Voltaren Rapid 12.5/ 25/ 50
Generic Name: Diclofenac potassium
Product Name: Voltaren Rapid 12.5/ 25/ 50
Indication
Voltaren Rapid 12.5, 25, and 50 are used to relieve acute pain from certain conditions, and to reduce the swelling and redness associated with the pain. The conditions they are used to treat are:
- Short term (up to 1 week) painful conditions where swelling is involved (e.g. muscle sprains, strains, back pain, joint pain, dental pain).
- Short term relief of menstrual cramps
Different strengths of Voltaren Rapid are used for:
Voltaren Rapid 12.5:
Voltaren Rapid 25 and 50:
- Relief of migraine headaches. It may also relieve nausea and vomiting, which is sometimes experienced when having migraines.
Action
The active ingredient of Voltaren Rapid is diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID). Diclofenac works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, an enzyme vital in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play an important role in inflammation. Thus diclofenac helps to control fever, pain and inflammation.
Dose advice
Dose information:
- Follow all the directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist. Do not use Voltaren Rapid tablets for a longer period than your doctor recommends.
- Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew them, as this will destroy the coating of the tablets which prevents them from dissolving until they have passed through the stomach.
- The tablets work more quickly if taken on an empty stomach, hence it is preferable to take them before meals. However, if the tablets upset the stomach, they may be taken with or soon after food.
In general, the recommended doses for treating specific conditions are:
Voltaren Rapid 12.5:
- Initial dose when symptoms appear is 2 tablets.
- If needed, another 1 or 2 tablets can be taken every 4-6 hours.
- Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours.
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration to relieve symptoms.
- Voltaren Rapid 12.5 should not be taken for more than a week.
- If symptoms persist, seek medical advice from your doctor to exclude a possible serious illness.
Voltaren Rapid 25 and 50:
- Arthritis and other painful conditions:
- Usually start with 100-150 mg in 2-3 separate doses each day (e.g. 2-3 tablets a day).
- Voltaren Rapid 25 and 50 are not used to cure your disease but to help to control the pain and swelling. It usually starts to work within a few hours.
- Menstrual cramps:
- Initial dose as soon as symptoms start: 50-100mg (1-2 tablets) each day.
- If needed, the dose can be increased over several menstrual periods to a maximum of 200mg (4 tablets) each day
- Migraine:
- Usually start with 50 mg (2 tablets) when signs and symptoms of migraine attack start.
- If the pain continues within 2 hours, take another 50 mg (2 tablets).
- Additional doses of 50 mg (2 tablets) can be taken every 4-6 hours, only if needed.
Contraindications:
Patients with certain conditions should not take Voltaren Rapid. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Active peptic or duodenal ulcers, or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
- Diclofenac, aspirin, or any other NSAID induced asthma, urticaria or allergic reaction, or hypersensitivity to any other ingredients of the tablets
- Final trimester of pregnancy
- Severe hepatic or renal impairment
- Heart failure
Precautions:
Patients with certain conditions need special consideration before using Voltaren Rapid. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Cardiovascular disease, or risk factors of cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- History of gastrointestinal disorders
- Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Respiratory disorders: Asthma, nasal polyps, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or hayfever
- Renal or hepatic impairment
Use in pregnancy:
Voltaren Rapid is an ADEC Category C drug. The safety of Voltaren Rapid use in pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it is not recommended unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
Lactation:
Voltaren is excreted into breast milk. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
Children:
Voltaren Rapid 12.5, 25 and 50 are not recommended for children under 14 years of age.
Schedule
Voltaren Rapid 12.5 is Schedule 2.1,2
Voltaren Rapid 25 is Schedule 3.1,2
Voltaren Rapid 50 is Schedule 4.1,2
Common side effects
All medicines have side effects. Most commonly the side effects are minor, however some can be more serious. Usually the benefits of taking a medication outweigh the associated side effects. Your doctor would have considered these side effects before starting you on Voltaren Rapid.
Common side effects are those which occur in more than 1% of patients given Voltaren. These include:
- Stomach upset (e.g. nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, wind, indigestion)
- Constipation and diarrhoea
- Headache, dizziness
- Sore tongue or mouth, change of taste sensation
- Drowsiness, feeling disorientated
- Rash
Uncommon side effects
Side effects which occur in less than 1% of patients given Voltaren Rapid are considered uncommon. Patients do not necessarily experience any of these side effects, so do not become alarmed by this list:
- Feeling nervous, irritated or depressed
- Sleeplessness, nightmares
- Tingling or numbness of hands or feet
- Buzzing or ringing in the ears
- Unusual weight gain or swelling of ankles or legs
- Fast or irregular heart beat
- Blurred or double vision
If you experience any of the listed side effects, or any other symptoms which appear abnormal or unusual, please tell your doctor.
References
- Australian Medicines Handbook 2007, Adelaide, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, 2007.
- MIMS Online. Voltaren Rapid [Online]. MIMS Australia. 24 May 2006 [Cited April 22, 2008]. Available from: [URL Link]
For further information talk to your doctor.
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