Diclofenac is a medication to relieve pain and inflammation. This drug can relieve pain in several conditions, such as menstrual pain, postoperative pain, or joint pain due to arthritis (arthritis).
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that trigger an inflammatory reaction when the body is injured or injured. That way the symptoms of inflammation, such as pain or swelling can subside.
Trademark diclofenac: Aclonac, Cataflam, Clofecon, Diclofenac Potassium, Diclofenac Sodium, Eflagen, Exaflam, Fenavel, Hotin DCL, Kaflam, Lafen, Scantaren, Simflamfas, Voltadex, Voltaren, Zelona
What is Diclofenac
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| Benefit | Treating pain and inflammation |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Diclofenac for pregnant and lactating women | 1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy: Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. 3rd trimester of pregnancy: Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Diclofenac may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules, injections, gels, eye drops, suppositories |
Precautions Before Using Diclofenac
There are several things you should pay attention to before using diclofenac, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Diclofenac should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug, aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently had or are planning to have surgery bypass heart. Diclofenac should not be given to patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, heart disease, hypertension, blood clotting disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, stroke, peptic ulcer, edema, or kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor if you smoke or are addicted to alcohol, as these conditions can increase the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Diclofenac should not be used by pregnant women especially in the third trimester.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after using diclofenac.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Diclofenac
The following is the dose of diclofenac based on the form of the drug, the age of the patient, and the condition to be treated:
Tablet Form (Oral)
Purpose: Relieves acute pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or menstrual pain
- Mature: The dose is 50 mg, 2-3 times a day.
- Children >14 years old: The dose is 25 mg 3 times a day or 50 mg 2 times a day.
Purpose: Relieve acute migraine
- Mature: The initial dose is 50 mg at the first attack. If the migraine is still felt after 2 hours, take another 50 mg. As long as symptoms persist, take 50 mg every 4-6 hours. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day.
Injectable Form
Purpose: Relieves renal colic pain
- Mature: The dose is 75 mg injected through the muscle (intramuscular / IM), the dose can be repeated after 30 minutes if needed. The maximum dose is 150 mg per day. Treatment is carried out for a maximum of 2 days.
Purpose: Relieves pain and inflammation.
- Mature: The dose is 75 mg per day injected through the muscle (intramuscular / IM). The maximum dose is 150 mg per day. Treatment is carried out for a maximum of 2 days.
Purpose: Relieves postoperative pain
- Mature: The dose is 75 mg given by intravenous (IV) infusion over 30–120 minutes. The dose can be re-administered after 4–6 hours if needed. The maximum dose is 150 mg per day. Maximum treatment for 2 days.
Gel Form
Purpose: Relieves pain and inflammation, muscle aches, joint pain, sprains, or osteoarthritis
- Mature: Apply 2–4 grams on the affected area 2–4 times a day. The maximum dose is 8 grams per day. Maximum duration of treatment is 7 days.
Eye Drop Shape
Purpose: Relieve pain after cataract surgery
- Mature: The dose is 1 drop into the painful eye 4 times a day for 2 weeks. Treatment was started 24 hours after surgery.
Suppository Form
Purpose: Relieves pain and inflammation
- Mature: The dose is 75–150 mg per day, divided into several doses.
Purpose: Relieves pain in chronic juvenile arthritis in children and adolescents
- Children aged 1–12 years: The dose is 1-3 mg mg/kgBW per day, divided into 2-3 doses.
How to use Diclofenac correctly
Always follow your doctor's instructions and read the instructions on the medicine package before using diclofenac. The following is how to use diclofenac correctly, according to the form of the drug:
1. Diclofenac tablets and capsules
Diclofenac tablets can be taken before or after meals. To prevent stomach upset, you should take diclofenal with or after meals. Swallow diclofenac tablets whole with the help of a glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or split diclofenac tablets. Do not lie down after taking diclofenac tablets, for at least 10 minutes.
2. Diclofenac injection
Diclofenac injection will be given by a doctor or health worker under the direct supervision of a doctor at the hospital. Diclofenac injection will be injected through a vein (intravenous/IV) or through a muscle (intramuscular/IM).
3. Diclofenac gel
Before using diclofenac gel, clean the area to be applied the drug. Apply an adequate amount of the medicine on the painful area. Always wash your hands and dry them before and after using this medicine.
Avoid using the drug on open wounds, peeling skin, or infected skin. Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the area where diclofenac is applied.
Do not rinse the medicated area for at least 1 hour after application. Wait up to 10 minutes before covering the area of skin where the medication was given.
4. Diclofenac eye drops
Before using diclofenac eye drops, wash your hands thoroughly and dry them. Make sure the tip of the eye drop bottle does not touch any surface.
Lift your face and pull the lower eyelid, then put 1 drop of the medicine into the lower eyelid and close the eye. Press the tip of the eye near the nose for 1-2 minutes.
Do not blink or scratch the eye until the medicine has absorbed into the eye. Repeat the above steps if your dose is more than 1 drop. If you use several types of eye drops at the same time, allow a gap of about 5-10 minutes before using the other eye drops.
5. Diclofenac suppository
Before using diclofenac suppository, wash hands and rectum with soap thoroughly, then dry. After that, insert the drug into the rectum, at least 3 cm deep. Sit or lie down for 15 minutes until the medicine softens in the rectum.
Interactions of Diclofenac with Other Drugs
Some of the interaction effects that can occur if diclofenac is used with other drugs are:
- Increased risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding if used with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinning drugs, SSRI antidepressants, or corticosteroids
- Increased risk of hyperkalemia, which is high levels of potassium in the blood, if used with potassium-sparing diuretics, ciclosporin, or tacrolimus
- Decreased effectiveness of ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers
- Increased levels of phenytoin, methotrexate, lithium, or digoxin, in the blood
- Increased blood concentration of diclofenac when used with voriconazole or amiodarone
Side Effects and Dangers Diclofenac
There are several side effects that can occur after using diclofenac, including:
- Stomach pain or heartburn
- Nausea or bloating
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dizziness, drowsiness, or headache
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or any of the following more serious side effects:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding, which is characterized by symptoms in the form of bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, dark-colored vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Heart problems, which can be characterized by swelling in the legs, shortness of breath, or unusual tiredness
- Kidney disorders, which can be characterized by complaints of infrequent urination, very little amount of urine, pain when urinating, or difficulty breathing
- Liver disorders, which can be characterized by abdominal pain, persistent nausea and vomiting, itching, dark urine, or jaundice