When it comes to managing pain and inflammation, Diclogesic (diclofenac sodium) stands out as a reliable non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent with remarkable anti-rheumatic, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. This medication has been a go-to choice for medical professionals in alleviating various painful conditions, making it a valuable tool in your quest for comfort.

Understanding the Pharmacology of Diclogesic

Diclofenac, the active ingredient in Diclogesic, is rapidly absorbed when taken orally or as a rectal suppository. If taken in an enteric-coated tablet form along with food, absorption may be slower. However, orally administered diclofenac is well-absorbed, with approximately 50% of the drug reaching the systemic circulation unchanged. Once in the body, more than 99% of diclofenac is bound to plasma proteins.

The drug undergoes metabolism and is subsequently excreted through urine and bile as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of its metabolites. With a relatively short terminal plasma half-life of about 1 to 2 hours, Diclogesic acts quickly to provide much-needed relief.

Indications: When Diclogesic Comes to the Rescue

Diclogesic has a wide range of applications and is used to treat various conditions, including:

Inflammatory and degenerative forms of rheumatism, such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, spondylarthritis, and painful syndromes of the vertebral column.
Inflammation and swelling following dental and orthopedic surgeries.
Acute attacks of gout.
Post-traumatic and post-operative pain.
Painful inflammatory conditions in gynecology and primary dysmenorrhea.

Contraindications: When to Avoid Diclogesic

As with any medication, there are instances when Diclogesic should be avoided. These include:

Known hypersensitivity to diclofenac sodium or any of its components.
A history of peptic ulcer.
Previous experiences of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Potential Side Effects

Diclogesic, like other medications, may have side effects, though they are generally well-tolerated. Some possible side effects include:

Gastrointestinal tract: Occasional epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dyspepsia, flatulence, anorexia, and, rarely, gastrointestinal bleeding or gastric/intestinal ulcers.
Central nervous system: Occasional headache, dizziness, vertigo, and, in rare cases, drowsiness.
Skin: Occasional rashes and rare cases of urticaria (hives).
Kidneys: Rare cases of edema, isolated cases of acute renal failure, and urinary abnormalities.
Blood: Isolated cases of thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, and agranulocytosis.
Liver: Occasional elevation of serum aminotransferase enzymes and rare cases of hepatitis.
Hypersensitivity: Rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions, such as asthma, systemic anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, including hypotension.
Special senses: Disturbances of vision, impaired hearing, tinnitus, and taste disturbances.

Precautions: Your Safety Comes First

To ensure your well-being, consider the following precautions when using Diclogesic:

Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration may occur during treatment, even without warning symptoms. In such rare cases, especially among the elderly, immediate discontinuation of the drug is crucial.
Allergic reactions, including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, may occur without prior exposure to the drug.
Monitor liver function during prolonged treatment, and if abnormal liver function tests persist or worsen, discontinue Diclogesic.
Caution is advised in the elderly and patients with low body weight. The lowest effective dosage should be used.
Note that only Diclogesic 50mg tablets contain sunset yellow, which may cause hypersensitivity reactions.

Drug Interactions: Things to Consider

Diclogesic can interact with other drugs, potentially leading to complications. Be mindful of the following interactions:

Avoid concurrent use of diclofenac and aspirin, as this may result in lower plasma concentrations of diclofenac.
Diclofenac may increase the toxicity of drugs like digoxin, methotrexate, cyclosporin, and lithium. Close monitoring is crucial, especially in patients with impaired renal function.
Diclofenac generally does not alter glucose metabolism or oral hypoglycemic agents, but some rare cases have been reported.
Diclofenac and other NSAIDs may inhibit the activity of diuretics, and combining them with potassium-sparing diuretics may lead to increased serum potassium levels.

Dosage and Administration

For effective pain relief, the dosage of Diclogesic should be individualized to the lowest effective dose. Here are some general guidelines:

The recommended initial daily dosage is 100-150mg, divided into 2-3 doses.
Rheumatoid arthritis: The recommended dosage is 100-200mg/day, with a maximum of 100mg twice daily.
Osteoarthritis: The recommended dosage is 100-150mg/day in 2 or 3 divided doses, with a maximum of 200mg not recommended.
Ankylosing spondylitis: The recommended dosage is 100-125mg/day, with Diclogesic 25mg taken 4 times daily, and an extra 25mg at bedtime if necessary.
Primary dysmenorrhea: The recommended dosage is 50mg taken 3 times daily, though some patients may benefit from an initial 100mg dose followed by 50mg doses.

Overdosage and Storage

In the event of acute overdosage, seek immediate medical attention. Store Diclogesic tablets and capsules in a dry place below 25°C, protecting them from light. Suppositories should be stored at up to 25°C and should not be frozen.

Presentation: Available Forms of Diclogesic

Diclogesic comes in various forms to cater to different needs:

Enteric Coated Tablets (25mg and 50mg)
Retard Film-Coated Tablets (100mg)
Retard Capsules (100mg)
Suppositories (50mg and 100mg)
Gel
Ampoules (75mg)
Eye Drops

Conclusion

Diclogesic, with its powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, is a valuable addition to your pain management toolkit. However, always consult a healthcare professional before using Diclogesic, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications. With the right precautions and guidance, Diclogesic can help you find the relief you need, so you can enjoy life to the fullest.

Diclogesic – PIL (arabic leaflet)

Diclogesic – PIL (english leaflet)

The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system is a widely used international system for classifying drugs based on their therapeutic and pharmacological properties. The ATC code for a drug consists of seven alphanumeric characters that provide information about the drug’s anatomical, therapeutic, and chemical characteristics.

Let’s break down the ATC code for diclofenac sodium:

Anatomical main group (1st level): The first character represents the anatomical main group, which classifies drugs based on the organ or system on which they act. For diclofenac sodium, the first character is “M,” which indicates that the drug primarily affects the Musculoskeletal system.
Therapeutic subgroup (2nd level): The second character further classifies the drug into a therapeutic subgroup within the main anatomical group. For diclofenac sodium, the second character is “01,” which places it in the subgroup of Anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products.
Pharmacological subgroup (3rd level): The third character narrows down the classification by specifying the drug’s pharmacological action or mechanism of action. For diclofenac sodium, the third character is “A,” which means it is an Anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic product (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug – NSAID).
Chemical subgroup (4th level): The fourth character identifies the chemical subgroup to which the drug belongs. In the case of diclofenac sodium, the fourth character is “02,” indicating it is a derivative of Acetic acid.
Chemical substance (5th level): The fifth character is left blank for future use or to specify a particular salt or ester form of the drug. In the case of diclofenac sodium, the fifth character would be “A” to specify the sodium salt form.
ATC code extension (6th and 7th level): The sixth and seventh characters, if present, are used for additional classification or alternative presentations of the drug. They may indicate different formulations, dosages, or routes of administration. These characters are not always used and are often left blank.

So, the complete ATC code for diclofenac sodium is M01AB05. Here’s what each part of the code means:

M: Musculoskeletal system
01: Anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products
A: Anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products, non-steroids (NSAIDs)
B: Acetic acid derivatives
05: Diclofenac (specifically the sodium salt form)

The ATC code helps healthcare professionals, researchers, and regulatory agencies to easily identify and classify drugs for various purposes, including drug utilization studies, pharmacovigilance, and comparing drug usage patterns across different regions.