A-Fenac K (Diclofenac Potassium) Tablets: A Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

A-Fenac K contains Diclofenac Potassium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the short-term treatment of various acute painful and inflammatory conditions. It belongs to the therapeutic class of drugs for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and general NSAIDs.

How A-Fenac K Works (Pharmacology)

The mechanism of action of Diclofenac Potassium, like other NSAIDs, involves the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes. These enzymes are crucial for the synthesis of prostaglandins.

• Prostaglandins are chemicals that sensitize afferent nerves (involved in pain perception) and potentiate the action of bradykinin in inducing pain. They are also mediators of inflammation.
• By inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, Diclofenac's mode of action is thought to be due to a decrease of prostaglandins in peripheral tissues, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.

Key Indications & Benefits

A-Fenac K is indicated for short-term treatment in the following acute conditions:

• Post-traumatic pain, inflammation, and swelling, e.g., due to sprains.
• Post-operative pain, inflammation, and swelling, e.g., following dental or orthopedic surgery.
• Painful and/or inflammatory conditions in gynecology, e.g., primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) or adnexitis (inflammation of the uterine adnexa).
• Migraine attacks.
• Painful syndromes of the vertebral column (back pain).
• Non-articular rheumatism (pain in soft tissues around joints).
• As an adjuvant (additional) therapy in severe painful inflammatory infections of the ear, nose, or throat, e.g., pharyngotonsillitis, otitis.

Dosage & Administration

A-Fenac K tablets should be swallowed whole with liquid, preferably before meals. Always consult a registered physician for medication use.

• Adults:
  • Following an initial loading dose of 50 mg, take 25-50 mg every eight hours if necessary.
• Migraine:
  • An initial loading dose of 50 mg, then if necessary a further 25-50 mg after 2 hours.
  • The maximum daily dose is 150 mg.
• Children:
  • Children over 14 years of age: up to 75 mg daily in divided doses.

Important Considerations & Warnings

It is crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor before taking A-Fenac K.

Contraindications:

• Patients with known hypersensitivity to Diclofenac.
• Patients who have experienced asthma, urticaria (hives), or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, rarely fatal, anaphylactic-like reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients.
• For the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Side Effects:

• Side effects are usually mild and transient. However, if serious side effects occur, A-Fenac K should be discontinued.
• Occasional: Epigastric pain, other gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dyspepsia, flatulence, anorexia).
• Rare: Gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcer (with or without bleeding or perforation), bloody diarrhea.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• Pregnancy: Diclofenac should generally not be prescribed during pregnancy unless there are compelling reasons. If used, the lowest effective dosage should be employed. This type of drug is not recommended during the last trimester of pregnancy.
• Lactation: Very small quantities of diclofenac may be detected in breast milk, but no undesirable effects on the infant are generally expected.

Drug Interactions:

A-Fenac K may have interactions with the following drugs:

• Lithium and Digoxin: May increase plasma concentrations of Lithium and Digoxin.
• Anticoagulants: Isolated reports of increased risk of hemorrhage with combined use.
• Cyclosporin: Cases of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) have been reported when given concomitantly.
• Methotrexate: Cases of serious toxicity have been reported when Methotrexate and NSAIDs are given within 24 hours of each other.
• Diuretics: May inhibit the activity of diuretics.
• Other NSAIDs and steroids: Co-administration with other systemic NSAIDs and steroids may increase the frequency of unwanted effects.

Storage Conditions

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.