Diclofenac is a pain reliever from the group of so-called non-opioid analgesics and is therefore one of the pain relievers whose active ingredient is not derived from opiates. Diclofenac is also anti-inflammatory, i.e. anti-inflammatory, and does not contain any steroids, which is why Diclofenac is also one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medicines such as diclofenac, which help against pain and are effective against inflammation, often have a good effect on diseases such as rheumatism and form the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The active ingredient sodium 2- [2- (2,6-dichlorophenylamino) phenyl] acetate is the abbreviated form of the pain reliever diclofenac.
Medical effect & application
Diclofenac is used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain.
The area of application of Diclofenac is the treatment of mild to moderate pain Diclofenac is effective for both acute and chronic pain. The drug is used in particular when the pain is accompanied by inflammation or an increased body temperature.
Diclofenac can be used internally as a tablet or externally as an ointment. As an NSAID, diclofenac is often used against pain, where the clinical picture is similar to rheumatism. The pain reliever is therefore used for gout attacks, rheumatoid arthritis, joint injuries, joint swelling, arthrosis and herniated discs.
Diclofenac develops its effects within half an hour to a full hour. The effect lasts for about four hours or, if Diclofenac retard tablets are used, from which the active ingredient is released more slowly, up to twelve hours.
In Germany, Diclofenac is only available in pharmacies and, depending on the type of administration and the amount of active ingredient contained, may also be subject to a prescription.
Interactions
Diclofenac can interact with agents that have the potential to damage the liver, such as some anticonvulsant preparations, and intensify the damage to the liver. This effect also occurs in conjunction with alcohol, so that the liver-damaging effect of alcohol, which is often observed in alcohol abuse, is increased by diclofenac. Diclofenac, which itself belongs to the group of NSAIDs, should not be combined with other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, otherwise the side effects of the drugs can be significantly increased.
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➔ Medicines for painRisks & side effects
Diclofenac can cause a number of side effects. Side effects of diclofenac often occur in the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms that can be observed here range from loss of appetite and nausea to diarrhea and stomach pain. Taking diclofenac also increases the risk of developing stomach ulcers. Diclofenac can cause bleeding in the stomach and increase the risk of a gastric perforation.
Diclofenac is often given in conjunction with a preparation that protects the stomach to limit side effects in patients who have previous gastrointestinal illnesses or who have an increased sensitivity. Kidney dysfunction, an increased tendency to bleeding and an increase in blood pressure are less common.
Very rarely, it has been observed that after taking diclofenac, the airways cramp and breathing problems occur as a result of the diclofenac. Diclofenac is not suitable for children and adolescents. Patients suffering from asthma and pregnant women should also refrain from taking diclfenac. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and liver and kidney values is advisable if you are taking diclofenac for a long period of time.
