Intafenac K

Indications

Diclofenac Potassium is a fast-acting painkiller and anti-inflammatory medicine. It is used for short-term relief of pain and swelling, such as dental pain, period pain, pain after surgery or injury, sprains and strains, back pain, flare-ups of arthritis, and migraine attacks.

How It Works

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks the COX enzymes that make prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain, swelling and fever. The potassium salt is absorbed quickly, so it starts working faster than some other forms.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: usually 50 mg two or three times a day. Do not take more than 150 mg in 24 hours. Migraine: 50 mg at the first sign of an attack, as prescribed. Take with or after food and a glass of water. Use the lowest dose that works for the shortest time. Children: only as prescribed.

Interactions

• Other NSAIDs, including Aspirin and Ibuprofen, increase side effects; do not combine.
• Warfarin and other blood thinners, steroids such as Prednisolone, and antidepressants such as Sertraline raise the risk of stomach bleeding.
• It can weaken blood pressure medicines and water tablets and, with them, harm the kidneys.
• It can raise levels of Lithium, Methotrexate and Digoxin, and increase kidney effects of Ciclosporin.

Contraindications

• Active stomach or duodenal ulcer, or past bleeding or perforation linked to NSAIDs.
• Asthma, hives or runny nose triggered by Aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Heart failure, established heart disease, stroke or blocked arteries in the legs.
• Severe liver or kidney failure.
• The last 3 months of pregnancy.
• Allergy to Diclofenac or any ingredient of the product.

Side Effects

Common: indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, raised blood pressure, fluid retention and raised liver enzymes.

Get urgent medical help if you pass black or tarry stools, vomit blood or material like coffee grounds, have chest pain, sudden weakness on one side or difficulty speaking, shortness of breath or wheezing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, a severe rash with blisters or peeling, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pass very little urine.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid in pregnancy unless a doctor says it is essential, especially from 20 weeks onwards; it must not be used in the last 3 months because it can harm the baby's heart and kidneys and delay labour. Small amounts pass into breast milk; occasional short-term use may be acceptable if your doctor agrees.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with extra care in older people and in those with high blood pressure, heart risk factors, kidney or liver disease, asthma, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or dehydration. Long-term or high-dose use increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. It may make it harder to become pregnant while being taken. Drink enough fluids and avoid alcohol.

Overdose

Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, stomach bleeding and kidney damage, and rarely fits. Get urgent medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.