Diclofenac Injection

• Type: Pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medication

• Drug Class: NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)

• Form: Sterile solution for intramuscular (IM) or sometimes intravenous (IV) administration

How It Works

• Diclofenac works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins — chemicals that cause pain, inflammation, and fever.

• By reducing prostaglandins, it relieves pain, swelling, and inflammation quickly.

Common Uses

Diclofenac injection is generally used for short-term relief of:

• Acute musculoskeletal pain (e.g., sprains, strains)

• Postoperative pain (after surgery)

• Severe back pain or sciatica

• Renal colic (severe pain from kidney stones)

• Acute gout attacks

• Pain due to arthritis flare-ups

Advantages

• Works quickly compared to oral tablets (within 15–30 minutes)

• Provides powerful pain relief for moderate-to-severe pain

• Useful when oral route is not possible (vomiting, postoperative setting)

Possible Side Effects

• Pain or irritation at injection site

• Nausea, vomiting

• Stomach upset or acidity

• Dizziness, headache

• Rare: allergic reactions

Serious but Less Common Risks:

• Stomach ulcers or bleeding (especially with repeated use)

• Kidney function impairment

• Increased blood pressure or fluid retention

• Risk of heart attack or stroke with prolonged use

Precautions

• Should be used for short-term treatment only

• Avoid in patients with active ulcers, severe kidney or liver disease, heart failure

• Use cautiously in people with hypertension, bleeding disorders, or asthma

• Not recommended in late pregnancy (may affect fetal circulation)

• Always use under medical supervision and at the lowest effective dose