Cataflam is the brand name of the drug diclofenac potassium. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and swelling. Cataflam is available both as an over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) drug, depending on its dose strength.
Uses
What is Cataflam used for?
Cataflam is commonly used to relieve mild to moderate pain and swelling (inflammation) from various conditions including:
- After surgery and rehabilitation
- Sprains and sports-related injuries
- Migraines
- Headaches
- Dysmenorrhea
- Spine and vertebral disorders (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis)
- Arthritis
- ENT infections (e.g. otitis, pharyngitis)
Diclofenac is normally indicated for short-term pain management. Seek approval from your doctor for long-term or chronic use of this medication.
How should I take Cataflam?
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces /240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. To prevent stomach upset, take this medication with meals.
It may take several doses or days before your pain is managed. Continue taking this drug as your doctor has prescribed. If your pain worsens while taking this medication, inform your doctor right away.
How do I store Cataflam?
This drug is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of diclofenac that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using Cataflam?
Before using this drug , you should talk to doctor if you are/have:
- An allergy to any ingredient in this product
- An allergy or adverse reaction to other NSAIDs
- Aspirin or NSAID-induced asthma
- Kidney disease or impairment
- Cardiovascular disease (e.g. hypertension, history of stroke)
- Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. GERD, PUD)
- Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- Planning to have surgery (e.g. coronary artery bypass graft)
Taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
Is it safe during pregnancy or breast-feeding?
There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Cataflam during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Other NSAIDs have evidence that shows they can increase the risk of miscarriage during early pregnancy and fetal harm during late pregnancy. Avoid taking any NSAIDs during the first and second trimesters and never take NSAIDs during the third trimester.
This drug is pregnancy risk category D according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking this drug.
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
- A= No risk,
- B= No risk in some studies
- C= There may be some risk
- D= Positive evidence of risk
- X= Contraindicated
- N= Unknown
Side effects
What side effects can occur from Cataflam?
Some reported side effects after taking this drug include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- GI upset
- Abdominal pain
- Flatulence (gas)
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Rash
Not everyone experiences these side effects. Additionally, there may be other side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
What drugs may interact with Cataflam?
Some drugs may interact with this medication, including:
- Other NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen)
- CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g. voriconazole)
- CYP2C9 inducers (e.g. rifampicin)
- Lithium
- Digoxin
- Antihypertensive agents (e.g. beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs)
- Ciclosporin
- Tacrolimus
- Potassium-sparing diuretics
- Quinolones
- Corticosteroids
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Diabetes medications
- Phenytoin
- Methotrexate
- SSRI antidepressants
Does food or alcohol interact with Cataflam?
Do not take this drug together with alcohol, as it can increase the risk of GI upset and bleeding. It is best to take this medication with meals to minimize any GI discomfort.
Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with Cataflam?
This drug may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, especially:
- Renal (kidney) insufficiency
- Hepatic (liver) insufficiency
- Asthma
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
What is the dose for an adult?
For mild pain
Take 75 to 100 mg per day, divided into two or three doses.
For migraine
Take 50 mg before the attack occurs. Take another 50 mg if pain is not relieved after 2 hours. You can continue taking 50 mg doses every 4 to 6 hours, if needed. Maximum dose is 200 mg per day.
For dysmenorrhea
Take 50 mg three times a day. Some patients may take 100 mg as a loading dose, then continue taking 50 mg for the succeeding doses.
For osteoarthritis pain
Take 50 mg two to three times a day, or as instructed by your physician.
For rheumatoid arthritis pain
Take 50 mg three to four times a day, or as instructed by your physician.
You should take the lowest effective dose for a limited duration. It is not recommended to take this medication everyday for long periods of time. Follow your doctor’s advice while taking this medication, even if it is an OTC drug.
What is the dose for a child?
For children 14 years and older
Give 75 mg to 100 mg per day, in 2 or 3 separate doses. Maximum dose is 150 mg per day.
For children 13 years old and below
This medication is not recommended. Talk to your child’s pediatrician for more information and alternatives.
How is Cataflam available?
Cataflam is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Sugar-coated tablet 25 mg (OTC), 50 mg (Rx)
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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