What is Dicloran?
Dicloran is a painkiller that also has anti-inflammatory properties. Made from Diclofenac sodium, it essentially works by stopping the production of the chemical mediators that cause the body to register pain.
It also targets the inflammation-causing compounds in the body. Generally, our immune system only attacks the pathogens, however, at times, it can go into overdrive despite no external attack. It then ends up attacking the normal cells, resulting in inflammation, which causes pain in the body.
Dicloran Formula:
Dicloran is made from the chemical compound, Diclofenac sodium.
What are the Available Forms of Dicloran in Pakistan?
Dicloran is available in multiple forms, enlisted below:
- 50mg tablet
- 100mg SR tablet
- Suppositories
- Gel
- Injection
Dicloran Dosage and Strength:
In tablet form, Dicloran is available in two different strengths. These are
- 50 mg tablet
- 100 mg tablet
As an injection, Dicloran comes in the concentration of 75 mg/3ml.
How to take Dicloran?
To take Dicloran, swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, and do not crush or chew it.
It is important that you take dicloran with food. Taking it on empty stomach can lead to gastric complications like an upset stomach or can even gastric ulcers. Moreover, if you still feel pain or nausea after taking the medicine with food, tell your healthcare provider about it, as it may be a symptom of gastritis.
To prevent the onset of gastric issues, take the medicine for the shortest possible time.
What are the Uses of Dicloran?
As a painkiller and anti-inflammatory agent, Dicloran is used to treat the following conditions:
- Pain due to arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Menstrual cramps
- Joint pain
- Migraine
- Pain associated with gout
- Muscle spasm
- To get rid of mild to moderate fever
- Bone pain
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Tendonitis
- Sprains
- Pain associated with fractures
- Back pain
- Pain due to frozen shoulder
- Neck pain
- Bursitis
What are the side effects of Dicloran?
Much like any drug, Dicloran also has certain side effects in some people. These include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomit containing coffee grounds
- Blood in stool
- Constipation
- Black stools
What are the risks and warnings for Dicloran?
Allergic to Diclofenac
People who are allergic to Diclofenac should not take Dicloran or similar medicines with different brand names. A mild allergy can be inconvenient, causing problems like wheezing and rashes, but one can also sustain a severe allergic reaction from the drug.
Known as anaphylactic shock, this condition leads to the throat closing up, skin rashes, nausea, and vomiting. If an antidote is not given in time, death can also occur. Therefore, it is pertinent that you stay away from Dicloran, and also disclose all your allergies to your doctor.
Heart diseases
Patients with a history of heart disease or heart attack must take Dicloran with caution. It inhibits the production of the chemical that protects the heart and thus can be dangerous for such patients.
Stroke
Individuals with a history of stroke should not take Dicloran, and it can increase their propensity towards it.
Hypertension
As Dicloran causes water retention in the body, it is not ideal for hypertensive patients. Therefore, they should take it with caution.
Congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood. Of things that complicate this condition, water retention is one. As Dicloran causes fluid to be retained by the body, thus, patients with congestive heart failure should take care when using Dicloran.
Edema
As edema can be aggravated by water retention, people should take Dicloran with caution, as it causes the body to retain fluid, exacerbating the condition of the patient.
Gastric ulcers
People who have gastric ulcers or acidity are advised to take Dicloran with extreme care. It inhibits the production of the chemical that lines the gastric tract, making it vulnerable to acid. Thus, Dicloran can cause gastric ulcers, especially when used over a long period.
People with gastric issues or those who need to rely on Dicloran for longer are generally prescribed gastroprotective agents as well. However, now, gastro-resistant Dicloran tablets also available. These protect the stomach from ulcers, so ask your health care provider regarding their use if you have gastric issues.
Anticoagulants or bleeding disorders
If you are taking anticoagulants for blood thinning, or suffer from blood disorders, you must only use Dicloran at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
Dicloran inhibits the production of blood clotting factors. The same purpose is also served by anticoagulants. Thus, when taken together, the effect is compounded. This then leads to the danger of bleeding due to the hyper-anticoagulation mode that your body is put under as a result.
Kidney disease
Individuals suffering from kidney disease should take Dicloran with extreme caution, as when used over the long term, it leads to impaired kidney functionality, something that people with kidney disease are already suffering from.
Asthma
As dicloran can precipitate existing asthma, people who are asthmatic should take it with caution.
Liver diseases
People with liver disease need to take Dicloran with caution. As the liver metabolizes and excretes drugs from the body, any disease therein leads to the accumulation of drugs in the body. It then has grave implications for the health of the person.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Women who are pregnant should not Dicloran unless told otherwise by their doctor. Dicloran can harm the health of the baby, especially putting the baby’s heart in peril. The danger runs higher for women who are in their third trimester.
Similarly, women who are breastfeeding should discuss with their doctor first before using Dicloran.
Interactions between Dicloran and other medications:
Dicloran can interact with other drugs that you might be taking.
Drug interaction does not mean that you stop taking the drugs on your own, but rather, tell your healthcare provider about it. Certain drugs, when suddenly stopped, can lead to adverse effects on the body.
Following are some drugs that Dicloran interacts with:
- ACE inhibitors like captopril, fosinopril and enalapril, etc
- Angiotensin receptor blockers like losartan, valsartan etc
- Corticosteroids like prednisolone
- Potassium supplements
- Aspirin
- Lithium
- Blood thinners like clopidogrel, enoxaparin, warfarin, etc
To prevent drug interactions, you should give a detailed history to your healthcare provider. A change in the time and dosage of the drugs can be help prevent the interaction as well.
What is the price of Dicloran in Pakistan?
The cost of one tablet of Dicloran is Rs. 15/-.
One packet of injections of Dicloran costs Rs. 180.
Storage Conditions:
The medication should be kept out of reach and sight of children.
Dicloran should be kept at room temperature.
Do not use the tablets or the injections after the expiration date has passed.
How to get Dicloran in Pakistan?
Since Dicloran is a prescription drug, you need to first get your doctor to write and authorize your prescription. Then, you need to present it to your pharmacist to buy Dicloran.
What medicines are available as alternatives to Dicloran in Pakistan?
Diclofenac is also available under different brand names. These alternatives to Dicloran include:
- Artifen
- Voren
- Zobid
Conclusion:
Pain anywhere in the body can be a source of extreme agony and discomfort. Whether it be the less worrisome period cramps or serious ones like fractures, it is important to remedy the pain. Chronic pain jeopardizes the quality of life, and also leads to mental health issues.
Dicloran is one drug that doctors rely on to help their patients battle pains. It carries some anti-inflammatory effects as well.
Even though Dicloran is most often used for musculoskeletal issues like arthritis, backache, neck pain, muscle spasm, etc., it is also relied on for migraines and mild fever as well.
However, long-term usage of Dicloran is not good for health either. It can lead to gastric problems like ulcers; therefore, it is imperative to consult a doctor before using Dicloran.
In order to consult a doctor before using Dicloran, make sure to use Oladocx.com
