Motifene (Diclofenac Sodium)

Diclofenac is an NSAID that reduces inflammation and pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes.

• Mild to moderate pain: provides analgesic relief by decreasing prostaglandin‑mediated nociception.
• Osteoarthritis: alleviates joint pain and improves functional mobility through anti‑inflammatory action.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces synovial inflammation and swelling, helping to preserve joint integrity.
• Musculoskeletal injuries: eases pain and inflammation associated with sprains, strains, and soft‑tissue trauma.

• Diclofenac sodium exerts its effect by reversibly inhibiting both cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, which catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. By lowering prostaglandin synthesis, it diminishes inflammation, pain signaling, and fever generation at sites of tissue injury. The drug preferentially accumulates in inflamed tissues, where COX inhibition is most pronounced, contributing to its therapeutic selectivity overall.

Diclofenac may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia, or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness.
• Skin rash: mild erythema or itching.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulcer or bleeding: potentially life‑threatening hemorrhage.
• Severe hepatic injury: jaundice or liver failure.
• Renal impairment: acute kidney injury or reduced function.
• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

When prescribing diclofenac, clinicians should consider several precautionary measures to minimize risk.

• Assess gastrointestinal risk: avoid in patients with active ulcer disease or a history of GI bleeding.
• Monitor renal function: use caution in patients with existing renal impairment or dehydration.
• Evaluate cardiovascular risk: limit use in individuals with established heart disease or thrombotic disorders.
• Check for hypersensitivity: contraindicated in patients with known allergy to diclofenac or other NSAIDs.
• Use the lowest effective dose: limit duration to the shortest period necessary for symptom control.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C in the original packaging, protected from moisture.

Diclofenac can interact with several medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Lithium: diclofenac may raise serum lithium concentrations, risking toxicity.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance can lead to elevated methotrexate levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Corticosteroids: combined use heightens gastrointestinal ulcer risk.
• SSRIs or SNRIs: may increase bleeding tendency when taken together.