Declophen®: The Complete Guide to Diclofenac Formulations

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Diclofenac is a potent NSAID with significant risks, especially concerning the stomach, heart, and kidneys. Use only as prescribed by a doctor.

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Declophen®: The Complete Guide to Diclofenac Formulations

Manufacturers Covered: This guide focuses on the Declophen® line by PHARCO and also covers other related brands like Dicloflam® by Alexandria Co.

Category: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

Core Active Ingredient: Diclofenac (available as Sodium and Potassium salts)

Summary

Declophen® is an extensive line of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Diclofenac, manufactured by PHARCO. It is widely used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. This comprehensive guide covers all Declophen® formulations and explains how they compare to other Diclofenac products like Dicloflam®, helping you understand the specific use for each type.

Key Difference: Diclofenac Sodium vs. Diclofenac Potassium

Understanding the two different salts of Diclofenac is key to knowing which product to use:

• Diclofenac Sodium: This salt is absorbed more slowly, providing a steady, sustained effect. It is ideal for managing chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is the form used in standard Declophen® tablets, injections, and topicals.
• Diclofenac Potassium: This salt is more rapidly absorbed, leading to a much quicker onset of action. It is designed for the treatment of acute pain where fast relief is needed, such as migraines or menstrual cramps. It is the form used in Declophen® Fast and Dicloflam®.

A Guide to Diclofenac Formulations in Egypt

Here is a breakdown of the different Diclofenac products and their specific uses:

1. Systemic Formulations (for body-wide effect)

• Standard Tablets (Diclofenac Sodium): Available as Declophen® Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg) by PHARCO. Ideal for chronic inflammatory conditions.
• Fast-Acting Formulations (Diclofenac Potassium):
  • Declophen® Fast 50 mg Sachets (by PHARCO): Granules for oral suspension, designed for rapid absorption.
  • Dicloflam® 50 mg Tablets (by Alexandria Co.): Sugar-coated tablets that also provide fast-acting relief for acute pain.
• Sustained Release Capsules (Diclofenac Sodium): Available as Declophen® S.R. 100 mg for less frequent dosing in chronic conditions.
• Injections (Diclofenac Sodium): Available as Declophen® Injections (75 mg/3 ml) for severe, acute pain.
• Suppositories (Diclofenac Sodium): Available as Declophen® Suppositories (12.5 mg, 25 mg, 100 mg) as an alternative to oral administration.

2. Topical Formulations (for localized effect)

• Topical Gel (Diclofenac Sodium): Available as Declophen® Gel 1% for localized muscle and joint pain.
• Eye Drops (Diclofenac Sodium): Available as Declophen® Eye Drops 0.1% for post-operative eye inflammation.

3. Combination Formulation

• Declophen® Plus (Diclofenac Potassium 50 mg / Chlorzoxazone 250 mg): A combination with a muscle relaxant for painful muscle spasms.

General Therapeutic Indications

Across its various forms, Diclofenac is used for:

• Rheumatic diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis.
• Acute musculoskeletal pain: Sprains, strains, sports injuries.
• Post-operative and post-traumatic pain and swelling.
• Painful conditions in gynecology, especially primary dysmenorrhea.
• Acute attacks of gout and renal or biliary colic.

Key Contraindications, Warnings, and Side Effects

• Contraindications: Active gastric or intestinal ulcer, known hypersensitivity to Diclofenac or other NSAIDs, and in patients who have experienced asthma attacks precipitated by aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Gastrointestinal Risk: All NSAIDs, including Diclofenac, can cause serious GI side effects like bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. The risk is higher in the elderly and with long-term use.
• Cardiovascular Risk: Long-term use of NSAIDs may be associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including heart attack and stroke. Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease.
• Renal Risk: Can impair kidney function. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing renal, cardiac, or hepatic impairment.
• Pregnancy: Not recommended, especially in the third trimester, as it can affect the fetal cardiovascular system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Diclofenac Sodium and Diclofenac Potassium?

This is the key difference between various brands. Diclofenac Potassium (found in Declophen® Fast and Dicloflam®) is absorbed very quickly, making it ideal for acute pain like migraines or dental pain. Diclofenac Sodium (found in standard Declophen® tablets and injections) is absorbed more slowly, making it better suited for managing chronic inflammation like arthritis.

Can I use Declophen Gel and take Declophen tablets at the same time?

This should only be done under a doctor's supervision. While the gel has low systemic absorption, combining topical and oral NSAIDs can increase the overall exposure to the drug and may increase the risk of side effects.

Why is Declophen Plus different?

Declophen Plus is different because it adds a muscle relaxant (Chlorzoxazone) to the pain reliever (Diclofenac). This makes it specifically suited for conditions where pain is caused by tight, spasming muscles, providing a dual action that standard Declophen does not.

Sources

1. Diclofenac Professional Information - Drugs.com
2. Diclofenac - StatPearls, NCBI
3. Official Product Leaflets for Declophen and Dicloflam.