Syed Muhammad Shamim, Farida Islam.
Diclofenac Sodium: Effects and Adverse Effects.
Ann Abbasi Shaheed Hosp Karachi Med Dent Coll Jan ;5:169-74.

Diclofenac sodium is phenylacetic acid derivative. It competes with arachidonic acid for binding to cyclooxygenase resulting in decreased formation of prostaglandins. The drug has both analgesic and antipyretic effects. It is rapidly absorbed from gastrointestinal tract after absorption, though it has a relatively short elevation half life in plasma it persists in synovial fluid. It is metabolized in liver and is eliminated by urinary and biliary excretion. It is clinically as effective as aspirin, diflunisal, indomethacin, sulindac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen. It is used in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also useful to relieve corneal pain and has been used pre- and postoperatively as eye drops. It is also effective in controlling postoperative inflammation in cataract surgery. Diclofenac has many adverse effects comprising fixed drug eruptions, Reye syndrome, nephrotoxicity, peptic ulcer, anaphylactic reaction has also been reported. Eosinophilic pneumonitis have been reported. Tissue necrosis on intramuscular injections, have been reported. A case developed colonic ulcer and occult blood was present in stool. On intravenous injections venous thrombosis also occurred. Severe hepatitis has also been reported. The drug is useful even then it should be used with precaution, rational therapy is suggested. This is a review article.

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