Medicine Information

Alcofen

Name: Alcofen
Brand: Alcofen
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet50 mgNon-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)ATC: M01AB05

Generic Name

Diclofenac Sodium

Manufacturer

Acme Laboratories Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
alcofen 50 mg tablet	৳ 0.70	৳ 7.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by various conditions like arthritis, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps. It works by blocking the body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation.

Uses & Indications

Rheumatoid arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Ankylosing spondylitis

Acute gout attacks

Post-operative pain

Dysmenorrhea

Migraine attacks

Dosage

Adults

The usual adult dosage is 50 mg two to three times daily. The maximum recommended daily dose is 150 mg. Doses should be adjusted according to patient response and tolerability.

Elderly

Lower doses may be necessary in elderly patients due to an increased risk of adverse effects, especially gastrointestinal bleeding and renal impairment. Use with caution and monitor closely.

Renal_impairment

Use with caution in mild to moderate renal impairment. Dose reduction may be required. Diclofenac is contraindicated in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min).

How to Take

Take Alcofen 50 mg tablet orally, preferably with food or milk, to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break sustained-release tablets if applicable.

Mechanism of Action

Diclofenac inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are inflammatory mediators that contribute to pain, fever, and inflammation. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, diclofenac exerts its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Analgesic effects typically begin within 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Excretion

Approximately 60% of the dose is excreted in the urine as metabolites, and about 35% is eliminated in the bile and feces.

Half life

The elimination half-life of the parent drug is approximately 1-2 hours, but active metabolites may have a longer duration of action.

Absorption

Rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are typically reached within 2-3 hours.

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily via hydroxylation and subsequent glucuronidation. CYP2C9 is the main enzyme involved in its metabolism.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to diclofenac, aspirin, or other NSAIDs
Active gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, or perforation
Severe heart failure (NYHA Class II-IV)
Severe renal or hepatic impairment
History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
Third trimester of pregnancy
Peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery

Drug Interactions

SSRIs

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Methotrexate

Increased plasma concentrations of methotrexate, potentially leading to increased toxicity. Use with caution.

Corticosteroids

Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding when co-administered.

Lithium/Digoxin

Increased plasma concentrations of lithium and digoxin, leading to potential toxicity. Monitor levels.

Other NSAIDs/Aspirin

Avoid concomitant use due to increased risk of adverse effects, especially GI events.

Warfarin/Anticoagulants

Increased risk of bleeding due to enhanced anticoagulant effect.

Diuretics/ACE Inhibitors

Reduced hypotensive effect of diuretics and ACE inhibitors; increased risk of renal impairment, especially in dehydrated patients.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not freeze.

Overdose

Symptoms of diclofenac overdose typically include lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Rare symptoms include hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, and coma. Management is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal may be considered within an hour of ingestion. There is no specific antidote.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Diclofenac is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. In the first and second trimesters, it should only be used if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Diclofenac passes into breast milk in small amounts; use with caution during lactation, and only if clearly needed after consulting a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets (1x10 strip)30 tablets (3x10 strips)100 tablets (10x10 strips)

Shelf Life

The shelf life of Alcofen 50 mg tablet is typically 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture, provided it is stored under recommended conditions.

Availability

Pharmacies and hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory authorities worldwide

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Diclofenac, the active ingredient in Alcofen 50 mg, has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials globally. These trials have demonstrated its efficacy and safety in managing various pain and inflammatory conditions, leading to its widespread approval and use.

Lab Monitoring

Complete Blood Count (CBC) – for anemia and bleeding risk
Liver function tests (LFTs) – for liver damage
Renal function tests (Creatinine, BUN) – for kidney impairment
Blood pressure monitoring – due to risk of hypertension
Fecal occult blood test – if GI bleeding is suspected

Doctor Notes

Prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration to minimize risks.
Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events, and renal impairment, especially in high-risk patients.
Counsel patients on proper administration, potential side effects, and drug interactions.
Consider prescribing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) concurrently for patients at high risk of GI complications.

Patient Guidelines

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take more than the recommended dose, as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Inform your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking.
Report any unusual or persistent symptoms such as stomach pain, black stools, swelling, or changes in urination to your doctor immediately.
Avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking the tablet to prevent esophageal irritation.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

Alcofen 50 mg tablet may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or visual disturbances in some individuals. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.

Lifestyle Advice

Avoid or limit alcohol consumption during treatment.
Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
Regular exercise, if appropriate for your condition, can help manage pain and improve overall well-being.

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Diclofen (Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)Ecotec (Renata Limited)Olfen (Novartis Bangladesh Ltd.)Profen (Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)Clofenac (General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)Fencard (Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)