Diclopulse

Diclopulse is a reliable diclofenac sodium capsule you’ll see in Pakistani pharmacies, from busy spots in Karachi to clinics in Peshawar, often used for joint pain or swelling when things flare up. It’s an NSAID that hits inflammation hard but needs careful handling. This profile covers its key details—how it works, its uses, side effects, and doctor insights—based on local standards like those from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). It’s here to inform, not to suggest using it without a doctor’s guidance.

Basic Product Details

• Form and Strength: 100 mg capsules, taken orally.
• Packaging: 30 capsules per pack, sealed for Pakistan’s humid climate.
• Pricing: Roughly PKR 6 per capsule; a 30-capsule pack costs about PKR 180-200, depending on the pharmacy or brand.
• Brands in Pakistan: Diclopulse from Pulse Pharmaceuticals, or PMDC-approved generics.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Diclofenac sodium (100 mg, an NSAID).
• Excipients: May include lactose, cellulose, or magnesium stearate (check packaging for specifics).

Drug Class

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID).

How It Functions

Diclofenac blocks cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, mainly COX-1 and COX-2, stopping the production of prostaglandins—chemicals that drive inflammation, pain, and fever. This reduces swelling, eases aches, and lowers fever. In Pakistan’s clinics, it’s a go-to for arthritis flare-ups or post-injury pain, especially when triggered by daily strains or weather changes.

Common Applications

From local medical practices, Diclopulse is linked to:

• Relieving pain and inflammation in muscular/skeletal disorders.
• Managing rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Treating acute gout or chronic juvenile arthritis in kids.
• Easing joint stiffness, swelling, and related discomfort.

Dosage Form

Capsule (100 mg), swallowed whole with water.

Potential Side Effects

Common issues, based on local reports, include:

• Stomach upset, gastric pain, or nausea.
• Headache or edema (fluid buildup).
• Ulcers, liver/kidney problems, or skin allergy.
• Blood issues or injection site pain (if applicable, but oral here).

Seek immediate help for severe stomach pain, blood in stool, or rash.

Key Warnings and Precautions

PMDC-aligned guidelines note:

• Pregnancy: Consult doctor; risks unclear but use cautiously.
• Lactation: Not safe—consult for alternatives.
• Driving: Avoid; may cause dizziness.
• Alcohol: Prohibited; worsens stomach risks.
• Precautions: Caution in gastric lesions, renal/hepatic/cardiac insufficiency, hepatic porphyrias, or blood abnormalities. Elderly or long-term users need regular liver/blood tests. Drink 2-3 liters fluid daily unless restricted.

When It’s Not Suitable (Contraindications)

Avoid if you have:

• Allergy to aspirin/anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Active peptic ulcer or proctitis (rectum inflammation).

Drug Interactions

May interact with:

• Other NSAIDs/aspirin, raising bleeding risk.
• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), increasing bleed chances.
• Diuretics or antihypertensives, reducing effectiveness.
• Lithium or methotrexate, raising toxicity.

Food Interactions

• Take with meals or milk to avoid upset.
• Avoid alcohol; boosts GI risks.
• Limit spicy or acidic foods if stomach-sensitive.

In Case of Overdose

Symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or bleeding need urgent ER care. Treatment may include activated charcoal or supportive fluids.

Missed Dose

Take as soon as remembered, unless near next. Skip then, don’t double up.

Storage and Disposal

Store at room temperature (18-25°C) in a cool, dry place, away from light, moisture, and kids. Dispose of expired via pharmacy drop-off, not flushing.

Quick Tips

• Take with food/milk to ease stomach.
• Stay hydrated (2-3 liters/day).
• Stop if constant pain or blood in stool—tell doctor.
• For long-term: Regular blood/liver checks.

Doctor Review

Rheumatologists in Pakistan, from Jinnah Hospital in Lahore to local OPDs, see Diclopulse as a solid NSAID for arthritis or gout pain, effectively curbing inflammation, but they stress short-term use and monitoring for gut/kidney issues, especially in elderly or those with heart risks.

Laboratory Screening

To monitor effects and risks:

• Liver Function Tests: ALT/AST for toxicity.
• Blood Tests: CBC for anemia/bleeding, kidney function (creatinine).
• Stool Tests: For occult blood if GI symptoms.

FAQs

What is Diclopulse used for? It relieves pain/inflammation in sprains, joint issues, arthritis, gout, or post-surgery, reducing swelling and fever.

Can it relieve dental pain? Yes, it’s effective for toothaches or oral inflammation.

Does it cause addiction? No, no psychological dependence.

Who risks side effects long-term? Those with heart/kidney issues or elderly—monitor closely.

How to take it? With meals or milk to avoid upset; follow doctor’s dose.

Disclaimer: This is product information only, not a prescription or diagnosis. Seek immediate care for severe symptoms like stomach bleeding or rash.