, does not have the same affordable price.