Diclofenac chemical structure
Find information on thousands of medical conditions and prescription drugs.

Cataflam

Diclofenac (marketed as Voltaren®, Voltarol®, Diclon® and Cataflam®) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) taken to reduce inflammation, such as in arthritis or acute injury. It can also be used to reduce menstrual pain. more...

Home
Diseases
Medicines
A
B
C
Cabergoline
Caduet
Cafergot
Caffeine
Calan
Calciparine
Calcitonin
Calcitriol
Calcium folinate
Campath
Camptosar
Camptosar
Cancidas
Candesartan
Cannabinol
Capecitabine
Capoten
Captohexal
Captopril
Carbachol
Carbadox
Carbamazepine
Carbatrol
Carbenicillin
Carbidopa
Carbimazole
Carboplatin
Cardinorm
Cardiolite
Cardizem
Cardura
Carfentanil
Carisoprodol
Carnitine
Carvedilol
Casodex
Cataflam
Catapres
Cathine
Cathinone
Caverject
Ceclor
Cefacetrile
Cefaclor
Cefaclor
Cefadroxil
Cefazolin
Cefepime
Cefixime
Cefotan
Cefotaxime
Cefotetan
Cefpodoxime
Cefprozil
Ceftazidime
Ceftriaxone
Ceftriaxone
Cefuroxime
Cefuroxime
Cefzil
Celebrex
Celexa
Cellcept
Cephalexin
Cerebyx
Cerivastatin
Cerumenex
Cetirizine
Cetrimide
Chenodeoxycholic acid
Chloralose
Chlorambucil
Chloramphenicol
Chlordiazepoxide
Chlorhexidine
Chloropyramine
Chloroquine
Chloroxylenol
Chlorphenamine
Chlorpromazine
Chlorpropamide
Chlorprothixene
Chlortalidone
Chlortetracycline
Cholac
Cholybar
Choriogonadotropin alfa
Chorionic gonadotropin
Chymotrypsin
Cialis
Ciclopirox
Cicloral
Ciclosporin
Cidofovir
Ciglitazone
Cilastatin
Cilostazol
Cimehexal
Cimetidine
Cinchophen
Cinnarizine
Cipro
Ciprofloxacin
Cisapride
Cisplatin
Citalopram
Citicoline
Cladribine
Clamoxyquine
Clarinex
Clarithromycin
Claritin
Clavulanic acid
Clemastine
Clenbuterol
Climara
Clindamycin
Clioquinol
Clobazam
Clobetasol
Clofazimine
Clomhexal
Clomid
Clomifene
Clomipramine
Clonazepam
Clonidine
Clopidogrel
Clotrimazole
Cloxacillin
Clozapine
Clozaril
Cocarboxylase
Cogentin
Colistin
Colyte
Combivent
Commit
Compazine
Concerta
Copaxone
Cordarone
Coreg
Corgard
Corticotropin
Cortisone
Cotinine
Cotrim
Coumadin
Cozaar
Crestor
Crospovidone
Cuprimine
Cyanocobalamin
Cyclessa
Cyclizine
Cyclobenzaprine
Cyclopentolate
Cyclophosphamide
Cyclopropane
Cylert
Cyproterone
Cystagon
Cysteine
Cytarabine
Cytotec
Cytovene
Isotretinoin
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Voltaren and Voltarol contain the sodium salt of diclofenac. In the United Kingdom Voltarol can be supplied with either the sodium salt or potassium salt, while Cataflam in some other countries is the potassium salt only. Diclofenac is available in stomach acid resistant formulations (25 and 50 mg), fast disintegrating oral formulations (50 mg), slow- and controlled-release forms (75, 100 or 150 mg), suppositories (50 and 100 mg), and injectable forms (50 and 75 mg). Diclofenac is also available over the counter (OTC) in some countries: Voltaren® dolo (12.5 mg diclofenac as potassium salt) in Switzerland and Germany, and preparations with 25 mg diclofenac are OTC in New Zealand. OTC use is approved for minor aches and pains and fever associated with common infections.

Diclofenac is available as a generic drug in a number of formulations.

Mechanism of action

The exact mechanism of action is not entirely known, but it is thought that the primary mechanism responsible for its anti-inflammatory/antipyretic/analgesic action is inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX).

Diclofenac, it seems, may also be a unique member of the NSAIDs. There is some evidence that diclofenac inhibits the lipooxygenase pathways, thus reducing formation of the leukotrienes (also pro-inflammatory autacoids). There is also speculation that diclofenac may inhibit phospholipase A2 as part of its mechanism of action. These additional actions may explain the high potency of diclofenac - it is the most potent NSAID on a molar basis.

Inhibition of COX also decreases prostaglandins in the epithelium of the stomach, making it more sensitive to corrosion by gastric acid. This is also the main side effect of diclofenac. Diclofenac has a low to moderate preference to block the COX2-isoenzyme (approximately 10-fold) and is said to have therefore a somewhat lower incidence of gastrointestinal complaints than noted with indomethacin and aspirin.

The action of one single dose is much longer (6 to 8 hours) than the very short half-life of the drug indicates. This could partly be due to a particular high concentration achieved in synovial fluids.

Common uses

Diclofenac is used for musculoskeletal complaints, especially arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondylarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), gout attacks, and pain management in case of kidney stones and gallstones. An additional indication is the treatment of acute migraines. Diclofenac is used commonly to treat mild to moderate post-operative or post-traumatic pain, particular when inflammation is also present, and is effective against menstrual pain.

Read more at Wikipedia.org


[List your site here Free!]


Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
From Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer, by M.S. Melissa Knopper

Definition

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation.

Purpose

NSAIDs often are used to relieve mild to moderate pain for all types of cancer.

Description

This class of drugs eases discomfort by blocking the pathway of an enzyme that creates prostaglandins (hormones that cause pain and swelling). By doing so, the drugs lessen the pain in different parts of the body.

Some of the NSAIDs used in cancer treatment include: ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Rufen, Nuprin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox, Aleve), nabumetone (Relafen), ketorolac, sulindac and diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren). The class of drugs known as Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors that emerged in the late 1990s for dealing with arthritis pain, such as the brand names Celebrex and Vioxx, is also considered part of the group of NSAIDS.

If NSAIDs are not strong enough to keep a cancer patient comfortable, physicians often will combine them with opioids, such as codeine. In later stages, doctors also may combine NSAIDs with stronger pain killers, such as morphine, to treat very severe pain.

NSAIDs also may be used to prevent colon cancer and other types of cancer, although scientists are still studying this experimental approach (see entry on chemoprevention).

Recommended dosage

Patients typically take NSAIDs on an as-needed basis. Doses vary depending on the type of NSAID being used. For example, the most common type, ibuprofen, is available over the counter in 200mg caplets, which can be taken at regular intervals throughout the day. The maximum daily dose for ibuprofen is 1,200 mgs.

Precautions

Most doctors recommend taking NSAIDs with a full glass of water. Avoid taking these drugs on an empty stomach. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol while taking NSAIDs may irritate the stomach.

People who take NSAIDs should notify their doctor before having surgery or dental work, since these drugs can prevent wounds from healing properly.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should check with their doctor before taking NSAIDs, because they may be harmful to a developing fetus or a newborn.

Diabetics, people who take aspirin, blood thinners, blood pressure medications or steroids also should check with their doctor before taking NSAIDs.

Side effects

Many NSAID users experience mild side effects, such as an upset stomach. In 4 to 7% of cases, more serious complications develop, such as stomach ulcers. Typically, elderly people experience the most serious complications.

Common side effects include stomach upset, constipation, dizziness and headaches.

More severe side effects include stomach ulcers and bleeding ulcers. If a person has black, tarry stools or starts vomiting blood, it may be caused by a bleeding ulcer.

Kidney dysfunction is another severe complication of long-term NSAID use. Signs of kidney problems include dark yellow, brown or bloody urine. NSAID use also may cause liver function problems over longer periods of time.

To guard against ulcers, physicians may ask patients to take NSAIDs with anti-ulcer medication, such as omeprazole or misoprostol. Another option is to take the NSAID in a different, non-oral form. Often topical creams or suppositories are available. Finally, doctors may decide to switch to a different pain killer, such as a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor like Celebrex or codeine, which would be easier on the stomach.

Interactions

NSAIDs can be taken with most other prescription and over-the-counter drugs without any harmful interactions. Certain drug combinations, however, should be avoided. For instance, when ibuprofen is combined with methotrexate (used for chemotherapy and arthritis treatment) or certain diabetic medicines and anti-depressants, it can amplify negative side effects. Patients should check with a pharmacist before taking NSAIDs with other drugs.

KEY TERMS

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor
A type of drug, such as Celebrex, that reduces pain and inflammation. Also called a COX-2 inhibitor.

Enzyme
A protein that speeds the chemical reactions in the body.

NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain, fever and swelling.

Opioids
A class of pain-killing drugs, including codeine.

Prostaglandins
Hormones that cause pain and swelling in the body.

Return to Cataflam
Home Contact Resources Exchange Links ebay