Olfen Sr (Diclofenac Sodium)

Diclofenac sodium is an NSAID that reduces inflammation and pain in several musculoskeletal conditions.

• Osteoarthritis: alleviates joint pain and improves mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: decreases joint swelling and stiffness.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: relieves spinal pain and reduces inflammation.
• Acute musculoskeletal injury: provides short‑term pain relief and reduces swelling.
• Post‑operative pain: helps manage pain following minor surgical procedures.

• Diclofenac sodium inhibits cyclo‑oxygenase (COX‑1 and COX‑2) enzymes, reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain and fever. This blockade diminishes peripheral sensitisation of nociceptors and lowers inflammatory exudate formation, providing analgesic and anti‑inflammatory effects.

Diclofenac sodium may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and reversible.

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, asymptomatic increases.

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 like Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.

When using Diclofenac sodium, consider the following safety measures:

• Assess renal function: monitor creatinine and electrolytes in patients with kidney disease.
• Evaluate hepatic status: check liver enzymes before initiating therapy.
• Review cardiovascular risk: avoid in patients with recent myocardial infarction or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Use gastro‑protective agents: consider proton‑pump inhibitors for patients at high GI risk.
• Avoid concurrent NSAIDs: limit additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Store at below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, 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 risk of serious bleeding.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): heightened bleeding tendency.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal perfusion and impair kidney function.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: potential for reduced antihypertensive effect and electrolyte imbalance.
• Lithium: increased lithium levels, risk of toxicity.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance, risk of toxicity.