Caflam (Diclofanic Potassium & Sodium) – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Brands in Pakistan

 

Introduction

Diclofenac is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribed for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and swelling. It belongs to the acetic acid derivative group and has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Diclofenac is available in two main forms:

• Diclofenac Potassium – Fast-acting, usually prescribed for acute pain conditions.

• Diclofenac Sodium – Slower absorption, more suitable for chronic pain management.

Both forms are marketed under different brand names such as Caflam, Voltaren, and others.

---

Mechanism of Action

Diclofenac works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which are responsible for the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemical mediators of pain, inflammation, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, diclofenac provides quick relief from pain and inflammation.

---

Indications (Uses)

Diclofenac tablets are prescribed for short-term treatment of acute painful conditions, such as:

• Post-traumatic pain, inflammation, and swelling

• Post-operative pain and swelling

• Migraine attacks

• Painful syndromes of the vertebral column

• Non-articular rheumatism

• Ear, nose, and throat infections with pain and swelling

• Primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps)

⚠️ Note: Diclofenac is not prescribed for fever alone, unless associated with inflammation.

 Also Read: Gabica (Pregabalin) – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Alternatives
Gabica ek nerve pain aur anxiety ke liye effective medicine hai jo Diclofenac jaise pain killers ke sath kuch cases me combined therapy ka hissa ban sakti hai.

---

Dosage and Administration

Diclofenac dosage should be individualized based on the patient’s condition and tolerance.

Adults:

• Initial dose: 100–150 mg daily (in divided doses)

• Maintenance dose: 75–100 mg daily

• Dysmenorrhea: 50–150 mg depending on severity

Children (above 14 years):

• Diclofenac tablets are not recommended below 14 years. Drops or pediatric formulations (12.5 mg) may be used in special cases under supervision.

Renal or Hepatic Impairment:

• Diclofenac is contraindicated in severe kidney or liver disease.

---

Contraindications

Diclofenac should not be used in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to diclofenac or other NSAIDs

• Active gastric or intestinal ulcers

• Severe hepatic or renal impairment

• History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation

---

Warnings and Precautions

• Gastrointestinal risks: May cause ulcers, bleeding, or perforation

• Cardiovascular risks: Increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke with long-term use

• Respiratory effects: May trigger asthma or allergic rhinitis in sensitive individuals

• Hematologic effects: Diclofenac inhibits platelet aggregation

• NSAID interactions: Risk of gastrointestinal leakage after GI surgery

---

Adverse Reactions

Some reported side effects include:

• Headache, dizziness, and fatigue

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain

• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, swelling

• Cardiovascular issues: high blood pressure, chest pain

• Rare but severe: liver enzyme elevation, blood disorders

  ---

  Diclofenac Potassium vs Diclofenac Sodium
  
  

  Feature	Diclofenac Potassium	Diclofenac Sodium
  Absorption	Fast	Slow
  Onset of Action	Quick (best for acute pain & migraine)	Delayed
  Use	Short-term pain relief	Long-term conditions (arthritis, rheumatism)
  Duration	Short	Longer
  Suitability	Sudden attacks (migraine, post-op pain)	Chronic conditions (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)

  Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

  Pregnancy: Should only be used if absolutely necessary and in the lowest effective dose. Lactation: Passes into breast milk in very small amounts, generally not harmful, but caution advised.

  Brands in Pakistan
  

  Brands of Diclofenac in Pakistan

  Diclofenac is available under multiple brand names in Pakistan, depending on whether it is Diclofenac Potassium or Diclofenac Sodium.

  Diclofenac Potassium (Fast-acting – acute pain relief):

  • Caflam (Novartis)

  • Catafin (Cibex Pharma)

  • Voltaflam (Platinum Pharma)

  Diclofenac Sodium (Slow-acting – chronic pain management):

  • Dicloran (Sami Pharma)

  • Diclo (Indus Pharma)

  • Vorin (Asian Continental)

  ⚡ Ye classification patient aur doctors dono ke liye helpful hai — jo cases me quick relief chahiye unke liye potassium form prefer ki jati hai, aur long-term therapy me sodium form ziada use hoti hai.

  Roman Urdu Summary 

  Diclofenac ek mashhoor dard aur soojan kam karne wali dawai hai jo NSAID group se taluq rakhti hai. Ye 2 forms me available hai – Diclofenac Potassium aur Diclofenac Sodium. Dono ka kaam dard aur soojan ko kam karna hai lekin farq unke kaam shuru hone ke waqt aur duration me hai. Diclofenac Potassium fast-acting hoti hai aur migraine attacks, sudden pain ya post-operative pain ke liye zyada behtareen hai. Diclofenac Sodium comparatively slow hoti hai aur chronic diseases jaise arthritis me use hoti hai jahan lambi muddat ka ilaj zaroori hota hai. Iski recommended dose aam tor par 75–150 mg per day hai jo patient ki condition ke hisaab se adjust hoti hai. Bacchon (14 saal se kam) aur kidney/liver disease ke patients ko yeh dawai nahi deni chahiye. Side effects me headache, nausea, skin rash, aur kabhi kabar serious gastrointestinal bleeding aur cardiovascular problems ho sakte hain. Is wajah se diclofenac use karne se pehle doctor ki salah zaroor leni chahiye.

  Alternatives to Diclofenac

  Other NSAIDs jo diclofenac ki jagah prescribe kiye ja sakte hain (depending on case): Ibuprofen Naproxen Mefenamic acid Celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor, safer for stomach)

  🔹 Final English Summary

  Diclofenac is one of the most widely used NSAIDs for pain and inflammation. It comes in two main salt forms: Diclofenac Potassium, which acts quickly and is suitable for acute pain like migraine attacks, post-operative pain, and menstrual pain, and Diclofenac Sodium, which is slower in absorption but more useful for long-term inflammatory conditions like arthritis and chronic back pain. The usual adult dose ranges from 75 mg to 150 mg daily, depending on severity. Diclofenac should not be used in patients with active gastric ulcers, severe liver or kidney impairment, or in those with a history of severe allergic reactions to NSAIDs. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, headache, dizziness, and in rare cases, cardiovascular complications. During pregnancy and lactation, diclofenac use should be avoided unless strictly necessary. In Pakistan, diclofenac is marketed under many brand names. For potassium form: Caflam, Catafin, and Voltaflam are common. For sodium form: Dicloran, Diclo, and Vorin are widely prescribed. ⚡ In summary, diclofenac remains an effective medicine for both short-term and long-term pain conditions. However, it should always be taken under medical supervision to minimize risks, especially for patients with gastrointestinal or cardiovascular problems.