In the article below, we will look at the instructions for Diclofenac in the form of injections. Among the many drugs that have an analgesic, and at the same time antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect, the drug Diclofenac in the form of injections is especially popular with doctors. True, this tool is released not only in the form of injections. It is also sold in the form of rectal suppositories, tablets and oral syrup.
There are also patches and ointments intended for topical use, which are widely used in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. In addition, Diclofenac for injection is used as part of the complex therapy of diseases accompanied by fever. It is also used for discomfort in muscles and joints. Below, consider the detailed instructions for using this medication and find out what people think about its use.
The composition of the drug
As an option, Diclofenac is available in the form of a solution for intramuscular injection. At the same time, the medicine is packaged in 3 milliliters in glass ampoules. 1 milliliter of solution contains 25 milligrams of diclofenac.
In addition, the Diclofenac injection contains mannitol along with benzyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide and metabisulfite, propylene glycol and sterile water. Auxiliary components in solution serve as preservatives and stabilizers of the active substance.
Pharmacological effects of the drug
Most often, diclofenac sodium is currently produced by pharmaceutical companies , but sometimes potassium diclofenac can also be seen on drugstore shelves. In this regard, it is worth emphasizing that the effectiveness of a drug does not depend on which salt it is released in.
Diclofenac injections are classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The presented medicine has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, as well as analgesic and mild antipyretic effect. Thus, the main indications for using this medication are diseases of the musculoskeletal system, accompanied by pain in the joints and soft tissues that surround the joints.
Under the influence of "Diclofenac" pain is weakened, which intensifies with movement. In addition, the overall severity of morning stiffness, which is inherent in inflammatory, degenerative and dystrophic diseases of the joints, decreases. Taking this drug helps to restore the ease of movement in the organs of the musculoskeletal system. The persistent effect of therapy in this case, as a rule, is achieved 10 days after the systematic use of this drug.
It should be noted that when treating with Diclofenac Injection Solution, contraindications must be considered. However, it is recommended to start therapy with the introduction of a medication in the form of intramuscular injections, and then, depending on the type of pathology and well-being of the patient, other forms of this medication can be prescribed, be it tablets, ointment, rectal suppositories or a patch. If necessary, the doctor can prescribe the patient the use of several dosage forms at once. In such situations, it is very important not to exceed the maximum daily dosage of the drug.
In the case when Diclofenac is prescribed as a remedy for the symptomatic treatment of fever and hyperthermia, its dosage must be controlled by a doctor who can assess the patient's condition and decide if there is a need for taking an antipyretic medicine. Usually limited to two doses of Diclofenac in the form of tablets, suppositories or injections.
Indications for use
Prescribing diclofenac injections is justified in the following cases:
- The presence of rheumatism, including conditions that are accompanied by a parallel lesion of the organs of the musculoskeletal system.
- The presence of degenerative and dystrophic diseases of the organs of the musculoskeletal system, for example, the presence of arthrosis, osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis of the spine and so on.
- The development of ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis).
- The appearance of injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
- The development of autoimmune diseases of connective tissue.
- The presence of inflammatory processes in the joints and muscles, which are accompanied by pain.
- Against the background of postoperative pain to alleviate the condition of the patient.
- The appearance of neuralgia, which are accompanied by pain.
Contraindications to the use of the drug
The use of diclofenac injections is strictly contraindicated in the following cases:
- Childhood. Thus, the drug is not prescribed for children under the age of six.
- This product is not suitable for use by women in the last trimester of pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding, since the components of the drug are able to penetrate the bloodstream and milk.
- Patients suffering from peptic ulcers of the stomach and intestines. Contraindications of diclofenac injection should be strictly observed.
- The presence of gastritis, duodenitis or esophagitis in patients.
- People who have had bleeding in their digestive system throughout their lives.
- Patients who suffer from bronchial asthma, as well as allergic reactions to certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Patients who suffer from severe chronic liver pathologies at the stage of decompensation.
It is worth emphasizing that it is undesirable to take a similar drug simultaneously with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Features of the injection: how to make an injection?
If the patient begins to be treated with Diclofenac injection, then in the first days of therapy, such a medication is prescribed mainly intramuscularly. As part of the injection, it is important to choose the right place to administer the medicine. The fact is that injections can be done exclusively in a large array of muscle tissue. Often injections are performed in the upper square of the buttocks. At the same time, a syringe with a volume of 5 units or more is suitable for injections. The needle should be long enough. When performing an injection, it is necessary to insert the needle into the muscle, and then pull the piston of the instrument toward itself. Such a measure will make it possible to verify that the needle has not entered the blood vessel. Only then can the drug be administered slowly. How to make diclofenac injections, it is better to check with your doctor. This will avoid unforeseen situations and complications.
It is important to note that the administration of the drug into the veins is strictly prohibited, and injections subcutaneously cannot be given. This can be the cause of necrosis of blood vessels or fatty tissue. It is advisable to change the place for administration of the drug every day, making injections alternately in the left, now in the right buttock, or vice versa.
In most cases, just one intramuscular injection of the drug is enough, but if necessary, you can combine the injection with the use of Diclofenac tablets. Also, treatment can be combined with the application of an ointment or gel on the affected joints. If there is a need to prescribe this remedy for children, then rectal suppositories should be used along with topical application of the ointment. It is worth noting that the injection is a rather painful procedure for patients. Not sure how to correctly determine the dosage of Diclofenac injections? See a doctor.
Drug dosage
For adult patients, regardless of the method of administration of the drug, it is recommended not to exceed the daily dosage, which is 150 milligrams. If it is necessary to calculate how many maximum injections per day can be done, then this figure should be relied on.
The dosage of this drug for children directly depends on the age, as well as on the patient’s body weight. Depending on the condition of the child, Diclofenac is prescribed at a dose of 2 milligrams per kilogram of weight. The daily dose should be divided into several equal doses. The duration of therapy in each case should be determined strictly individually.
Diclofenac injection for osteochondrosis
Back pain in the presence of osteochondrosis usually occurs due to inflammatory reactions in the intervertebral joints and roots of the spinal nerves. The insufficient supply of nutrients to the tissue leads to the destruction of its cells with the subsequent release into the nearby space of biologically active elements, which are inflammatory mediators. They trigger inflammatory reactions, which are usually manifested by edema, pain and impaired spinal function.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the best remedy for pain in such situations. One of such representatives is Diclofenac. We find out what side effects are possible in case of using such a remedy. Such information will not be superfluous. So what are the side effects of diclofenac injections?
Side effects against the background of its use
Together with high efficiency, the presented drug has an extensive list of all kinds of adverse reactions, which are primarily associated with the cessation of prostaglandin synthesis, which, in addition to participating in inflammatory processes, play an important role in the work of various systems and organs. For example, they protect the gastric mucosa from the aggressive effects of hydrochloric acid.
Thus, the use of a drug such as Diclofenac may cause the following adverse reactions:
- General deterioration in blood coagulation.
- Reduced red bone marrow function.
- The appearance of allergic reactions. In this case, dangerous skin reactions with epidermal rejection are not ruled out.
- The appearance in patients of irritability, depression, insomnia and headache.
- The occurrence of drowsiness, hallucinations, and sensory disturbances.
- Problems with memory and vision.
- The development of aseptic inflammation of the meninges.
- The appearance of tinnitus along with hearing impairment.
- Lowering blood pressure.
- The development of asthma and pneumonia.
- The appearance of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, perforation of ulcers, bleeding, stomatitis and pancreatitis.
- Damage to the liver, which can manifest itself in the form of hepatitis and hepatonecrosis.
- Noticeable hair loss.
- Damage to the kidneys can occur in the form of jade, necrosis, and so on.
- The formation of infiltrate along with an abscess in the injection area.
- Impaired respiratory function.
Drug Analogs
On the shelves of pharmacies, such a medicine can often be found under such names as Voltaren, Diklak, Ortofen, Dicloberl, Olfen, and also Diclobene. In these preparations, there is one and the same active ingredient - diclofenac sodium. Diclofenac injection analogs can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can be prescribed by a doctor in the presence of intolerance to the drug have a similar effect. Thus, there are currently no difficulties with the replacement of such a drug.
Pregnancy Use
The use of intramuscular injections of "Diclofenac" is permissible in the first and second trimesters, but strictly according to the indications and prescription of the attending physician. This drug can affect the development of the embryo, thereby increasing the risk of the formation of certain congenital malformations. "Diclofenac" during pregnancy, even in case of medical authorization, is prescribed to women in a minimal amount and for a short period.
In the last trimester, the use of this drug can lead to the development of severe hypoxia in the fetus, and sometimes to his death. In addition, the medication can worsen the contractile function of the uterus, which can lead to weak labor activity along with postpartum hemorrhage. This is confirmed by the instructions for "Diclofenac."
The interaction of the drug with alcohol
Sharing the product with ethanol can increase the risk of bleeding in the digestive system and can negatively affect the liver. In this regard, the use of this medication with alcohol is considered unacceptable.
Cost of medicine
Diclofenac can be attributed to affordable medications, its average cost is:
- Serbian ampoules cost 10 rubles apiece.
- Ampoules of Belarusian manufacture cost 45 rubles for 10 pieces.
Now we find out what people write in their reviews about the use of such a drug. Let's pay attention to the reviews about Diclofenac injections.
Injection Reviews
Most patients who were prescribed Diclofenac injections by doctors note in their reviews that this drug begins to act quickly enough. For example, it is noted that a decrease in pain can be noticed already half an hour after the solution was injected into the soft tissues. For comparison, people write that after taking this drug inside, the effect is noticed only after two hours. Thus, injections are several times more effective.
People write that, regardless of the method of administration, the effect of the drug can last for eight hours. In this regard, such a medication should be taken orally again, which is done several times a day.
Patients in their reviews write that the most frequent side effects of Diclofenac are usually dyspeptic symptoms from the digestive system. Also, people complain in the comments that while taking this medication, they noticed the appearance of dizziness, drowsiness, irritability and allergic reactions. As part of the intramuscular injection, there is a strong burning sensation in the injection area along with the development of a limited abscess, as well as subcutaneous tissue necrosis.
I must say that many people in reviews complain about certain adverse reactions that occur during the use of this tool. In this regard, it should be emphasized that the development of side effects is associated with dosing and the duration of treatment, and if the recommendations are followed, the drug should be well tolerated. An allergy to “Diclofenac” is rare, it mainly manifests itself as a skin rash with edema.
In general, due to its effectiveness and affordable price, Diclofenac is widely used today in modern medicine. This medication is sold without a doctor’s prescription, in this regard, any patient can try its effect. Thus, the reviews about Diclofenac are mostly positive. People often write that injections based on it quickly eliminate severe pain, improving joint mobility.