Diclac

Diclac is a prescription medication that contains the non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac sodium. It is supplied for intramuscular injection, with the specific strength and dosage form varying by market; in the European Union the product is marketed without a listed strength on the label. Classified under ATC code M01AB05, Diclac is used to manage pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal conditions in clinical practice.

Diclac is prescribed for short‑term relief of pain and inflammation that arise from musculoskeletal injuries, postoperative states, and certain inflammatory joint disorders.

- Acute musculoskeletal pain, including sprains, strains, bruises, and soft‑tissue injuries. - Post‑operative pain management after minor surgical or dental procedures. - Inflammatory joint conditions such as osteoarthritis flare‑ups or rheumatoid arthritis exacerbations. - Dental pain, including discomfort following tooth extraction or periodontal surgery. - Low‑grade fever that accompanies inflammatory pain syndromes. - Acute gout attacks where NSAID therapy is appropriate. - Chronic low back pain episodes that respond to short courses of NSAIDs.

The safety profile of intramuscular diclofenac (Diclac) includes both frequent, mild reactions and less common, potentially serious events.

Common: - Nausea, dyspepsia, or abdominal discomfort that may occur shortly after injection. - Headache, dizziness, or a feeling of light‑headedness. - Local injection‑site reactions such as erythema, swelling, warmth, or mild pain. - Transient rise in blood pressure or mild fluid retention.

Serious: - Gastrointestinal ulceration, perforation, or bleeding that can be life‑threatening. - Hepatic injury presenting as elevated transaminases, hepatitis, or jaundice. - Renal adverse effects including acute kidney injury, reduced urine output, or worsening of chronic kidney disease.

When prescribing Diclac, clinicians should evaluate patient history and monitor for conditions that may increase the risk of adverse effects.

- Known hypersensitivity to diclofenac, other NSAIDs, or any excipients. - History of gastrointestinal ulcer disease, bleeding, or chronic gastritis. - Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or risk factors for thrombotic events. - Impaired liver function or existing hepatic disease. - Reduced renal function, dehydration, or concurrent nephrotoxic drugs. - Pregnancy, especially the third trimester, and lactation (use only if clearly needed). - Concomitant use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents.

Diclofenac can interact with several medicines, altering efficacy or increasing toxicity; some combinations should be avoided, while others require careful monitoring.

Avoid: - Concurrent use with other NSAIDs or COX‑2 selective inhibitors, which raises the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. - Combination with anticoagulants such as warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants, or antiplatelet agents, increasing bleeding potential.

Use with caution: - Concurrent administration of antihypertensive agents (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta‑blockers) as diclofenac may reduce their blood‑pressure‑lowering effect. - Co‑prescription with lithium or methotrexate, which can raise serum levels of these drugs. - Use together with corticosteroids, which may enhance the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.