Diclofenac+paracetamol
About
Diclofenac+paracetamol belongs to a class of medications known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or pain killer. Diclofenac+paracetamol is widely useful for treating painful musculoskeletal joint conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Diclofenac+paracetamol contains Diclofenac (analgesic) and Paracetamol (fever reducer/mild analgesic), effective against painful musculoskeletal pain, joint pain, and skeletal muscle spasms. Diclofenac works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX), which causes pain and swelling at the injured or damaged tissue site. On the other hand, paracetamol acts as a mild analgesic (mild pain reducer) and antipyretic (fever reducer), enhancing Diclofenac's pain relief action. It also helps relieve toothache, ear pain, backache and other musculoskeletal-related pain.
Diclofenac+paracetamol can be taken with or after the meal. Diclofenac+paracetamol may cause common side effects like stomach upset, dizziness, light-headedness, malaise, nausea, vomiting, liver dysfunction (hepatitis), pruritis (itchy skin), and rash, although not everybody gets them. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Diclofenac+paracetamol is not recommended during the last three months of pregnancy and for children. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving this injection. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and ongoing medicines to rule out any side effects/interactions. Stop taking this medicine if you experience symptoms like tightness of the chest, breathing difficulties, fever, skin rashes, increased heart rate, and or in case of any signs of hypersensitivity.
Uses of Diclofenac+paracetamol
Medicinal Benefits
Diclofenac+paracetamol contains Diclofenac (analgesic) and Paracetamol (fever reducer/mild analgesic), effective against painful musculoskeletal pain, joint pain, and skeletal muscle spasms. Diclofenac works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX), which causes pain and swelling at the injured or damaged tissue site. On the other hand, paracetamol acts as a mild analgesic (mild pain reducer) and antipyretic (fever reducer), enhancing Diclofenac's pain relief action. It also helps relieve toothache, ear pain, backache and other musculoskeletal-related pain.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Diclofenac+paracetamol
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Malaise (feeling of discomfort)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Liver dysfunction
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Diclofenac+paracetamol if you are allergic to any components present in it. Patients with asthma, prolonged bleeding time, wheezing (whistling sound during breath), and blocked airways (bronchospasm) should avoid using Diclofenac+paracetamol. It is not recommended for use in children less than 14 years of age, people with liver disease, heart disease, or gastric ulcers/bleeding problems. Diclofenac+paracetamol may be associated with a small increase in the risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction). Pregnant women should not take during their last trimester of pregnancy. Diclofenac+paracetamol is excreted in the breast milk, so the nursing mother should contact the doctor before its usage. Avoid the consumption of alcohol as it may damage your liver and cause even more side effects on taking this drug. Consult your doctor if your pain, inflammation, and fever symptoms do not disappear even after ten days.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Diclofenac+paracetamol is shown to interact with various drugs. Some of them include painkillers (naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen, tramadol, hydrocodone, oxycodone), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin or ofloxacin), diuretics (furosemide and bumetanide), medicines for heart problems or medication for high blood pressure (digoxin), medicines used to lower cholesterol (colestipol and cholestyramine), drugs to treat seizures (phenytoin), medicines that reduce the activity of your immune system (ciclosporin or tacrolimus), steroid medicines (hydrocortisone or prednisolone), blood thinner (warfarin), anti-depressant (duloxetine) and acidity lowering drugs (cimetidine). These drugs may affect the working of Diclofenac+paracetamol and may alter its efficacy.
Drug-Food Interactions: Excessive caffeine-containing food or drinks like coffee, tea, chocolate and some fizzy drinks should be avoided while taking Diclofenac+paracetamol. Taking them together may lead to drowsiness and dizziness, and sleepiness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Diclofenac+paracetamol interacts with disease conditions, including asthma, urticaria or acute rhinitis, as the attacks precipitate with NSAIDs.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDrinking too much alcohol may irritate your stomach.
Pregnancy
unsafeDiclofenac+paracetamol is not recommended for use in the last three months of pregnancy as it may harm the unborn child or cause problems at delivery. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Diclofenac+paracetamol. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving the Diclofenac+paracetamol. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
unsafeDiclofenac+paracetamol may affect driving ability as it causes headaches, blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Diclofenac+paracetamol. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Diclofenac+paracetamol. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeDiclofenac+paracetamol is not recommended for children below 14 years. For children above 14 years, this medicine can be given if a doctor prescribed it.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps strengthen muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle exercises like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Follow heat or cold therapy, and apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20 minutes regularly.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain: Pain is a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain may be dull or sharp; it might be constant or may come and go. The tolerance level of pain might vary from person to person. Pain can be generalized (overall body aches) or localized (affecting a specific area of the body). The common causes of pain include headache, muscle strain, cramps, fractures, arthritis, and injury.
Musculoskeletal pain: It is generally caused by disorders of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or a combination. Injuries (mostly sports-related) are the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain. Muscle pain (myalgia) can be caused due to injury, infection, loss of blood flow to the muscle, infection, or a tumour. Extreme tissue pain and inflammation caused due to sprains, strains, trauma, or post-surgery may require prolonged healing time.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disorder, which occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. It can damage any joint, affecting your hands, knees, hips and spine joints.
Ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is the painful condition in which fused bones of your spinal cord or vertebrae gets inflamed, leading to hunched spine. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include decreased flexibility which usually leads to a hunched-forward posture and pain in the back and joints.
FAQs
Diclofenac+paracetamol contains Diclofenac (analgesic) and Paracetamol (fever reducer/mild analgesic), effective against painful musculoskeletal pain, joint pain, and skeletal muscle spasms. Diclofenac works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX), which causes pain and swelling at the injured or damaged tissue site. On the other hand, paracetamol acts as a mild analgesic (mild pain reducer) and antipyretic (fever reducer), enhancing Diclofenac's pain relief action.
No, Diclofenac+paracetamol is not indicated for stomach pain. Also, If you have stomach pain post-ingestion it may be a sign of stomach ulcer or gastric bleeding. Do not take Diclofenac+paracetamol in this condition. It is better to inform your doctor in case of stomach pain post-ingestion of this medication.
No, do not take Diclofenac+paracetamol until prescribed by your doctor. For example, your shoulder pain may be due to lungs, spleen, or gallbladder problems. Your back pain may be due to kidney stones, pancreas swelling, or, in women, pelvic disorders. Your arm pain (especially the left arm) may be due to a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Yes, Diclofenac+paracetamol is a short-term medication, and if you feel better, you can stop taking Diclofenac+paracetamol, but only after consulting your doctor.
Yes, the long-term use of Diclofenac+paracetamol can cause damage to the kidneys.
No, Diclofenac+paracetamol is not addictive, but it's important always to take it as prescribed.
No, Diclofenac+paracetamol should not be taken as a long-term medication as it may lead to stomach ulcers/bleeding and kidney problems. For the best results of Diclofenac+paracetamol, take it in doses and duration mentioned by your doctor.
