Diclofenac

Question 1

Drug Class

Answer 1

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

Question 2

Active

Answer 2

Diclofenac

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

• Pain due to inflammation
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Acute gout (avoid aspirin)
• Metastatic bone pain
• Period pain
• Headache, migraine

Question 4

Dose Range

Answer 4

75 – 150 mg daily in 2-3 doses

Question 5

SE’s

Answer 5

• GI ulceration/bleeding
• Heart failure and renal impairment
• HT
• salt and fluid retention
• n/v
• diarrhoea
• bronchospasm (care in asthmatics)
• rash
• dizziness or light headedness
• raised LFTs ankle swelling

Question 6

Counselling

Answer 6

Labels: A, B, 10a, 12+

• Swallow whole with a large glass of water after food to reduce stomach irritation.
• If you develop swollen ankles (fluid retention), difficulty breathing (bronchospasm), black stools/dark coffee coloured vomit (GI bleed), stop taking this medication and tell your doctor immediately.
• Do not use aspirin for acute pain whilst taking this medication as increase SE risk.
• Don’t take this medicine if you are dehydrated, for example due to vomiting or diarrhoea, because it might increase the likelihood of side effects, particularly for children and elderly people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if necessary.
• To reduce GI complications, use paracetamol instead or in combination with NSAID to decrease the required dose. use lowest dose for shortest period.

Question 7

Monitoring

Answer 7

• Response to medication
• Complete blood count, creatinine, liver function (before starting treatment & repeat once a year during treatment)
• SE’s
• Renal and hepatic function