Uses
Also
see the Warning section. Diclofenac comes in the enteric-coated tablet form,
which is used to treat arthritis-related pain, inflammation, and joint
stiffness. You may carry out more of your regular daily tasks by reducing these
symptoms. An example of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine is
diclofenac (NSAID). It functions by preventing your body from producing some
natural inflammatory molecules. This impact aids in reducing temperature,
discomfort, and edoema. Consult your doctor about utilising alternative pain
relief methods in addition to prescription drugs.
How to use diclofenac oral
Prior to beginning diclofenac therapy and
each time you receive a refill, read the medication guide that your pharmacist
has supplied. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you have any queries.
According to your doctor's instructions,
take this medication by mouth between 2-4 times each day. Unless your doctor
instructs you otherwise, take this drug with a full glass of water (8
ounces/240 millilitres). After taking this drug, wait at least 10 minutes
before lying down. If taking this drug causes stomach distress, you can take it
with food, milk, or an antacid. However, this can limit absorption and postpone
the onset of pain alleviation.
Completely swallow the pills. The pills
must not be chewed, crushed, or broken. This may cause further stomach
distress.
There are several brands and dosage options
for this drug. Change diclofenac forms only if your doctor instructs you to do
so since various forms do not have the same effects at the same strengths.
The dose is determined by your medical
history, treatment response, and any additional drugs you may be taking. Take
this drug for the shortest amount of time and at the lowest effective dose to
lessen the risk of stomach bleeding and other adverse effects. Do not use this
medication in excess of the recommended dosage, frequency, or duration.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages to your doctor or pharmacist.
It may take up to 2 weeks of consistent use
of this medication for some illnesses (like arthritis) before you get the full
benefits.
If your situation grows worse, let your
doctor know.
Side Effects
Possible side effects include headache, nausea,
heartburn, diarrhoea, constipation, gas, upset stomach, sleepiness, dizziness,
or blurred vision. Inform your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if any
of these side effects persist or grow worse.
Keep in mind that your doctor has
recommended this medicine because they believe it will help you more than it
will harm you. Many users of this medicine report no significant negative
effects.
Your blood pressure may increase if you use
this medicine. Regularly check your blood pressure, and let your doctor know if
the readings are excessive.
If you experience any severe side effects,
such as hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears), mental or mood changes,
easy bleeding or bruising, painful or difficult swallowing, or signs of heart
failure (such as swollen ankles or feet, unusual tiredness, or unusual/sudden
weight gain), call your doctor right away.
If you have any really significant side
effects, such as indications of kidney issues (such as a change in the volume
of urine, pink or red urine, or unexplained stiff neck), get medical attention
immediately once.
Rarely, diclofenac may result in
significant liver damage that might be deadly. If you experience any liver
damage symptoms, such as persistent nausea or vomiting, appetite loss, stomach
or abdominal discomfort, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine, get
immediate medical attention.
Rarely may this medication cause a very
significant allergic response. But if you experience any major adverse reaction
symptoms, such as fever, enlarged lymph nodes, rash, itching or swelling
(particularly of the face, tongue, or neck), extreme dizziness, or difficulty
breathing, get medical attention immediately once.
The list of potential negative effects is
not exhaustive. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other side
effects not covered above.
Call your doctor for medical advice
regarding side effects if you're in the US. You can contact the FDA to report
adverse effects at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Call your doctor for medical advice
regarding side effects if you're in Canada. Call 1-866-234-2345 to report side
effects to Health Canada.
Precautions
Also see the Warning section.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any allergies prior to using diclofenac, aspirin, or any other NSAIDs
(such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or celecoxib). Inactive chemicals in this product
have the potential to trigger allergic reactions or other issues. To learn
more, speak with your pharmacist.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist of your
medical history before taking this medication, particularly of: asthma
(including a history of breathing becoming worse after taking aspirin or other
NSAIDs), blood disorders (such as anaemia, bleeding/clotting issues), growths
in the nose (nasal polyps), heart disease (such as a prior heart attack), high
blood pressure, liver disease, stroke, swelling (edoema, fluid retention),
stomach/intestinal/esophageal problems, and nasal polyps (such as bleeding,
heartburn, ulcers).
NSAID drugs, such as diclofenac, can
occasionally cause kidney issues. If you're dehydrated, have heart failure or
renal illness, are an older adult, are on certain drugs, or are dehydrated,
issues might arise (see also Drug Interactions section). Drink lots of fluids as
prescribed by your doctor to avoid dehydration, and inform them immediately
away if you notice any unexpected changes in the volume of urine or have pink
or red urine.
This medication may cause blurred vision,
drowsiness, or dizziness. These effects can be made worse by alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis). Until you can do anything safely, avoid using machinery,
driving, or doing anything else that requires attentiveness or sharp eyesight.
Limit your alcohol consumption. Talk
to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Stomach bleeding might result from this
medication. Smoking and drinking often, especially when using this medication,
may make you more likely to experience gastrointestinal bleeding. Stop smoking
and drink in moderation.
You can become more sun-sensitive as a
result of this treatment. Keep sun exposure to a minimum. Avoid using sunlamps
and tanning booths. When outside, use protective gear and sunscreen. If you get
skin blisters or redness, or if you suffer a sunburn, call your doctor straight
away.
Inform your surgeon or dentist of all the
products you use before to surgery (including prescription drugs,
nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
While using this medication, older persons
may be more susceptible to stomach/intestinal bleeding, renal issues, heart
attacks, and strokes.
Women of reproductive age should discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of using this medicine with their doctor(s)
before beginning. Inform your doctor if you are expecting a child or if you
have any plans to do so. This medicine may interfere with a normal labour and
delivery and endanger an unborn child. From 20 weeks of pregnancy till birth,
it is not advised to use it. If your doctor determines that you need to take
this drug between weeks 20 and 30 of pregnancy, you should take it for the
shortest amount of time feasible at the lowest effective dose. Using this drug
after 30 weeks of pregnancy is not advised.
This drug is excreted in breast milk.
Before breastfeeding, speak with your doctor.
Interactions
Drug interactions might alter how your
drugs function or raise the possibility of major negative side effects. All
probable medication interactions are not included in this text. Keep a list of
everything you use, including herbal items, prescription and over-the-counter
medications, and provide it to your doctor and pharmacist. Without your
doctor's consent, never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications.
Aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (like benazepril
and lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (like losartan and
valsartan), cidofovir, corticosteroids (like dexamethasone and prednisone),
lithium, methotrexate, and "water pills" are a few products that may
interact with this medication (diuretics such as furosemide).
When used with other medications that might
also cause bleeding, this medicine may increase the risk of bleeding. Examples
include "blood thinners" like dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin,
anti-platelet medications like clopidogrel, and others.
Since many drugs contain painkillers and
fever reducers, carefully read the labels of all prescription and
over-the-counter medications (aspirin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, ketorolac,
naproxen). If you take these medications together, which are similar to
diclofenac, you may experience more negative effects. However, if your doctor
has advised you to take low-dose aspirin (about 81–162 mg a day) to avoid heart
attack or stroke, you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor
gives you another order. For further information, speak to your doctor or
pharmacist.
Overdose
Call 911 if someone has overdosed and is
exhibiting significant symptoms like fainting out or difficulty breathing. If
not, immediately dial a poison control hotline. Call 1-800-222-1222 to reach
your local poison control centre if you're a US citizen. Residents of Canada
can dial a regional poison control centre. Extreme sleepiness, shallow
breathing, and severe stomach discomfort are all possible overdose symptoms.
Notes
Don't give anybody else this medicine.
While you are taking this medicine, you may
undergo lab and/or medical tests to check your blood pressure, liver/kidney
function, and complete blood count. Keep all appointments for testing and
medical care. For further information, talk to your doctor.
Your flexibility and joint function may be
improved with a change in your lifestyle, such as weight loss if necessary and
strengthening/conditioning workouts. For detailed instructions, speak with your
doctor.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dosage as soon as you
recall it if you miss it. Skip the missed dosage if it is almost time for the
subsequent dose. At the scheduled time, take your subsequent dose. To catch up,
do not increase the dose.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room
temperature away from light and moisture. Keep out of the bathroom. Keep
children and pets away from any drugs.
Unless specifically directed to do so,
avoid flushing drugs down the toilet or pouring them into drains. When the
product is no longer needed or has expired, dispose of it properly. Consult
your pharmacist or the neighbourhood waste management firm.