Diclofenac Health Dictionary

These act by inhibiting the formation of PROSTAGLANDINS which are mediators of INFLAMMATION. They act both as ANALGESICS to relieve pain, and as inhibitors of in?ammation. Aspirin is a classic example of such a compound. Newer compounds have been synthesised with the aim of producing fewer and less severe side-effects. They are sometimes preferred to aspirin for the treatment of conditions such as RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, OSTEOARTHRITIS, sprains, strains and sports injuries. Their main side-effects are gastrointestinal: gastric ulcers and gastric haemorrhage may result (see STOMACH, DISEASES OF). This is because prostaglandins are necessary for the production of the mucous protective coat in the stomach and, when the production of prostaglandin is inhibited, the protection of the stomach is compromised. NSAIDs should therefore be used with caution in patients with DYSPEPSIA and gastric ulceration. The various nonsteroidal anti-in?ammatory drugs di?er little from each other in e?cacy, although there is considerable variation in patient response. Ibuprofen is one of the ?rst choices in this group of drugs as it combines good e?cacy with a low incidence of side-effects and administration is only required twice daily. Other drugs in this series include diclofenac, fenbufen, fenclofenac, fenoprofen, feprazone, ?urbiprofen, indomethacin, indoprofen, ketoprofen, ketorolac, naproxen, piroxicam, sulindac, tiaprofenic acid and tolmetin.... non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids)

n. inflammation of the duodenum. Duodenitis is commonly caused by infection with *Helicobacter pylori, NSAIDs, smoking, and alcohol. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific (vague abdominal discomfort may be present), or the findings of duodenal inflammation may be noted at gastroscopy in an asymptomatic patient. Treatment may include antibiotics for H. pylori infection, antisecretory agents, and the withdrawal of implicated drugs (such as diclofenac).... duodenitis

n. a *prostaglandin drug administered in the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcer, especially when caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (see NSAID), in which case it is given in conjunction with the NSAID (see diclofenac; naproxen). It is also used to terminate a pregnancy, being administered vaginally following *mifepristone. Possible side-effects include diarrhoea.... misoprostol

n. a medicinal preparation in solid form suitable for insertion into the rectum, vagina, or urethra. Rectal suppositories may contain simple lubricants (e.g. glycerin); drugs that act locally in the rectum or anus (e.g. corticosteroids, local anaesthetics); or drugs that are absorbed and act at other sites (e.g. analgesics, such as diclofenac). Vaginal suppositories are used in the treatment of some gynaecological disorders (see pessary). Urethral suppositories contain antibiotics, local anaesthetics (prior to a procedure), or medication used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.... suppository