Diclofenac

Generic Name : Diclofenac

Pronunciation : (dye kloe' fen ak)

TradeName : Aflamin 50, Agile INJ, Agile-D, Agile-K, Agile-SR, Argesic, ARK 75, Cannact, Coveron-50, Delbitol-50, Delta-K, Dic-INJ, Diclo-DT, Dic-SR, Diclofam, Diclofast, Diclofen, Diclofenac, Diclo-K, Diclomax, Diclomol, Diclonac, Dicloran, Diclotal, Diclowin 50, Dicron, Diclotal -SR

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Diclofenac relieves the pain, tenderness, inflammation, stiffness, and swelling caused by certain types of arthritis. It also is used to relieve menstrual pain and pain after surgery or childbirth.

When it is to be taken : Diclofenac usually is taken two, three, or four times a day for arthritis. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.

How it should be taken : Diclofenac comes in the form of coated tablets. They should be swallowed whole; do not crush or break them. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Special Instruction : 

1. Take only the amount of medication prescribed. If you think that you need more to relieve your symptoms, contact your doctor.
2. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose, and you may have blood tests.
3. Diclofenac can cause dizziness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
4. Diclofenac is most effective for arthritis when taken regularly. Try to take it at the same time you do some other regular activity such as eating meals.

Side Effects : 

1. Headache, dizziness. Contact your doctor if these effects are severe.
2. Nausea, abdominal pain or cramps, diarrhoea or constipation, indigestion, gas. Take diclofenac with food or an antacid.
3. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. If these symptoms continue or become severe, contact your doctor.
4. If you vomit blood or have bloody diarrhoea or black, tarry stools, stop taking diclofenac and contact your doctor immediately.
5. Skin rash; ringing in the ears; swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; itching. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions : 

1. Before you take diclofenac, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially anticoagulants, aspirin, cyclosporine, diabetes medication, digoxin, diuretics, lithium, methotrexate, and other arthritis medications.
2. Do not take aspirin while taking diclofenac unless your doctor directs you to do so.
3. If you ever had a bad reaction to aspirin or other arthritis medications, tell your doctor before taking diclofenac.
4. Tell your doctor if you ever had gastritis, bleeding from the stomach or rectum, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal disease; liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood pressure; or systemic lupus erythematosus.
5. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
6. Diclofenac should not be taken while breast-feeding or toward the end of pregnancy.
7. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : 

1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture.