Generic Name: Diclofenac Sodium

Dosage Form: Injection (Intramuscular or Intravenous)

Strength: Commonly 25 mg/ml or 75 mg/3 ml (may vary by brand)

IP: Indicates it conforms to Indian

Pharmacopoeia (IP) standards.

Diclofenac works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins— compounds responsible for inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandins, diclofenac:

Relieves pain

Reduces inflammation

Lowers fever

Diclofenac Sodium Injection IP is used for:

Musculoskeletal pain (e.g., back pain, sprains)

Post-operative pain

Renal colic

Rheumatoid arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Ankylosing spondylitis

Migraine (off-label use)

Route: Usually given intramuscularly (IM) in the gluteal region or intravenously (IV) under specific guidelines.

Typical Dose (Adult):

IM: 75 mg once or twice daily (max: 150 mg/day)

IV:Initial dose of 75 mg infused over 30–120 minutes

Duration: Short-term use (typically less than 2 days) to initiate therapy before switching to oral or rectal forms

.

Common:

.

Pain or irritation at injection site

Nausea

Vomiting

Headache

Dizziness

Serious:

Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer

Renal impairment

Hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity)

Increased cardiovascular risk (e.g., heart attack, stroke)

Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, anaphylaxis)

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.

Monitor liver and kidney function during prolonged use.

Use cautiously in elderly patients and those with cardiovascular risk factors.

Not recommended for self-injection; should be administered by a healthcare professional.

Store below 25°C

Protect from light and moisture

Do not freeze

Monitoring

Blood pressure (especially in hypertensive patients)

Kidney and liver function (with long-term use)

Signs of GI bleeding or cardiovascular events

Advantages vs. Traditional NSAIDs

Lower risk of gastric ulcers and bleeding

Once-daily dosing

Good for long-term arthritis management in select patients

Disadvantages

Higher cost

Increased cardiovascular risk compared to non-selective NSAIDs

Not suitable for patients with heart disease

Storage

Store at room temperature (15–30°C), away from moisture and heat:

Keep out of reach of children

Important Notes

Use lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration

Not for use as a first-line analgesic in general pain or fever

Always take under medical advice