Diclofenac: what is it for, side effects and how to take

Diclofenac is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic medication, which can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in cases of rheumatism, menstrual pain or pain after surgery, for example.

This medicine can be purchased in pharmacies in the form of a tablet, drops, oral suspension, suppository, solution for injection or gel, and can be found in generic form or under the trade names Cataflam or Voltaren.

Although it is relatively safe, diclofenac should only be used under medical advice. See also some remedies that can be used for the most common types of pain.

What is it for

Diclofenac is indicated for the short-term treatment of pain and inflammation in the following acute conditions:

• Postoperative pain and inflammation, such as after orthopedic or dental surgery; Painful inflammatory states after an injury, such as a sprain, for example; Worsening osteoarthritis; Acute gout crises; Non-articular rheumatism; Painful spinal syndromes; Painful conditions or inflammatory in gynecology, such as primary dysmenorrhea or inflammation of the uterine attachments;

In addition, diclofenac can also be used to treat serious infections, when pain and inflammation in the ear, nose or throat is manifested.

How to take

How diclofenac is used depends on the severity of the pain and inflammation and how it is presented:

1. Pills

The recommended starting dose is 100 to 150 mg per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses, and in milder cases, the dose can be reduced to 75 to 100 mg per day, which should be sufficient. However, the dosage depending on the severity of the situation and the situation the person is in, the doctor may change the dosage.

2. Oral drops - 15 mg / mL

Diclofenac in drops is adapted for use in children, and the dose should be adjusted to your body weight. Thus, for children aged 1 year or more and depending on the severity of the condition, the recommended dose is 0.5 to 2 mg by weight of body weight, which is equivalent to 1 to 4 drops, divided into two to three daily intakes.

For adolescents aged 14 and over, the recommended dose is 75 to 100 mg per day, divided into two to three doses, not to exceed 150 mg per day.

3. Oral suspension - 2 mg / mL

Diclofenac oral suspension is adapted for use in children. The recommended dose for children aged 1 year and over is 0.25 to 1 mL for each kg of body weight and for adolescents aged 14 years and over, a dose of 37.5 to 50 mL daily is usually sufficient.

4. Suppositories

The suppository should be inserted into the anus, in the lying position and after defecating, with the initial daily dose being 100 to 150 mg per day, which is equivalent to the use of 2 to 3 suppositories per day.

5. Injectable

Generally, the recommended dose is 1 ampoule of 75 mg per day, administered intramuscularly. In some cases, the doctor may increase the daily dose or combine the treatment of the injectable with pills or suppositories, for example.

6. Gel

Diclofenac gel should be applied to the affected region, about 3 to 4 times a day, with a light massage, avoiding areas of the skin that are weakened or with wounds.

Possible side effects

Some of the most common side effects that may occur during treatment with diclofenac are headache, dizziness, dizziness, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal cramps, excess intestinal gas, decreased appetite, elevation transaminases in the liver, appearance of skin rashes and, in the case of injectables, irritation at the site.

In addition, although it is more rare, chest pain, palpitations, heart failure and myocardial infarction can also occur.

As for adverse reactions of diclofenac in gel, they are rare, but in some cases redness, itching, edema, papules, vesicles, blisters or scaling of the skin may occur in the region where the drug is applied.

Who should not use

Diclofenac is contraindicated in pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, patients with stomach or intestinal ulcers, hypersensitive to the formula's components or who suffer from asthma attacks, urticaria or acute rhinitis when taking medication with acetylsalicylic acid, such as aspirin.

This medicine should not be used in patients with stomach or intestinal problems such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, severe liver disease, kidney and heart disease without medical advice.

In addition, diclofenac gel should not be used on open wounds or eyes and the suppository should not be used if the person has pain in the rectum.