Diclofenac Injectable: Dosing and Precautions

Therapeutic action

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), analgesic.

Indications

Moderate pain due to inflammation such as acute sciatic neuralgia, renal colic, and postoperative pain.

Forms and strengths, route of administration

• 75 mg in 3 ml ampoule, 25 mg/ml, for deep IM injection or IV infusion.

Dose

For postoperative pain, may be administered by infusion: 75 mg over 30 to 120 minutes, to be repeated after 4 to 6 hours if necessary. Do not exceed 150 mg in 24 hours.

• Adult: 75 mg by deep IM injection, to be repeated after 6 hours if necessary.

Duration

Maximum 2 days. Change to oral treatment with an analgesic as soon as possible.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

Do not exceed the recommended duration of treatment.

• Do not administer to patients with allergy to NSAIDs, peptic ulcer, coagulation defects, haemorrhage, surgery with risk of major blood loss, severe renal, hepatic or cardiac impairment, severe malnutrition, uncorrected dehydration or hypovolaemia, asthma, or severe infection.
• May cause local reactions at the injection site, renal impairment, gastrointestinal disturbances, and allergic reactions.
• Administer with caution and carefully monitor use in older patients or patients with cardiovascular disorders.
• Do not combine with other NSAIDs, diuretics, or anticoagulants.
• Pregnancy: contraindicated.
• Breast-feeding: contraindicated.