Voltaren and Cataflam are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Voltaren-XR, the extended-release form of Voltaren, is used only for long-term treatment. Cataflam is also prescribed for immediate relief of pain and menstrual discomfort.
Defanac e/c tablets and Defanac Retard tablets contain the active ingredient diclofenac sodium, which is a type of drug called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation. Diclofenac is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug.
Diclofenac works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Diclofenac blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.
Diclofenac is used to relieve pain and inflammation in a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including various forms of arthritis, gout, sprains, fractures, dislocations, back pain, tendinitis and frozen shoulder. It is also used to relieve pain and inflammation following dental, orthopaedic and other minor surgery.
Defanac e/c tablets have a special 'enteric coating' that is designed to prevent the absorption of the diclofenac in the stomach, and thus reduce the risk of stomach irritation. The diclofenac is absorbed when the tablet reaches the intestine. The tablets should be swallowed whole to avoid damaging this coating.
Defanac Retard tablets are sustained-release tablets. They contain a higher dose of diclofenac and are designed to release this slowly and continuously over a few hours. This provides more prolonged pain relief, so the tablets are taken less frequently. These tablets must also be swallowed whole to avoid damaging the sustained-release action.
Both types of tablet should preferably be taken with food to help avoid irritating the stomach.
Why is this drug prescribed?
In adults, relief of pain and inflammation in a wide range of conditions, including the following:
- a form of arthritis affecting the joints of the spine;
- acute disorders of the muscles and skeleton such as frozen shoulder tendon inflammation tenosynovitis bursitis;
- acute gout;
- lower back pain;
- osteoarthritis;
- pain and inflammation following dental orthopaedic and other minor surgery;
- painful conditions due to accidents such as sprains strains dislocations fractures;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
In children:
- Chronic juvenile arthritis in children aged 1-12 years;
- vomiting;
- ringing in the ears;
- rash;
- peptic ulcers;
- nausea;
- itching;
- indigestion;
- heartburn;
- headache;
- gas;
- fluid retention;
- dizziness;
- diarrhea;
- constipation;
- blood clotting problems;
- anemia;
- abdominal swelling;
- abdominal pain or cramps;
- ulceration of the stomach or intestine;
- skin rashes;
- loss of appetite;
- kidney liver or blood disorders;
- indigestion;
- headache;
- fluid retention;
- excess gas in the stomach and intestines;
- drowsiness;
- dizziness;
- disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea constipation nausea vomiting or abdominal pain;
- bleeding from the stomach or intestine;
- balance disorders involving the inner ear;
- allergic reactions such as skin rashes swelling of the lips tongue and throat or narrowing of the airways;
- abdominal bleeding;
ADULTS
Osteoarthritis
The usual dose is 100 to 150 mg a day, divided into smaller doses of 50 mg 2 or 3 times a day or 75 mg twice a day. The usual dose of Voltaren-XR is 100 mg taken once a day.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The usual dose is 100 to 200 mg a day, divided into smaller doses of 50 mg 3 to 4 times a day, 75 mg twice a day, or 100 mg once or twice a day.
People with rheumatoid arthritis should not take more than 225 mg a day.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
The usual dose is 100 to 125 mg of Voltaren a day, divided into smaller doses of 25 mg 4 times a day, with another 25 mg at bedtime if necessary.
Pain and menstrual discomfort
The usual starting dose of Cataflam is 50 mg every 8 hours as needed, although to provide better relief on the first day doctors sometimes prescribe a starting dose of 100 mg followed by two 50-mg doses. After the first day, you should not take more than 150 mg in a day.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Voltaren have not been established in children.
