Uses

Diclofenac potassium is an NSAID (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) that reduces the substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.  This medicine is used to treat and prevent mild to moderate pain or the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid. The medicine relieves pain and swelling (inflammation) from various mild to moderate conditions. This medicine treats muscle aches, backaches, dental pain, sports injuries, menstrual cramps.

Moreover, this medicine also reduces pain, swelling, and joint stuffiness that is caused by arthritis.

Dosage

You are advised to take this medicine by mouth with a glass full of water that measures 8 ounces/ 240 millilitres unless doctors advise you of any other way of intaking this medicine. Dont lay down for at least 10 minutes after intake this medicine.

The dosage of this medicine is based on your medical conditions and your treatment response.

For treatment of primary pain or primary dysmenorrhea, the advised dosage is 50mg 3 times daily. While in some cases, the initial dose might be 100mg, followed by 50mg doses.

For treatment and relief of osteoarthritis, the recommended dosage is 100-150mg/ day with 50 mg 2 or 3 times a day.

For treatment and relief of rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended dosage is 150-200 mg per day in the divided dose, i.e. 50mg 3 times a day.

Be sure to let the doctor know about the medication you are using, including prescribed drugs, non-prescribed drugs, and herbal products.

Side effects

Here are some side effects that you might experience while taking this medicine:

•         Upset stomach

•         Nausea

•         Constipation.

•         Headache

•         Dizziness

•         Drowsiness

•         Diarrhoea

If any of these side effects gets severe or worsen, consult your doctor immediately.

When not to use

This medicine is contraindicated in hypersensitive patients to drugs such as anaphylactic reaction and some severe skin reactions to Diclofenac potassium or any other component.

Formula

Diclofenac potassium

Precautions

•         Before you intake this medicine, discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin or other types of NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, celecoxib, naproxen) or if you have any other type of allergies. This medicine might include some inactive ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction in the human body.

•         If you are pregnant, dont intake this medicine without discussing it with your doctor.

•         This medicine passes into breast milk, so make sure you consult your doctor before breastfeeding. At the same time, there are no such reports of harm to the nursing infants.

•         This medicine will make you sensitive to the sun, so try to limit your time under the sun. Try to avoid sunlamps and tanning booths when using this medicine. Make sure you use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when you are outdoor. Consult your doctor immediately if you have any skin blisters/ redness.

•         Before using this medicine, let your doctor know about your medical history, especially asthma, breathing problems, bleeding or clotting problems, growth in the nose (nasal polyps), heart disease, liver disease, and high blood pressure, stomach/intestinal, or oesophagus problems.