Diclofenac: how to ease the pain

Diclofenac: how to ease the pain
Mechanism of action

diclofenac Diclofenac - a medication from the group of NSAIDs. It is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in disorders such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, some rheumatic diseases, otitis media, tonsillitis, migraine, and so on. It is also used to relieve pain, inflammation and swelling caused by trauma or surgery.

What you need to know before you start taking diclofenac

Diclofenac should not take people who have previously had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

This drug may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially in patients who take it for a long time, or who have heart disease. It can not be taken immediately before or after certain heart surgeries.

Diclofenac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which sometimes leads to death.

Before taking diclofenac, be sure to tell your doctor if you have following health problems:

Heart disease;
High blood pressure;
Heart attack, stroke or blood clots in history;
Gastric ulcer history;
Liver or kidney disease;
Asthma;
Nasal polyps;
Problems with blood clotting;
Do you smoke.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Diclofenac can be taken during pregnancy only on the advice of a doctor, and only during the first two trimesters. Especially dangerous is receiving diclofenac and other NSAIDs after the thirtieth week of pregnancy - it can cause serious harm to the child's health and lead to problems during childbirth. At the present time is not known if diclofenac in breast milk, and if so, whether it can harm the baby. However, while taking diclofenac recommended to interrupt breastfeeding. Diclofenac should also not be given to children under the age of eighteen months, without first consulting your doctor.

If you are taking diclofenac, avoid alcohol - alcohol in combination with this drug may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

During the course of treatment should also avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and sunbeds, as the skin under the influence of the drug becomes more sensitive to UV light. Before you go out in the daytime, apply sunscreen to the skin Sunscreen: summer trends with SPF 30 or higher.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, before you start taking diclofenac, be sure to check with your doctor. Receiving one of these drugs in combination with diclofenac can lead to bleeding or bruising.

Also tell your doctor if you are taking the following medications:

Cyclosporine;
Lithium;
Methotrexate;
Rifampicin;
Antifungals fluconazole or voriconazole;
Blood thinners such as warfarin;
Diuretics;
Medicines for heart disease or high blood pressure - amiodarone, benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril;
Other NSAIDs - aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, indomethacin, meloxicam, and so on.

Side effects

The most common side effects of diclofenac are:

Bloating;
Burning, cramping or pain in the abdomen;
Belching;
Chair black What colors combined with black: less darkness and pathos Or with traces of blood;
Cloudy urine;
Constipation;
Reducing the amount of urine;
Diarrhea;
Dizziness;
Stomach upset;
Headache;
Itching;
Lack of appetite;
Nausea and vomiting;
Chest pain;
Pallor;
Skin rash Rash: Classification - primary and secondary elements ;
Severe pain in the stomach;
Edema;
Breathing problems during physical exertion;
Unusual bleeding or bruising;
Atypical fatigue or weakness;
Vomiting blood;
Weight loss.

Exceeding the recommended dose

Exceeding the recommended dose of diclofenac can be dangerous, and if you suspect an overdose as soon as possible, seek medical help. Symptoms of overdose:

Irritability;
Blurred vision;
Changes in the perception of colors, especially blue and yellow;
Confusion;
Depression;
Insomnia;
Irregular, fast or slow, shallow breathing;
Irritability;
Loss of consciousness;
Muscle cramps;
Nervousness;
Pain or discomfort in the chest, upper abdomen, or throat;
Pale or bluish lips and fingernails, or skin;
Swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, or tongue;
Shortness of breath;
Drowsiness;
Slow or fast pulse;
Stupor;
Swelling of the face, hands, or ankles;
Wheezing.

How to take diclofenac

Take diclofenac exactly as your doctor's instructions on the packaging of the drug. Do not increase or decrease the dose on their own initiative. If you buy diclofenac from different manufacturers, each time read the instructions, because the recommended dose and frequency of dosing can be changed.

Tablets and capsules of diclofenac should not crush or chew - that the effect of the drug was as effective as possible, they must be swallowed whole.

Diclofenac, which is available in powder form, pre-dissolved in water is necessary, and no use for any of the other liquids. The powder will be most effective if you take it on an empty stomach.

With prolonged use of diclofenac patients may be advised to undergo a systematic examination by a doctor, so he could make sure that the drug has no negative effects on health.