Diclo Plus Tab

DICLO PLUS TAB

DICLO PLUS TAB is a combination medication designed for pain relief and reduction of inflammation. It is manufactured by FOURRTS (INDIA) LABORATORIES PVT. LIMITED.

Composition

DICLO PLUS TAB contains two active ingredients:

• Diclofenac (50mg): A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby reducing the production of prostaglandins responsible for pain and swelling.
• Paracetamol (500mg): Also known as Acetaminophen, it acts as an analgesic (pain reducer) and antipyretic (fever reducer) by blocking pain impulses and acting on the brain's heat-regulating center, enhancing Diclofenac's pain relief action.

Uses

DICLO PLUS TAB is prescribed for the short-term relief of pain, inflammation, and swelling associated with various conditions, including:

• Musculoskeletal joint conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Headaches, including mild migraines.
• Dental pain and ear pain.
• Back pain and muscle pain.
• Menstrual cramps.
• Post-surgical pain.

Dosage and Administration

The tablet should be taken orally, typically with or after food, to minimize stomach upset. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed, chewed, or broken. The dosage and duration of treatment should be strictly as advised by a healthcare professional.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Stomach upset, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and diarrhea.
• Dizziness, light-headedness, and malaise.
• Liver dysfunction (hepatitis) or elevated liver enzymes.
• Pruritus (itchy skin) and rash.

Serious side effects, though rare, can include:

• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with prolonged use.
• Stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Severe allergic reactions such as swelling of ankles, feet, hands, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, skin rashes, and increased heart rate.
• Kidney or liver damage with long-term use.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to Diclofenac, Paracetamol, or any other NSAIDs.
• Pregnancy: Not recommended during the last three months of pregnancy due to risks to the developing baby, including heart defects and increased bleeding risk. Consult a doctor if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: Caution is advised as it is excreted in breast milk. Consult a doctor.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of liver damage and stomach problems.
• Underlying Conditions: Use with caution in patients with a history of heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, prolonged bleeding time, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or autoimmune diseases.
• Driving: May cause dizziness or drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, including over-the-counter and herbal preparations, to avoid potential interactions, especially with blood thinners, certain antibiotics, medicines for diabetes, and other NSAIDs. Not recommended for children less than 14 years of age.

Storage

Store DICLO PLUS TAB at room temperature (20-25°C), away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

DICLO PLUS Tablet is a combination medication containing Diclofenac and Paracetamol, used for pain relief and reducing inflammation. Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and Paracetamol (also known as Acetaminophen) is an analgesic and antipyretic.

What is DICLO PLUS Tablet used for?

DICLO PLUS Tablet is primarily used to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling associated with various conditions. These include musculoskeletal pain, joint pain (such as in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis), muscle pain, back pain, toothache, ear pain, throat pain, headaches, mild migraines, and menstrual cramps.

How does DICLO PLUS Tablet work?

DICLO PLUS Tablet works through its two active ingredients: Diclofenac and Paracetamol. Diclofenac, an NSAID, functions by blocking the action of chemical messengers called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins that cause pain, inflammation, and swelling at the site of injury or damage. Paracetamol acts as a mild pain reducer (analgesic) and fever reducer (antipyretic) by blocking pain impulses in the central nervous system and influencing the brain's heat-regulating center, enhancing Diclofenac's pain relief action.

What is the usual dosage for DICLO PLUS Tablet?

The dosage of DICLO PLUS Tablet should always be as prescribed by your doctor, as it can vary based on the severity of your condition and your response to the medicine. It's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions, stick to the prescribed dosage, and never exceed it without consulting your doctor. Some formulations, for example, may contain Diclofenac 50mg and Paracetamol 325mg or 500mg. Generally, tablets are taken orally, often 2 to 3 times a day, with or after food to prevent stomach upset.

What are the possible side effects of DICLO PLUS Tablet?

Common side effects can include stomach upset, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, flatulence, dizziness, and loss of appetite. Other reported side effects may include headaches, light-headedness, malaise, liver dysfunction, itchy skin, rash, and elevated liver enzymes. If any side effects bother you or do not go away, inform your doctor. Serious side effects can include an increased risk of heart attack, stomach bleeding or ulcers, and kidney damage with long-term use.

Is DICLO PLUS Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

DICLO PLUS Tablet is generally not recommended during the last three months of pregnancy as it may harm the unborn child or cause delivery problems. During earlier stages of pregnancy, it should only be taken if the benefits outweigh the risks, and usually for a short period.

For breastfeeding mothers, caution is advised. Only tiny amounts of Diclofenac may pass into breast milk, and it has been widely used without reported problems. However, it's recommended to consult your doctor before using DICLO PLUS Tablet while breastfeeding.

Can DICLO PLUS Tablet be taken with other medications?

DICLO PLUS Tablet can interact with various medications. It's important to inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter products and herbal preparations, to avoid potential interactions.

Specific interactions include:

• Other NSAIDs and Paracetamol-containing medicines: Increased risk of side effects and liver damage.
• Blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin, heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel): Increased risk of bleeding.
• Medicines for high blood pressure (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers): Diclofenac may reduce their blood pressure-lowering effects.
• Water pills (diuretics): Can lead to kidney damage if taken with DICLO PLUS.
• Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus (immune suppressants): Increased risk of kidney damage.
• Lithium and Digoxin: DICLO PLUS can increase their levels in the blood.
• Steroidal medicines: Increased risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., Levofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin): Increased risk of fits.
• Medicines for diabetes: Use with caution and monitor blood glucose levels.

What precautions should be taken?

• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase the risk of liver damage and stomach bleeding.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: DICLO PLUS Tablet may cause dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, or blurred vision, so it's advisable to avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience these effects.
• Pre-existing conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, kidney or liver problems, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, asthma, or blood clotting disorders.
• Long-term use: DICLO PLUS is generally not recommended for long-term use. Your doctor may monitor kidney function, liver function, and blood components during long-term treatment.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

How should DICLO PLUS Tablet be stored?

Store DICLO PLUS Tablet in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, at room temperature (below 30°C). Keep it out of the reach of children and pets to maintain its effectiveness and prevent accidental ingestion.