Diclofenac Sodium Injection

Generic Name:
Diclofenac Sodium Injection
Therapeutic Category:
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Mechanism of Action:
Inhibits cyclooxygenase ($COX-1$ and $COX-2$) enzymes, stopping the synthesis of prostaglandins to effectively block pain signals and reduce localized inflammation.

Indications (Therapeutic Uses)

Diclofenac Sodium Injection is indicated for the rapid management of acute, severe pain and inflammatory conditions when oral therapy is inappropriate or unfeasible:

  • Acute Severe Pain: Fast-acting relief for postoperative pain, severe renal colic (kidney stone pain), and biliary colic.
  • Acute Trauma & Fractures: Emergency stabilization of pain from severe musculoskeletal injuries, fractures, and dislocations.
  • Inflammatory Arthritic Flare-ups: Immediate management of acute exacerbations of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Severe Migraine Attacks: Treatment of acute, debilitating migraine episodes.

Dosage & Administration

Website Note: Dosage must be individualized by a registered medical practitioner based on the patient’s specific diagnosis and pain severity.

  • Standard Dose: Typically 75mg administered once daily. In severe cases, this may be increased to 75mg twice daily, separated by several hours.
  • Maximum Daily Dose: Should not exceed 150mg in any 24-hour period. Therapy should be transitioned to oral forms as soon as acute pain is controlled.
  • Administration Routes:
    • Intramuscular (IM): Injected deep into the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal muscle to avoid nerve damage.
    • Intravenous (IV) Infusion: Must be diluted with a saline or glucose solution and infused slowly over 30 to 180 minutes. Never give as a direct IV bolus injection.

Contraindications & Precautions

  • Absolute Contraindications: Do not use in patients with known hypersensitivity to diclofenac, aspirin, or other NSAIDs (e.g., history of asthma or hives brought on by aspirin). Completely contraindicated for perioperative pain management in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
  • Gastrointestinal Bleeding Risk: NSAIDs increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. Use with extreme caution in patients with a history of peptic ulcers.
  • Cardiovascular & Renal Risks: May cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and stroke. Prolonged use can lead to severe renal impairment or acute kidney injury.
  • Pregnancy Warning: Contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.

Potential Side Effects

  • Common / Mild: Pain, redness, or induration (hardening of the tissue) at the injection site; dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping.
  • Less Common / Severe: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, severe anaphylactic allergic reactions (bronchospasm, low blood pressure), acute kidney failure, hepatic toxicity (elevated liver enzymes), and severe skin reactions (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome).