Diclofenac injection is primarily used for the management of moderate to severe pain, particularly when rapid onset is required or when oral administration is not appropriate[2][3][4][7].
Main indications include:
- Moderate to severe acute pain, including postoperative pain, injury-related pain, and renal colic[2][3][4][5][7].
- Pain and inflammation related to musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (although these are typically managed with oral forms, injections may be used as initial or adjunct therapy in specific cases)[1][5][7].
Dosage and administration:
- Intramuscular (IM) injection: 75 mg deep IM, repeatable after 6 hours if necessary. Maximum of 150 mg per 24 hours. Typically used for up to 2 days before switching to oral treatment if possible[3][4][7].
- Intravenous (IV) injection: For some preparations (e.g., DYLOJECT), 37.5 mg IV bolus every 6 hours as needed, not to exceed 150 mg per 24 hours. For postoperative pain, 75 mg can be given as an IV infusion over 30-120 minutes, repeatable if required after 4-6 hours[2][4][6][7].
Therapeutic class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), used for anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects[3][5].
Other important considerations:
- Injectable diclofenac should not exceed a maximum daily dose of 150 mg[2][3][4][6].
- Use injectable forms for the shortest duration necessary and shift to oral or rectal forms as soon as possible[3][4].
- Contraindicated in patients with known NSAID allergies, active gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, severe organ impairments, or certain metabolic conditions. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding[3].
- Possible adverse effects include injection site reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, renal impairment, allergic reactions, and increased cardiovascular risk[3][7].
References
- [1] Diclofenac Uses, Dosage & Side Effects – Drugs.com
- [2] DYLOJECT (diclofenac) Injection FDA Label
- [3] MSF Medical Guidelines – Diclofenac injectable
- [4] Diclofenac Sodium Injection 75mg/3ml – Summary of Product Characteristics
- [5] DrugBank – Diclofenac: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action
- [6] Diclofenac Dosage Guide – Drugs.com
- [7] StatPearls – Diclofenac
Leave a Reply