International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Allied Science

ISSN: 2583-6544   |  Issues per year: Monthly  |   Indexed In: Google Scholar, CORE, ScienceOpen, Researchgate

ISSN:2583-6544

Abstract View

An Appraisal On Diclofenac and Its Undesirable Effects: From Pain Relief to Systemic Damage

Author(s): Poduri Lakshmi Lohita Priya*1, Syed Tehameem Afzal2, Sheik Arshiya Anjum3

Email(s): 1lohithapoduri@gmail.com

Address:

    PharmD Vikas Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rajahmundry

Published In:   Volume - 4,      Issue - 7,     Year - 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4702  

 View HTML        View PDF

Please allow Pop-Up for this website to view PDF file.

ABSTRACT:
Diclofenac which is mostly used for pain relief comes under the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID]having the properties of antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. It is efficient in inhibiting the prostaglandin synthesis through blockade cyclooxygenase [COX]. It is mainly used to treat pain of mild to moderate and also used in rheumatic diseases. Though it is proficient in treating the pain it is having expeditious adverse effects. These adverse effects show a major effect on the prominent organs like Heart, Liver, GI etc. These undesirable effects can be marked when the diclofenac is used irrationally like GI bleeding, ulceration. In addition to the gastrointestinal problems of ulcers, bleeding, and perforation that arise from unsupervised intake, excessive dosage increases cardiovascular toxicity and the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Improper or excessive use can lead to severe organ damage, emphasizing the importance of careful medical oversight when prescribing Diclofenac. Nevertheless, a wealth of research data indicates that diclofenac's pharmacologic effect involves multimodal and, in certain cases, new modes of action in addition to COX inhibition that proves to severe undesirable effects. The negative effects of Diclofenac abuse are critically examined in this study, emphasizing the pressing need for stronger prescribing guidelines, improved regulatory monitoring, and more patient education. To reduce avoidable injury and guarantee safer analgesic usage in clinical practice, these issues must be addressed. Additionally, supporting pharmacovigilance, restricting over-the counter availability, and promoting evidence-based guidelines can all be crucial in reducing the hazards associated with its irrational use.

Keywords:

Cite this article:
Poduri Lakshmi Lohita Priya, Syed Tehameem Afzal, Sheik Arshiya Anjum. An Appraisal On Diclofenac and Its Undesirable Effects: From Pain Relief to Systemic Damage. IJRPAS, July 2025; 4 (7): 13-20.DOI: https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4702


1.      Skoutakis VA, Carter CA, Mickle TR, Smith VH, Arkin CR, Alissandratos J, et al. 1988. DOI:10.1177/106002808802201102.

2.      Todd PA, Sorkin EM. Diclofenac Sodium. Drugs. 1988;35(3):244–85. https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-198835030-00004

3.      Altman R, et al. Advances in NSAID development: evolution of diclofenac products using pharmaceutical technology. Drugs. 2015;75(8):859–77. DOI:10.1007/s40265-015-0392-z

4.      Scholer DW, et al. Pharmacology of diclofenac sodium. Am J Med. 1986;80(4B). DOI:10.1016/0002-9343(86)90077-x

5.      Patsnap. What is the mechanism of diclofenac sodium? [Internet]. [cited year unknown]. Available from: https://synapse.patsnap.com/article/what-is-the-mechanism-of-diclofenac-sodium

6.      Davies NM, Anderson KE. Clinical pharmacokinetics of diclofenac: Therapeutic insights and pitfalls. Clinical Pharmacokinetics. 1997;33(3):184–213. DOI:10.2165/00003088-199733030-00003

7.      Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development. 2018;7(2):110–22. DOI:10.2165/00003088-199733030-00003

8.      Mayo Clinic. Diclofenac (oral route) [Internet]. [cited year unknown]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/diclofenac-oral-route/drg-20069748

9.      Mazzone M, Siciliano M, Carella G. Multiple diclofenac-induced adverse effects. Am J Gastroenterol. 2000;95(10):2988–9. DOI:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000. 03218.x

10.  Jevdjevic M, et al. The effects of diclofenac and ibuprofen on heart function and oxidative stress markers in the isolated rat heart. Exp Appl Biomed Res. 2014;15(1):11–9. https://doi.org/10.2478/sjecr-2014-0002

11.  Schoen RT, Vender RJ. Mechanisms of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric damage. Am J Med. 1989;86(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9343(89)90344-6

12.  Boelsterli UA. Diclofenac-induced liver injury: a paradigm of idiosyncratic drug toxicity. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2003;192(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0041-008X(03)00368-5

13.  Yasmeen T, Qureshi GS, Perveen S. Adverse effects of diclofenac sodium on renal parenchyma of adult albino rats. J Pak Med Assoc. 2007.

14.  Hernández-Díaz S, Rodríguez LA. Association between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding/perforation: an overview of epidemiologic studies published in the 1990s. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(14):2093–9. DOI:10.1001/archinte.160.14.2093

15.  McGettigan P, Henry D. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that elevate cardiovascular risk: an examination of sales and essential medicines lists in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. PLoS Med. 2013;10(2): e1001388. DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001388

16.  Björnsson E. Drug-induced liver injury: Hy's rule revisited. Clin Pharmacology Ther. 2006;79(6):521–8. DOI:10.1016/j.clpt.2006.02.012

17.  Gomaa S. Adverse effects induced by diclofenac, ibuprofen, and paracetamol toxicity on immunological and biochemical parameters in Swiss albino mice. J Basic Appl Zool. 2018;79:5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41936-018-0025-7

 

Related Images:



Recent Images



Neurological Complications among Pregnant and Post Partum Mothers in a Private Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Review on Regulatory Affairs in Pharmaceutical Industry
Cucumber and Mint Soap: Preparation and Evaluation
Topical Delivery in Cosmetics: Enhancing Penetration and Bioavailability
Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Soap
Gelatin: A Widely Used Pharmaceutical Excipient
Therapeutic insights into Saroglitazar: a dual PPAR- α/γ agonist targeting diabetic dyslipidaemia and NAFLD
A Comprehensive Review on Dyslipidemia and Obesity: Pathophysiology, Clinical Implications and Management Approaches
Antidiabetic Herbs and Polyherbal Antidiabetic Formulations –An Overview
Review on Clinical Research and Clinical Trials

Tags


Quick Links


Latest Issues

Popular Articles