Olfen (Diclofenac Sodium)

Diclofenac sodium is a NSAID that reduces inflammation and pain in several musculoskeletal and joint disorders.

• Osteoarthritis: helps relieve joint pain and improve mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: decreases inflammation and joint swelling.
• Acute musculoskeletal pain: provides short‑term pain relief after injury or strain.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: reduces spinal pain and stiffness.
• Post‑operative pain: assists in managing pain following minor surgical procedures.

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

Adverse reactions to diclofenac may range from mild to severe and should be monitored during therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness: transient episodes of light‑headedness.
• Skin rash: mild erythema or itching.
• Elevated liver enzymes: mild, reversible changes in liver function tests.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Severe hepatic injury or hepatitis.
• Renal impairment or acute kidney injury.
• Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke.
• Severe skin reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.

When prescribing diclofenac, clinicians should consider patient‑specific risk factors and monitor for adverse events.

• Cardiovascular risk: assess history of heart disease before use.
• Gastro‑intestinal risk: avoid in patients with active ulcers or a history of GI bleeding.
• Renal function: monitor kidney parameters in patients with existing renal impairment.
• Hepatic function: check liver enzymes periodically, especially in long‑term therapy.
• Concomitant NSAIDs: avoid combining with other NSAIDs or aspirin to reduce bleeding risk.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture.

Diclofenac can interact with several drug classes, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): heightened bleeding tendency.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal protective effects and increase kidney injury risk.

Moderate Interaction (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: may potentiate renal function changes.
• Lithium: can increase serum lithium levels.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance may raise toxicity risk.