This combination is indicated for treatment of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in patients at high risk of developing NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers and their complications.
Drugs for Osteoarthritis, Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
It is a combination product containing Diclofenac Sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic properties and Misoprostol, a gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal protective prostaglandin E 1 analog. The mechanism of action of Diclofenac Sodium, like other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but may be related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition. NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. A deficiency of prostaglandins within the gastric and duodenal may lead to diminish bicarbonate and mucosal secretion and may contribute to mucosal damage caused by NSAIDs. Misoprostol can increase bicarbonate and mucous production & prevents gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Osteoarthritis: The recommended dosage for maximal GI mucosal protection is Diclofenac Sodium 50 mg & Misoprostol 200 ?g tid. For patients who experience intolerance, Diclofenac Sodium 75 mg & Misoprostol 200 ?g bid or Diclofenac Sodium 50 mg p& Misoprostol 200 ?g bid can be used. Rheumatoid arthritis: The recommended dosage is Diclofenac Sodium 50 mg & Misoprostol 200 ?g tid or qid. For patients who experience intolerance, Diclofenac Sodium 75 mg & Misoprostol 200 ?g bid or Diclofenac Sodium 50 mg & Misoprostol 200 ?g bid can be used.
Aspirin: Concomitant administration with aspirin is not recommended because Diclofenac Sodium is displaced from its binding sites by aspirin, resulting in lower plasma concentrations, peak plasma levels and AUC values.
Digoxin: Elevated digoxin levels have been reported in patients receiving digoxin and Diclofenac Sodium. Antihypertensives: NSAIDs can inhibit the activity of antihypertensives, including ACE inhibitors.
Warfarin: The effects of warfarin and NSAIDs on GI bleeding are synergistic, such that users of both drugs together have a risk of serious bleeding greater than users of either drug alone.
Oral hypoglycaemics: Diclofenac Sodium does not alter glucose metabolism in healthy people nor it alters the effects of oral hypoglycaemics. Diclofenac Sodium may alter diabetic patient’s response to insulin or oral hypoglycaemics.
Antacids: Antacids reduce the bioavailability of Misoprostol. Antacids may also delay absorption of Diclofenac Sodium.
Diuretics: The Diclofenac Sodium component like other NSAIDs, can inhibit the activity of diuretics. Concomitant therapy with potassium-sparing diuretics may be associated with increased serum potassium levels.
This is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Diclofenac, Misoprostol or to other prostaglandins. This should not be given to patients who have experienced asthma, urticaria or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. This is also contraindicated in pregnant women because of the abortifacient property of Misoprostol. Patients with an underlying condition such as inflammatory bowel disease or those in whom dehydration should be monitored carefully if Diclofenac Sodium plus Misoprostol is prescribed.
The most common reported side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea and other GI symptoms. Diarrhea and abdominal pain developed early in the course of therapy and were usually self-limited (resolved after 2 to 7 days). Rare instances of profound diarrhea leading to severe dehydration have been reported in patients receiving Misoprostol.
Lactation: Diclofenac Sodium has been found in the milk of nursing mothers. It is unlikely that Misoprostol is excreted into milk since the drug is rapidly metabolized throughout the body. Excretion of the active metabolite (Misoprostol acid) into milk is possible, but has not been studied. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, Diclofenac Sodium and Misoprostol combination is not recommended for use by nursing mothers.
Misoprostol: Convulsions, sedation, tremor, dyspnoea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, palpitations, hypotension, bradycardia. Management: Supportive treatment.
Diclofenac: Lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, GI bleeding. HTN, acute renal failure, resp depression, anaphylactoid reactions and coma may occur rarely
Store in a cool and dry place below 25º C. Protect from light.
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