Arnil 50mg

Description

Diclofenac Sodium 50mg Tablets are a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in Pakistan to manage pain and inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and acute gout. They also relieve post-operative pain and symptoms in chronic juvenile arthritis, common among laborers in rural Punjab or office workers in urban Lahore facing joint issues. Available in strips of 10-20 tablets, priced around Rs. 100-150 per strip, prescription-only, and distributed through DRAP-registered pharmacies.

How It Functions

Diclofenac sodium inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis that causes pain and inflammation. Chemically, it’s 2-(2,6-dichloroanilino)phenylacetic acid sodium salt. Analgesia starts within 30-60 minutes, with anti-inflammatory effects building over days, lasting 12-24 hours due to a 1-2 hour half-life.

Dosage Information

Adults: Typically 50mg 2-3 times daily, up to 150mg/day, taken orally with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation; swallow whole with water. For acute gout or post-operative pain, 100-150mg/day in divided doses for 3-7 days. For chronic juvenile arthritis (children over 1 year), 1-3mg/kg/day in divided doses. Elderly start at 50mg daily. Use shortest duration; consult physician for adjustments in kidney/liver issues or if used beyond 10 days.

Side Effects

• Very Common (>1 in 10): Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea).
• Common (up to 1 in 10): Headache, dizziness, rash, edema, tinnitus, elevated liver enzymes.
• Rare: Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, heart attack, stroke, liver/kidney damage, allergic reactions (hives, swelling).

Drug Interactions

Diclofenac may interact with:

• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: Increases bleeding/ulcer risk.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Enhances bleeding.
• Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs: Reduces kidney function or blood pressure control.
• Lithium, methotrexate: Increases toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: Heightens gastrointestinal complications.

Indications

Approved for:

• Osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Ankylosing spondylitis.
• Acute gout.
• Chronic juvenile arthritis.
• Post-operative pain (minor surgery).

When Not to Use

Avoid in:

• Hypersensitivity to diclofenac, aspirin, or other NSAIDs.
• Active peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Severe heart failure, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease.
• Severe liver or kidney impairment.
• Third trimester pregnancy.

Precautions

• Monitor liver function, blood counts, and kidney function in long-term use, especially in elderly or heart patients.
• Take with food to reduce stomach irritation; report blood in stool or severe pain immediately.
• Use cautiously in asthma, hypertension, or history of gastrointestinal disease.
• Avoid alcohol; increases ulcer risk, common in Pakistani social settings.
• Buy from DRAP-registered pharmacies; check holograms to avoid counterfeits.
• Limit use to shortest duration to minimize cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.

Warnings

• Gastrointestinal risk: May cause bleeding, ulcers, or perforation; stop if blood in stool or severe pain occurs.
• Cardiovascular risk: Increases heart attack or stroke risk, especially in long-term use or heart patients.
• Liver/kidney damage: Monitor function tests, especially in hot climates or fasting.
• Pregnancy: Avoid in third trimester; consult physician for earlier use.
• Overdose: Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness require urgent care.

Additional Notes

• Pregnancy Category: Consult physician; category C early, D in third trimester due to fetal risks.
• Breastfeeding: Avoid; passes into milk, may harm infant.
• Availability: Common in urban and rural pharmacies; generics like Voltaren available.
• Stability: Stable at room temperature; discard expired tablets.
• Reporting: Log batch for side effects; report to DRAP for quality control.

Doctor Review

Dr. Imran Qureshi, a rheumatologist in Lahore, notes Diclofenac Sodium’s effectiveness for arthritis and gout pain, widely used in Pakistan’s aging population. DRAP data supports its anti-inflammatory action, but Dr. Qureshi emphasizes short-term use and regular monitoring for gastrointestinal and heart risks, especially in spicy-diet regions.

Disclaimer

This is general product information, not a prescription or medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for personal guidance.