Adults and elderly
Relief of all grades of pain and inflammation in a wide range of conditions, including:
1. Arthritic conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout.
2. Acute musculo‐skeletal disorders such as periarthritis (for example frozen shoulder), tendinitis,
tenosynovitis, bursitis.

3. Other painful conditions resulting from trauma, including fracture, low back pain, sprains,
strains, dislocations, orthopaedic, dental and other minor surgery.

 

Children
Votrex tablets are not suitable for children.

Posology

Undesirable  effects  may  be  minimized  by  using  the  lowest  effective  dose  for  the  shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (See Section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).

 

Adults: 75 mg to 150 mg daily in two or three divided doses.
The recommended maximum daily dose of diclofenac sodium is 150 mg.

 

Special populations
Elderly:
Although the pharmacokinetics of diclofenac sodium are not impaired to any clinically relevant extent in elderly patients, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs should be used with particular caution in such patients who generally are more prone to adverse reactions. In particular it is recommended that the lowest effective dosage be used in frail elderly patients or those with a low body weight (see also precautions) and the patient should be monitored for GI bleeding during NSAID therapy.

 

Cardiovascular and significant cardiovascular risk factors:
Diclofenac is contraindicated in patients with established congestive heart failure (NYHA II‐IV), ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease and/or cerebrovascular disease (see section 4.3 Contraindications).

Patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA‐I) or significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease should be treated with diclofenac only after careful consideration. Since cardiovascular risks with diclofenac may increase with dose and duration of exposure, the lowest effective daily dose
should be used and for the shortest duration possible (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).

Renal impairment:
Diclofenac is contraindicated in patients with renal failure (see section 4.3 Contraindications). No specific studies have been carried out in patients with renal impairment, therefore, no specific dose adjustment recommendations can be made. Caution is advised when administering diclofenac to patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).

 

Hepatic impairment:
Diclofenac is contraindicated in patients with hepatic failure (see section 4.3 Contraindications). No specific studies have been carried out in patients with hepatic impairment, therefore, no specific dose adjustment recommendations can be made. Caution is advised when administering diclofenac to patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).

Paediatric population:
Votrex tablets are not suitable for children.

Method of administration
For oral administration.
To be taken whole with liquid, preferably with or after food.

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. • Active, or gastric or intestinal ulcer, bleeding or perforation. • History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, relating to previous NSAIDs therapy. • Active, or history of recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding). • Last trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.6). • Hepatic failure. • Renal failure. • Established congestive heart failure (NYHA II‐IV), ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease and/or cerebrovascular disease. • Like other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diclofenac is also contraindicated in patients in whom attacks of asthma, angioedema, urticaria or acute rhinitis are precipitated by ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid or other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.

General
Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see section 4.2 and GI and cardiovascular risks below).

The concomitant use of diclofenac with systemic NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase‐2 selective inhibitors should be avoided due to the absence of any evidence demonstrating synergistic benefits and the potential for additive undesirable effects (see section 4.5).

Caution is indicated in the elderly on basic medical grounds. In particular, it is recommended that the lowest effective dose be used in frail elderly patients or those with a low body weight (see section 4.2).

 

As with other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs including diclofenac, allergic reactions, includinganaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions can also occur without earlier exposure to the drug (see section 4.8). Hypersensitivity reactions can also progress to Kounis syndrome, a serious allergic reaction that can result in myocardial infarction. Presenting symptoms of such reactions can include chest pain occurring in association with an allergic reaction to diclofenac.

Like other NSAIDs, diclofenac may mask the signs and symptoms of the infection due to its pharmacodynamic properties.

 

Gastrointestinal effects:

Gastrointestinal bleeding (haematemesis, melaena), ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal
has been reported with all NSAIDs including diclofenac, and may occur at any time during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of serious gastrointestinal (GI) events. They generally have more serious consequences in the elderly. If gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving diclofenac, the medicinal product should be withdrawn.

As with all NSAIDs, including diclofenac, close medical surveillance is imperative and particular caution should be exercised when prescribing diclofenac in patients with symptoms indicative of gastrointestinal disorders or with a history suggestive of gastric or intestinal ulceration, bleeding or perforation (see section 4.8). The risk of GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher with increasing NSAID doses including diclofenac and in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation.

The elderly have an increased frequency of adverse reactions to NSAIDs especially gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation which may be fatal (see section 4.2).

To reduce the risk of GI toxicity in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation, and in the elderly, the treatment should be initiated and maintained at the lowest effective dose.

Combination therapy with protective agents (e.g. misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors ) should be
considered for these patients, and also for patients requiring concomitant use of medicinal products containing low dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA/aspirin), or other medicinal products likely to increase gastrointestinal risk (see below and section 4.5).

Patients with a history of GI toxicity, particularly the elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding).

Caution is recommended in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as systemic corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin‐reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or anti‐platelet agents such as acetylsalicylic acid (see section 4.5).

Close medical surveillance and caution should also be exercised in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, as their condition may be exacerbated (see section 4.8).

NSAIDs, including diclofenac, may be associated with increased risk of gastro‐intestinal anastomotic leak. Close medical surveillance and caution are recommended when using diclofenac after gastrointestinal surgery.

 

Hepatic impairment
Close medical surveillance is required when prescribing diclofenac to patients with impairment of hepatic function, as their condition may be exacerbated.

As with other NSAIDs, including diclofenac, values of one or more liver enzymes may increase. During prolonged treatment with diclofenac, regular monitoring of hepatic function is indicated as a precautionary measure.

If abnormal liver function tests persist or worsen, clinical signs or symptoms consistent with liver disease develop, or if other manifestations occur (eosinophilia, rash), diclofenac should be discontinued.

Hepatitis may occur with diclofenac without prodromal symptoms.

Caution is called for when using diclofenac in patients with hepatic porphyria, since it may trigger an attack.

 

Renal impairment
As fluid retention and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy, including diclofenac, particular caution is called for in patients with impaired cardiac or renal function, history of hypertension, the elderly, patients receiving concomitant treatment with diuretics or medicinal products that can significantly impact renal function, and in those patients with substantial extracellular volume depletion from any cause, e.g. before or after major surgery (see section 4.3). Monitoring of renal function is recommended as a precautionary measure when using diclofenac in such cases. Discontinuation of therapy is usually followed by recovery to the pre‐treatment state.

 

Skin effects
Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens‐Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDs, including diclofenac (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these
reactions early in the course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Diclofenac sodium tablets should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions or any other signs of hypersensitivity.

SLE and mixed connective tissue disease:
In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disorders there
may be an increased risk of aseptic meningitis (see section 4.8).

 

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects
Patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA‐1) or patients with significant risk factors for cardiovascular events (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking) should only be treated with diclofenac after careful consideration. As the cardiovascular risks of diclofenac may increase with dose and duration of exposure, the shortest duration possible and the lowest effective daily dose should be used. The patient's need for symptomatic relief and response to therapy should be re‐evaluated periodically.

Appropriate monitoring and advice are required for patients with a history of hypertension and congestive heart failure (NYHA‐1) as fluid retention and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy including diclofenac.

Clinical trial and epidemiological data consistently point towards increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke) associated with the use of diclofenac, particularly at high dose ( 150 mg daily) and in long term treatment.

Patients should remain alert for the signs and symptoms of serious arteriothrombotic events (e.g. chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, slurring of speech), which can occur without warnings. Patients should be instructed to see a physician immediately in case of such an event.

Haematological effects
During prolonged treatment with diclofenac, as with other NSAIDs, monitoring of the blood count is recommended.

Diclofenac may reversibly inhibit platelet aggregation (see anticoagulants in section 4.5). Patients with defects of haemostasis, bleeding diathesis or haematological abnormalities should be carefully monitored. 

Pre‐existing asthma
In patients with asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, swelling of the nasal mucosa (i.e. nasal polyps), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases or chronic infections of the respiratory tract (especially if linked to allergic rhinitis‐like symptoms), reactions on NSAIDs like asthma exacerbations (so‐called
intolerance to analgesics / analgesics‐asthma), Quincke's oedema or urticaria are more frequent than in other patients. Therefore, special precaution is recommended in such patients (readiness for emergency). This is applicable as well for patients who are allergic to other substances, e.g. with skin reactions, pruritus or urticaria.

Like other drugs that inhibit prostaglandin synthetase activity, diclofenac sodium and other NSAIDs can precipitate bronchospasm if administered to patients suffering from, or with a previous history of bronchial asthma.

Female fertility:
The use of Votrex may impair female fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who may have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of Votrex should be considered (see section 4.6).

Votrex contains sodium
Votrex contains sodium. Each enteric‐coated tablet contains 4.94 mg sodium. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per enteric‐coated tablet, that is to say essentially ‘sodium‐free’.

The following interactions include those observed with diclofenac gastro‐resistant tablets and/or other pharmaceutical forms of diclofenac.

Lithium: If used concomitantly, diclofenac may raise plasma concentrations of lithium. Monitoring of the serum lithium level is recommended.

Digoxin: If used concomitantly, diclofenac may raise plasma concentrations of digoxin. Monitoring of the serum digoxin level is recommended.

Diuretics and antihypertensive agents: Like other NSAIDs, concomitant use of diclofenac with diuretics or antihypertensive agents (e.g. beta‐blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors) may cause a decrease in their antihypertensive effect via inhibition of vasodilatory prostaglandin synthesis.

Therefore, the combination should be administered with caution and patients, especially the elderly, should have their blood pressure periodically monitored. Patients should be adequately hydrated and consideration should be given to monitoring of renal function after initiation of concomitant
therapy and periodically thereafter, particularly for diuretics and ACE inhibitors due to the increased risk of nephrotoxicity.

Drugs known to cause hyperkalemia: Concomitant treatment with potassium‐sparing diuretics, ciclosporin, tacrolimus or trimethoprim may be associated with increased serum potassium levels, which should therefore be monitored frequently (see section 4.4).

 

Anticoagulants and anti‐platelet agents: Caution is recommended since concomitant administration could increase the risk of bleeding (see section 4.4). Although clinical investigations do not appear to indicate that diclofenac affects the action of anticoagulants, there are reports of an increased risk of haemorrhage in patients receiving diclofenac and anticoagulants concomitantly (see section 4.4).Therefore, to be certain that no change in anticoagulant dosage is required, close monitoring of such patients is required. As with other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents, diclofenac in high dose can reversibly inhibit platelet aggregation.

Other NSAIDs including cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 selective inhibitors and corticosteroids: Co‐administration of diclofenac and other systemic NSAIDs or corticosteroids may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration. Avoid concomitant use of two or more NSAIDs (see section 4.4).

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Concomitant administration of SSRIs may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (see section 4.4).

Antidiabetics: Clinical studies have shown that diclofenac can be given together with oral antidiabetic agents without influencing their clinical effect. However, there have been isolated reports of hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic effects necessitating changes in the dosage of the antidiabetic agents during treatment with diclofenac. For this reason, monitoring of the blood glucose level is recommended as a precautionary measure during concomitant therapy.

Methotrexate: Diclofenac can inhibit the tubular renal clearance of methotrexate hereby increasing methotrexate levels. Caution is recommended when NSAIDs, including diclofenac, are administered less than 24 hours before treatment with methotrexate, since blood concentrations of methotrexate may rise and the toxicity of this substance be increased.

Cases of serious toxicity have been reported when methotrexate and NSAIDs including diclofenac are given within 24 hours of each other. This interaction is mediated through accumulation of methotrexate resulting from impairment of renal excretion in the presence of the NSAID.

Ciclosporin: Diclofenac, like other NSAIDs, may increase the nephrotoxicity of ciclosporin due to the effect on renal prostaglandins. Therefore, it should be given at doses lower than those that would be used in patients not receiving ciclosporin.

Tacrolimus: Possible increased risk of nephrotoxicity when NSAIDs are given with tacrolimus. This might be mediated through renal antiprostagladin effects of both NSAID and calcineurin inhibitor.

Quinolone antimicrobials: Convulsions may occur due to an interaction between quinolones and NSAIDs. This may occur in patients with or without a previous history of epilepsy or convulsions. Therefore, caution should be exercised when considering the use of a quinolone in patients who are
already receiving an NSAID.

Phenytoin: When using phenytoin concomitantly with diclofenac, monitoring of phenytoin plasma concentrations is recommended due to an expected increase in exposure to phenytoin.

 

Colestipol and cholestyramine: These agents can induce a delay or decrease in absorption of diclofenac. Therefore, it is recommended to administer diclofenac at least one hour before or 4 to 6 hours after administration of colestipol/ cholestyramine.

Cardiac glycosides: Concomitant use of cardiac glycosides and NSAIDs in patients may exacerbate cardiac failure, reduce GFR and increase plasma glycoside levels.

Mifepristone: NSAIDs should not be used for 8‐12 days after mifepristone administration as NSAIDs can reduce the effect of mifepristone.

Potent CYP2C9 inhibitors: Caution is recommended when co‐prescribing diclofenac with potent CYP2C9 inhibitors (such as sulfinpyrazone and voriconazole), which could result in a significant increase in peak plasma concentration and exposure to diclofenac due to inhibition of diclofenac
metabolism.

Pregnancy
Pregnancy category C prior to 30 weeks gestation.
Pregnancy category D starting at 30 weeks gestation.

Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis may adversely affect the pregnancy and/or the embryo/foetal development. Data from epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of miscarriage and of cardiac malformation and gastroschisis after use of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor in early
pregnancy. The absolute risk for cardiovascular malformation was increased from less than 1%, up to approximately 1.5%.

The risk is believed to increase with dose and duration of therapy. In animals, administration of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor has been shown to result in increased pre‐ and post‐implantation loss and embryo‐foetal lethality.

In addition, increased incidences of various malformations, including cardiovascular, have been reported in animals given a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor during the organogenetic period. If diclofenac is used by a woman attempting to conceive, or during the first and second trimester of
pregnancy, the dose should be kept as low and duration of treatment as short as possible.

During the third trimester of pregnancy, all prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors may expose the foetus to:

• Cardiopulmonary toxicity (with premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension).
• Renal dysfunction, which may progress to renal failure with oligo‐hydroamniosis.

 

The mother and the neonate, at the end of the pregnancy, to:

• Possible prolongation of bleeding time, an anti‐aggregating effect which may occur even at very low doses.
• Inhibition of uterine contractions resulting in delayed or prolonged labour.

 

Consequently, diclofenac sodium tablets are contra‐indicated during the third trimester of pregnancy.

 

Breast‐feeding
Like other NSAIDs, diclofenac passes into breast milk in small amounts. Therefore, diclofenac should not be administered during breast feeding in order to avoid undesirable effects in the infant (see section 5.2).

Female Fertility
As with other NSAIDs, the use of diclofenac may impair female fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of diclofenac should be considered (see also section 4.4).

Patients who experience visual disturbances, dizziness, vertigo, somnolence central nervous system disturbances, drowsiness or fatigue while taking NSAIDs should refrain from driving or operate machinery.

Adverse reactions (Table 1) are ranked under the heading of frequency, the most frequent first, using the following convention: very common: (>1/10); common (≥ 1/100, <1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000, <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000, <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); not known: cannot be estimated from the available data.

 

The following undesirable effects include those reported with either short‐term or long‐term use.

 

Table 1

Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Very rare	Thrombocytopenia, leucopoenia, anaemia (including haemolytic and aplastic anaemia), agranulocytosis.
Immune system disorders
Rare	Hypersensitivity, anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions (including hypotension and shock).
Very rare	Angioneurotic oedema (including face oedema).
Psychiatric disorders
Very rare	Disorientation, depression, insomnia, nightmare, irritability, psychotic disorder.
Nervous system disorders
Common	Headache, dizziness.
Rare	Somnolence, tiredness.
Very rare	Paraesthesia,   memory   impairment,   convulsion,   anxiety,   tremor,   aseptic meningitis, taste disturbances, cerebrovascular accident.
Unknown	Confusion, hallucinations, disturbances of sensation, malaise.
Eye disorders
Very rare	Visual disturbance, vision blurred, diplopia.
Unknown	Optic neuritis.
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Common	Vertigo.
Very rare	Tinnitus, hearing impaired.
Cardiac disorders
Uncommon*	Myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, palpitations, chest pain.
Unknown	Kounis syndrome.
Vascular disorders
Very rare	Hypertension, hypotension, vasculitis.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Rare	Asthma (including dyspnoea).
Very rare	Pneumonitis.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Common	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, flatulence, anorexia.
Rare	Gastritis, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, haematemesis, diarrhoea haemorrhagic, melaena, gastrointestinal ulcer with or without bleeding or perforation (sometimes fatal particularly in the elderly).
Very rare	Colitis (including haemorrhagic colitis and exacerbation of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), constipation, stomatitis (including ulcerative stomatitis), glossitis, oesophageal disorder, diaphragm‐like intestinal strictures, pancreatitis.
Unknown	Ischaemic colitis.
Hepatobiliary disorders
Common	Transaminases increased.
Rare	Hepatitis, jaundice, liver disorder.
Very rare	Fulminant hepatitis, hepatic necrosis, hepatic failure.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Common	Rash.
Rare	Urticaria.
Very rare	Bullous eruptions, eczema, erythema, erythema multiforme, Stevens‐Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell's syndrome), dermatitis exfoliative, loss of hair, photosensitivity reaction, purpura, allergic purpura, pruritus.
Renal and urinary disorders
Very rare	Acute renal failure, haematuria, proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, interstitial nephritis, renal papillary necrosis.
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Very rare	Impotence.
General disorders and administration site conditions
Rare	Oedema.

* The frequency reflects data from long‐term treatment with a high dose (150 mg/day).

 

Clinical trial and epidemiological data consistently point towards an increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke) associated with the use of diclofenac, particularly at high dose (150 mg daily) and in long term treatment (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

 

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via:

• Saudi Arabia

The National Pharmacovigilance Center (NPC) 

Fax: + (966‐11) 2057662
Call NPC at: + (966‐11) 2038222, Exts: 2317‐2356‐2340.
SFDA Call Center: 19999
E‐mail: npc.drug@sfda.gov.sa
Website: https://ade.sfda.gov.sa/

• Other GCC States

Please contact the relevant competent authority.

Symptoms
There is no typical clinical picture resulting from diclofenac over dosage. Over dosage can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, diarrhoea, dizziness, disorientation, excitation, coma, drowsiness, tinnitus, fainting or convulsions.
In the case of significant poisoning acute renal failure and liver damage are possible.

Therapeutic measures
Management of acute poisoning with NSAIDs, including diclofenac, essentially consists of supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Supportive measures and symptomatic treatment should be given for complications such as hypotension, renal failure, convulsions, gastrointestinal disorder,
and respiratory depression.

Special measures such as forced diuresis, dialysis or haemo‐perfusion are probably of no help in eliminating NSAIDs, including diclofenac, due to the high protein binding and extensive metabolism.

Activated charcoal may be considered after ingestion of a potentially toxic overdose, and gastric decontamination (e.g. vomiting, gastric lavage) after ingestion of a potentially life threatening overdose.

Pharmacotherapeutic group
Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

 

Mechanism of action

Diclofenac sodium is a non‐steroidal agent with marked analgesic/anti inflammatory properties. It is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase, (cyclo‐oxygenase).

Diclofenac sodium in vitro does not suppress proteoglycan biosynthesis in cartilage at concentrations equivalent to the concentrations reached in human beings.

Absorption
Absorption is complete but onset is delayed until passage through the stomach, which may be affected by food which delays stomach emptying. The mean peak plasma diclofenac concentration reached at about 2 hours (50 mg dose produces 1511 ± 466 ng/ml).

Bioavailability:
About half of the administered diclofenac is metabolised during its first passage through the liver ("first‐pass" effect), the area under the concentrations curve (AUC) following oral administration is about half that following an equivalent parenteral dose.

Pharmacokinetic behaviour does not change on repeated administration. Accumulation does not occur, provided the recommended dosage intervals are observed.

Distribution
The active substance is 99.7% protein bound, mainly to albumin (99.4%).

Diclofenac enters the synovial fluid, where maximum concentrations are measured 2‐4 hours after the peak plasma values have been attained. The apparent half‐life for elimination from the synovial fluid is 3‐6 hours. Two hours after reaching the peak plasma values, concentrations of the active
substance are already higher in the synovial fluid than they are in the plasma and remain higher for up to 12 hours.

Diclofenac was detected in a low concentration (100 ng/ml) in breast milk in one nursing mother. The estimated amount ingested by an infant consuming breast milk is equivalent to a 0.03 mg/kg/day dose (see section 4.6).

Metabolism
Biotransformation of diclofenac takes place partly by glucuronidation of the intact molecule, but mainly by single and multiple hydroxylation and methoxylation, resulting in several phenolic metabolites, most of which are converted to glucuronide conjugates. Two phenolic metabolites are
biologically active, but to a much lesser extent than diclofenac.

Elimination
The total systemic clearance of diclofenac in plasma is 263 ± 56 ml/min (mean value ± SD). The terminal half‐life in plasma is 1‐2 hours. Four of the metabolites, including the two active ones, also have short plasma half‐lives of 1‐3 hours.

About 60% of the administered dose is excreted in the urine in the form of the glucuronide conjugate of the intact molecule and as metabolites, most of which are also converted to glucuronide conjugates. Less than 1% is excreted as unchanged substance. The rest of the dose is eliminated as
metabolites through the bile in the faeces.

 

Characteristics in patients
Elderly: No relevant age‐dependent differences in the drug's absorption, metabolism, or excretion have been observed, other than the finding that in five elderly patients, a 15 minute IV infusion resulted in 50% higher plasma concentrations than expected with young healthy subjects.

Patients with renal impairment: In patients suffering from renal impairment, no accumulation of the unchanged active substance can be inferred from the single‐dose kinetics when applying the usual dosage schedule. At a creatinine clearance of less than 10 ml/min, the calculated steady‐state
plasma levels of the hydroxy metabolites are about 4 times higher than in normal subjects. However, the metabolites are ultimately cleared through the bile.

Patients with hepatic impairment: In patients with chronic hepatitis or non‐decompensated cirrhosis, the kinetics and metabolism of diclofenac are the same as in patients without liver disease.

None stated.

Tablet core:
‐ Microcrystalline cellulose
‐ Croscarmellose sodium
‐ Colloidal silicon dioxide
‐ Magnesium stearate

Tablet coat:
‐ Talc
‐ Titanium dioxide
‐ Polyethylene glycol
‐ Sicopharm brown lake
‐ Quinoline yellow lake
‐ Carmellose sodium
‐ Simethicone emulsion
‐ Methacrylic acid copolymer

Not applicable.

36 months.

Store in a dry place below 30°C.

 

Store in the original package in order to protect from light.

Clear PVC/PVDC blisters.

Pack size: 20 Enteric‐coated tablets.

No special requirements.