Diclofenac Potassium
Generic Details
Generic Name
Diclofenac-Potassium
Other Names
- Diclofenac K
- Potassium Diclofenac
Drug Class
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Chemical Formula
C14H10Cl2KNO2
Molecular Weight
334.24 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2)
Indications
- Pain relief
- Inflammation reduction
- Fever reduction
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Capsule
- Topical gel
- Eye drops
Typical Dosage
- 50 mg to 150 mg per day in divided doses
Pediatric Dosage
- Consult pediatrician for appropriate dosage
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower starting dose may be required for elderly patients
Side Effects
- Stomach ulcers
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Kidney problems
- Liver toxicity
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rash
Contraindications
- History of allergic reaction to NSAIDs
- Active peptic ulcer disease
- Severe heart failure
Pregnancy Category
- Category C: Consult healthcare provider before use
Lactation Safety
- Limited data available - use caution and consult healthcare provider
Drug Interactions
- Aspirin
- Warfarin
- ACE Inhibitors
- Diuretics
Overdose Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Drowsiness
- Seizures
Antidote for Overdose
- Activated charcoal
- Supportive care
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Highly protein-bound
- Metabolism: Undergoes hepatic metabolism
- Excretion: Primarily excreted in the urine
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of asthma
- Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
Warnings
- Increased risk of cardiovascular events
- May cause serious gastrointestinal adverse events
Others
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight while using topical diclofenac preparations