Olfen (Diclofenac Sodium)

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

• Osteoarthritis: helps reduce joint pain and improve mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: decreases joint swelling and stiffness.
• Acute musculoskeletal injury: alleviates pain and inflammation associated with sprains, strains and soft‑tissue trauma.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: lessens spinal pain and stiffness.
• Post‑operative pain: provides short‑term relief after 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 reducing prostaglandin levels at sites of tissue injury, it limits the inflammatory response and provides analgesia.

Adverse reactions to diclofenac sodium can range from mild to severe and may involve multiple organ systems.

Common Side Effects

• Gastro‑intestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate tension‑type headache.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness.
• Skin rash: mild erythema or pruritus.
• Elevated liver enzymes: mild, reversible increase in transaminases.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Hepatotoxicity: significant elevation of liver enzymes or hepatitis.
• Renal impairment: acute kidney injury or worsening chronic kidney disease.
• Cardiovascular events: myocardial infarction or stroke.
• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

When prescribing diclofenac sodium, clinicians should consider patient‑specific factors and monitor for potential complications.

• Cardiovascular risk: assess history of heart disease before use.
• Gastro‑intestinal risk: avoid in patients with active ulcer disease or severe GI bleeding.
• Renal function: monitor kidney parameters in patients with pre‑existing renal impairment.
• Hepatic function: check liver enzymes periodically, especially in long‑term therapy.
• Concomitant NSAIDs: avoid combining with other non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original container, protected from moisture.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

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

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: may potentiate renal function changes.
• Lithium: can increase serum lithium levels.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: additive risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.