Olfen Depocaps (Diclofenac Sodium)

Diclofenac sodium is an NSAID that acts on inflammatory pathways to relieve pain and swelling. It is indicated for several musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders.

• Osteoarthritis: reduces joint pain and improves functional mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: alleviates chronic joint inflammation and tenderness.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: controls spinal and sacroiliac pain.
• Acute musculoskeletal pain: provides rapid analgesic relief after injury or strain.
• Post‑operative pain: diminishes postoperative discomfort and inflammation.

• Diclofenac sodium inhibits cyclo‑oxygenase (COX‑1 and COX‑2) enzymes, decreasing the synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin levels at sites of tissue injury, it limits vascular permeability, leukocyte infiltration, and nociceptor sensitisation, resulting in analgesic and anti‑inflammatory effects.

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

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, dyspepsia, or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Skin rash or pruritus.
• Elevated liver enzymes.
• Fluid retention or peripheral oedema.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke.
• Severe cutaneous reactions (e.g., Stevens‑Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis).
• Hepatic failure or severe liver injury.
• Acute renal impairment or interstitial nephritis.
• Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions.

When prescribing or dispensing Olfen Depocaps, consider the following safety measures.

• Gastro‑intestinal risk assessment: evaluate history of ulcer disease or bleeding.
• Cardiovascular evaluation: avoid in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or recent cardiac events.
• Liver function monitoring: check baseline enzymes and repeat if therapy is prolonged.
• Renal function monitoring: assess creatinine clearance, especially in the elderly.
• Pregnancy caution: contraindicated in the third trimester due to fetal risk.
• Elderly use: start at the lowest effective dose and monitor for adverse effects.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: heightened gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: synergistic ulcerogenic effect.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: potential reduction in renal function.
• Lithium: increased serum lithium levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: may diminish antihypertensive effect.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.
• SSRIs: modest increase in bleeding tendency.
• Beta‑blockers: possible attenuation of antihypertensive response.
• Cyclosporine: enhanced nephrotoxicity risk.