Have you ever had a sudden, severe headache on one side of your head, accompanied by nausea, inability to look at the light, and a feeling of nausea when you hear a sound? Many people are familiar with this. We call this condition a migraine. So, when such severe pain occurs, a special medicine called Diclofenac liquid is given to control it. Today, we will talk about this medicine in simple terms, how to use it, and things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Diclofenac is a medication that is given to you to reduce the pain and associated inflammation once you have a migraine headache . It belongs to a group of painkillers, which we call NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs).
The important thing is that this is not a medicine to prevent migraine headaches. It is only used to relieve headaches once they occur.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. This medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Your health condition or habit | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Asthma, especially asthma aggravated by aspirin. | NSAID medications can worsen asthma in some people. |
| A recent (within 2 weeks) bypass surgery (CABG Surgery). | The risk of bleeding and heart problems may increase after surgery. |
| Drinking alcohol per day. | The combination of alcohol and this medication increases the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. |
| Circulatory problems such as heart disease, heart attack, and leg swelling. | This medicine may slightly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| High blood pressure. | The medication can cause blood pressure to rise further. |
| Kidney disease. | Because it can affect the kidneys. |
| Liver disease. | Because it can affect liver function. |
| Stomach inflammation, gastritis, or stomach ulcers. | There is a possibility that the existing condition may worsen or cause bleeding. |
| Allergies to Diclofenac, Aspirin or other NSAIDs. | To avoid the risk of a severe allergic reaction. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | This medicine is not suitable for use during pregnancy (especially in the last months) and for breastfeeding mothers. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is a medicine that comes in a liquid form. It usually comes in a packet containing a powder.
1. Take some water (1-2 ounces, that is, approximately 30-60 milliliters) in a glass.
2. Add the powder from the medicine packet to this water and mix well.
3. Drink it completely as soon as you stir it.
Important: Use only as directed by your doctor, in the amount prescribed. Never take more than the prescribed dose. Using this medicine continuously for a long time may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. So your doctor may prescribe a lower dose for you.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Treat this as an emergency.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
When taking Diclofenac, interactions may occur with other medications you are taking. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Never take Diclofenac with this medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Ketorolac |
| Methotrexate | |
| Be especially careful when taking Diclofenac with these things. | |
| Alcohol | Aspirin and similar medications |
| Blood pressure medication | Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin) |
| Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) | Diuretics |
| Lithium | Steroid-type medications (e.g. Prednisone) |
| Cyclosporine | Pemetrexed |
This list is not complete. It is very important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbs, and even supplements you are taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Be aware of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
This medicine can cause serious stomach ulcers and bleeding without warning . Smoking, drinking alcohol, being older, and having poor health can increase this risk. If you have stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black stools, seek medical advice immediately.
Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, long-term use may increase your risk, especially if you have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attacks, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Severe skin reactions
Severe skin reactions can sometimes occur even weeks after starting the medication. If you develop red or purple blisters on your skin along with fever, body aches, peeling skin, or swollen lymph nodes in your face, lips, neck, or armpits, see a doctor immediately.
Be careful during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. Taking this medicine between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Do not take this medicine after 30 weeks.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
Like any medicine, Diclofenac can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of bleeding | Black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Pain/stiffness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Nausea |
| Appetite | Stomach discomfort/inflammation |
Take-Home Message
- Diclofenac liquid is used to relieve migraine headaches after they occur , not to prevent them from occurring .
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking (including traditional medicines).
- If you experience symptoms such as severe stomach pain, black stools, chest pain, or a severe skin reaction, do not ignore it and seek medical advice immediately .
- This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to ask your doctor if this medicine is safe for you to take.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න