Diclofenac sodium: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Diclofenac Sodium?

Benefits and uses of diclofenac sodium

Diclofenac sodium, or diclofenac sodium, is a medicine to relieve pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis, gout, toothache, and so on.

This drug actually contains diclofenac as an active ingredient. Diclofenac sodium is one type. That is, diclofenac is combined with a carrier in the form of sodium. Apart from diclofenac natrum, there is also diclofenac potassium (diclofenac potassium). This drug belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

This medication can also be used to treat other painful conditions such as muscle aches, pain after surgery or after childbirth.

However, if you have sudden, severe pain and want quick relief, it may be better to take a faster-acting pain reliever than diclofenac sodium. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If you're treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and / or using other medications to treat your pain.

How to drink diclofenac sodium?

Take this medication with a full glass of water (240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking diclofenac.

If you experience stomach upset due to diclofenac sodium, you can take it at the same time as your meal schedule, along with milk, or an antacid. However, this may slow absorption and delay pain relief, especially if you are not taking this medication regularly.

Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. Doing so can break the special coating on the tablet and can increase side effects.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be using. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than prescribed.

For certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks of regular use before the effects are felt.

If you are using this medication only when necessary, diclofenac sodium is most potent if it is taken by mouth the first time pain symptoms appear.

If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medicine may not work as well. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

Diclofenac sodium is a drug that should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Do not store in the bathroom or inside freezer.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Diclofenac Sodium Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of diclofenac sodium for adults?

The following is the recommended dose of diclofenac sodium for adults:

• For treating osteoarthritis, the dose of diclofenac sodium is 50 mg 2 to 3 times a day or 75 mg orally twice a day. Doses greater than 150 mg / day are not recommended for osteoarthritis. For a dose of 100 mg, you can take it once a day.
• To treat ankylosing spondylitis, the dose of diclofenac sodium is 25 mg orally 4 times a day. An additional 25 mg dose can be given at bedtime, if necessary.
• To relieve menstrual pain, the dose of diclofenac sodium is 50 mg orally 3 times a day. In some patients, an initial dose of 100 mg, followed by a 50 mg dose, will help better relieve pain. After the first day, the daily dose should not exceed 150 mg.
• To relieve mild to moderate acute pain, the dose of diclofenac sodium is 50 mg orally 3 times a day.
• To treat rheumatoid arthritis, the dose of diclofenac sodium is 50 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day or 75 mg orally twice a day. For a dose of 100 mg, you can take it once a day. Doses greater than 225 mg / day are not recommended for rheumatoid arthritis.

What is the dose of diclofenac sodium for children?

There is no stipulated dosage for diclofenac sodium for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is diclofenac sodium available?

Diclofenac is available in the form of tablets and suppositories:

• Tablet: 100 mg
• Suppositories: Voltaren: 50 mg, 100 mg

Diclofenac Sodium Side Effects

What side effects are possible due to diclofenac sodium?

Most of the common side effects of diclofenac sodium are indigestion, including stomach ulcers.

Stop taking diclofenac sodium and call your doctor if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• Chest pain
• Hard to breathe
• Problems with vision or balance
• Black or bloody stool
• Coughing up blood or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds
• Swelling or rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all
• Nausea and vomiting
• Upper abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Bruising, tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness
• Neck stiffness
• Shivering, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and / or seizures

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using this drug?

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diclofenac sodium, aspirin or any of the NSAIDs, other drugs, or the active ingredient in this medication that you will be using.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are using or will be using.

Many other medicines can also interact with this drug, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medicines you use. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or monitor you carefully for side effects.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using diclofenac sodium, call your doctor.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about using diclofenac sodium.

Is diclofenac sodium safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research regarding the risks of using diclofenac sodium for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This medication falls into the pregnancy risk category D (there is evidence that it is risky) according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, or the equivalent of the POM in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

There have not been adequate studies in women to determine infant risk when mothers use diclofenac during breastfeeding.

Consider the benefits against the potential risks before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with diclofenac sodium?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Smoking or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

Some of the health conditions that may interact with this drug are:

• Anemia
• Bleeding problems
• Congenital heart failure
• Edema (fluid retention)
• Heart attack
• Heart disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Kidney illness
• Porphyria (blood disorder)
• Gastric ulcers or bleeding
• Stroke, history of disease
• Asthma
• Sensitivity to aspirin (or other NSAIDs)
• Kidney illness
• Heart Surgery (eg heart bypass surgery)
• Liver disease
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of a diclofenac sodium overdose are:

• Nausea
• Gag
• Stomach ache
• Bloody or black stools
• Vomits a substance that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
• Sleepy
• Irregular or slow breathing
• Lack of consciousness

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the original schedule and do not take multiple doses.