COMPOSITION
Each ml contains
Diclofenac Sodium 25 mg
Benzyl Alcohol 4% v/v
Water for Injection q.s.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
ATC Code: M01AB05.
Mechanism of action
Diclotop is a nonsteroidal agent with marked analgesic/anti- inflammatory properties. It is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase, (cyclo-oxygenase). Diclofenac sodium in vitro does not suppress proteoglycan biosynthesis in cartilage at concentrations equivalent to the concentrations reached in human beings. When used concomitantly with opioids for the management of post-operative pain, Diclotop often reduces the need for opioids.
Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption
After administration of 75mg diclofenac by intramuscular injection, absorption sets in immediately, and mean peak plasma concentrations of about 2.558 ± 0.968µg/ml (2.5µg/mL ≡ 8µmol/L) are reached after about 20 minutes. The amount absorbed is in linear proportion to the size of the dose.
Intravenous infusion: When 75mg diclofenac is administered as an intravenous infusion over 2 hours, mean peak plasma concentrations are about 1.875 ± 0.436µg/ml (1.9µg/mL ≡ 5.9µmol/L). Shorter infusions result in higher peak plasma concentrations, while longer infusions give plateau concentrations proportional to the infusion rate after 3 to 4 hours. This is in contrast to the rapid decline in plasma concentrations seen after peak levels have been achieved with oral, rectal or i.m. administration.
Bioavailability
The area under the concentration curve (AUC) after intramuscular or intravenous administration is about twice as large as it is following oral or rectal administration as this route avoids “first-pass” metabolism.
Distribution
The active substance is 99.7% protein bound, mainly to albumin (99.4%).
Diclofenac enters the synovial fluid, where maximum concentrations are measured 2-4 hours after the peak plasma values have been attained. The apparent half-life for elimination from the synovial fluid is 3-6 hours. Two hours after reaching the peak plasma values, concentrations of the active substance are already higher in the synovial fluid than they are in the plasma and remain higher for up to 12 hours.
Metabolism
Biotransformation of diclofenac takes place partly by glucuronidation of the intact molecule, but mainly by single and multiple hydroxylation and methoxylation, resulting in several phenolic metabolites, most of which are converted to glucuronide conjugates. Two phenolic metabolites are biologically active, but to a much lesser extent than diclofenac.
Elimination
Total systemic clearance of diclofenac in plasma is 263 ± 56 mL/min (mean value ± SD). The terminal half-life in plasma is 1-2 hours. Four of the metabolites, including the two active ones, also have short plasma half-lives of 1-3 hours.
About 60% of the administered dose is excreted in the urine in the form of the glucuronide conjugate of the intact molecule and as metabolites, most of which are also converted to glucuronide conjugates. Less than 1% is excreted as unchanged substance. The rest of the dose is eliminated as metabolites through the bile in the faeces.
INDICATION AND USAGE
By intramuscular and subcutaneous injection: Diclotop Injection is effective in acute forms of pain, including renal colic, exacerbations of osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, acute back pain, acute gout, acute trauma and fractures, and post-operative pain.
By intravenous bolus injection: for treatment or prevention of post-operative pain in the hospital settings.
Diclotop is indicated in adults. Use in children and adolescents is not recommended.
CONTRA-INDICATION
Known hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Moderate to severe renal insufficiency in the perioperative period and who are at risk for volume depletion.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Concomitant use of diclofenac and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects including increased GI bleeding.
Concomitant use of Diclotop and anticoagulants has a risk of serious GI bleeding higher than users of either drug alone.
ACE inhibitors: NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
General
The concomitant use of Diclotop with systemic NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors should be avoided due to the absence of any evidence demonstrating synergistic benefits and the potential for additive undesirable.
Caution is indicated in the elderly on basic medical grounds. In particular, it is recommended that the lowest effective dose be used in frail elderly patients or those with a low body weight.
As with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including diclofenac, allergic reactions, including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions can also occur without earlier exposure to the drug. Hypersensitivity reactions can also progress to Kounis syndrome, a serious allergic reaction that can result in myocardial infarction. Presenting symptoms of such reactions can include chest pain occurring in association with an allergic reaction to diclofenac.
Like other NSAIDs, diclofenac may mask the signs and symptoms of the infection due to its pharmacodynamic properties.
The sodium metabisulphite present in solution for injection can also lead to isolated severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasm.
The instructions for intramuscular injection should be strictly followed in order to avoid adverse events at the injection site, which may result in muscle weakness, muscle paralysis, hypoaesthesia and injection site necrosis.
Gastrointestinal effects:
Gastrointestinal bleeding (haematemesis, melaena), ulceration or perforation which can be fatal has been reported with all NSAIDs including diclofenac and may occur at any time during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of serious GI events. They generally have more serious consequences in the elderly. If gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving diclofenac, the drug should be withdrawn.
As with all NSAIDs, including diclofenac, close medical surveillance is imperative and particular caution should be exercised when prescribing diclofenac in patients with symptoms indicative of gastrointestinal disorders, or with a history suggestive of gastric or intestinal ulceration, bleeding or perforation. The risk of GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher with increasing NSAID doses including diclofenac, and in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation.
The elderly have increased frequency of adverse reactions to NSAIDs especially gastro intestinal bleeding and perforation which may be fatal.
To reduce the risk of GI toxicity in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation, and in the elderly, the treatment should be initiated and maintained at the lowest effective dose.
Combination therapy with protective agents (e.g. misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors) should be considered for these patients, and also for patients requiring concomitant use of medicinal products containing low dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA/aspirin or medicinal products likely to increase gastrointestinal risk.
Patients with a history of GI toxicity, particularly when elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding).
Caution is recommended in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as systemic corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or anti-platelet agents such as acetylsalicylic acid.
Close medical surveillance and caution should be exercised in patients with ulcerative colitis, or with Crohn’s disease as these conditions may be.
NSAIDs, including diclofenac, may be associated with increased risk of gastro-intestinal anastomotic leak. Close medical surveillance and caution are recommended when using diclofenac after gastro-intestinal surgery.
Hepatic effects:
Close medical surveillance is required when prescribing Diclotop to patients with impairment of hepatic function as their condition may be exacerbated.
As with other NSAIDs, including diclofenac, values of one or more liver enzymes may increase. During prolonged treatment with Diclofenac, regular monitoring of hepatic function is indicated as a precautionary measure.
If abnormal liver function tests persist or worsen, clinical signs or symptoms consistent with liver disease develop or if other manifestations occur (eosinophilia, rash), Diclotop should be discontinued.
Hepatitis may occur with diclofenac without prodromal symptoms.
Caution is called for when using diclofenac in patients with hepatic porphyria, since it may trigger an attack.
Renal effects:
As fluid retention and oedema have been reported in association with NSAIDs therapy, including diclofenac, particular caution is called for in patients with impaired cardiac or renal function, history of hypertension, the elderly, patients receiving concomitant treatment with diuretics or medicinal products that can significantly impact renal function, and those patients with substantial extracellular volume depletion from any cause, e.g. before or after major surgery. Monitoring of renal function is recommended as a precautionary measure when using diclofenac in such cases. Discontinuation therapy is usually followed by recovery to the pre-treatment state.
Skin effects:
Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDs, including Diclotop. Patients appear to be at the highest risk of these reactions early in the course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Diclotop should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions or any other signs of hypersensitivity.
SLE and mixed connective tissue disease:
In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disorders there may be an increased risk of aseptic meningitis.
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects:
Patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA-I) or patients with significant risk factors for cardiovascular events (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking) should only be treated with diclofenac after careful consideration.
As the cardiovascular risks of diclofenac may increase with dose and duration of exposure, the shortest duration possible and the lowest effective daily dose should be used. The patient’s need for symptomatic relief and response to therapy should be re-evaluated periodically.
Appropriate monitoring and advice are required for patients with a history of hypertension and congestive heart failure (NYHA-I) as fluid retention and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy including diclofenac.
Clinical trial and epidemiological data consistently point towards increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke) associated with the use of diclofenac, particularly at high dose (150mg daily) and in long term treatment.
Patients should remain alert for the signs and symptoms of serious arteriothrombotic events (e.g. chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, slurring of speech), which can occur without warnings. Patients should be instructed to see a physician immediately in case of such an event.
Haematological effects:
During prolonged treatment with diclofenac, as with other NSAIDs, monitoring of the blood count is recommended.
Diclotop may reversibly inhibit platelet aggregation. Patients with defects of haemostasis, bleeding diathesis or haematological abnormalities should be carefully monitored.
Pre-existing asthma:
In patients with asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, swelling of the nasal mucosa (i.e. nasal polyps), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases or chronic infections of the respiratory tract (especially if linked to allergic rhinitis-like symptoms), reactions on NSAIDs like asthma exacerbations (so called intolerance to analgesics / analgesics asthma), Quincke’s oedema or urticaria are more frequent than in other patients. Therefore, special precaution is recommended in such patients (readiness for emergency). This is applicable as well for patients who are allergic to other substances, e.g. with skin reactions, pruritus or urticaria.
Like other drugs that inhibit prostaglandin synthetase activity, diclofenac sodium and other NSAIDs can precipitate bronchospasm if administered to patients suffering from, or with a previous history of bronchial asthma.
Female fertility:
The use of Diclotop may impair female fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who may have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of Diclotop should be considered.
SIDE EFFECTS
The most common adverse reactions (>5%) in controlled clinical trials include nausea, constipation, headache, infusion site pain, dizziness, flatulence, vomiting, and insomnia.
OVERDOSE
Symptoms: There is no typical clinical picture resulting from diclofenac over dosage. Over dosage can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, diarrhoea, dizziness, disorientation, excitation, coma, drowsiness, tinnitus, fainting or convulsions. In the case of significant poisoning acute renal failure and liver damage are possible.
Therapeutic measures: Management of acute poisoning with NSAIDs, including diclofenac, essentially consists of supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Supportive measures and symptomatic treatment should be given for complications such as hypotension, renal failure, convulsions, gastrointestinal disorder, and respiratory depression.
Special measures such as forced diuresis, dialysis or haemo-perfusion are probably of no help in eliminating NSAIDs, including diclofenac, due to the high protein binding and extensive metabolism.
DOSAGE & MODE OF ADMINISTRATION
Posology
Diclotop ampoules (given im or iv) should not be given for more than two days; if necessary, treatment can be continued with Diclotop tablets or suppositories.
Intramuscular injection: The following directions for intramuscular injection must be adhered to in order to avoid damage to a nerve or other tissue at the injection site.
One ampoule once (or in severe cases twice) daily intramuscularly by deep intragluteal injection into the upper outer quadrant. If two injections daily are required it is advised that the alternative buttock be used for the second injection. Alternatively, one ampoule of 75mg can be combined with other dosage forms of Diclotop (tablets or suppositories) up to the maximum daily dosage of 150mg.
Renal colic: One 75mg ampoule intramuscularly. A further ampoule may be administered after 30 minutes if necessary. The recommended maximum daily dose of Diclotop is 150mg.
Intravenous Infusion: Immediately before initiating an intravenous infusion, Diclotop must be diluted with 100-500ml of either sodium chloride solution (0.9%) or glucose solution (5%). Both solutions should be buffered with sodium bicarbonate solution (0.5ml 8.4% or 1ml 4.2%). Only clear solutions should be used.
Diclotop must not be given as an intravenous bolus injection.
Two alternative regimens are recommended:
For the treatment of moderate to severe post-operative pain, 75mg should be infused continuously over a period of 30 minutes to 2 hours. If necessary, treatment may be repeated after 4-6 hours, not exceeding 150mg within any period of 24 hours.
For the prevention of post-operative pain, a loading dose of 25mg-50mg should be infused after surgery over 15 minutes to 1 hour, followed by a continuous infusion of approx. 5mg per hour up to a maximum daily dosage of 150mg.
Special populations
Elderly
Although the pharmacokinetics of Diclotop are not impaired to any clinically relevant extent in elderly patients, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be used with particular caution in such patients who generally are more prone to adverse reactions. In particular it is recommended that the lowest effective dosage be used in frail elderly patients or those with a low body weight (see also Precautions) and the patient should be monitored for GI bleeding during NSAID therapy.
Cardiovascular and significant cardiovascular risk factors
Diclofenac is contraindicated in patients with established congestive heart failure (NYHA II-IV), ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease and/or cerebrovascular.
Patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA-I) or significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease should be treated with diclofenac only after careful consideration. Since cardiovascular risks with diclofenac may increase with dose and duration of exposure, the lowest effective daily dose should be used and for the shortest duration possible.
Renal impairment
Diclofenac is contraindicated in patients with renal failure.
No specific studies have been carried out in patients with renal impairment, therefore, no specific dose adjustment recommendations can be made. Caution is advised when administering diclofenac to patients with mild to moderate renal impairment.
Hepatic impairment
Diclofenac is contraindicated in patients with hepatic failure.
No specific studies have been carried out in patients with hepatic impairment, therefore, no specific dose adjustment recommendations can be made. Caution is advised when administering diclofenac to patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
Paediatric population
Diclotop ampoules are not recommended for use in children.
The recommended maximum daily dose of Diclotop is 150mg.
Method of administration
The administration is I.M./I.V Infusion.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION
Pregnancy
Starting at 30 weeks gestation, Diclotop and other NSAIDs, should be avoided by pregnant women as premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus may occur. If this drug is used during this time period in pregnancy, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus.
Lactation:Like other NSAIDs, diclofenac passes into breast milk in small amounts. Therefore, diclofenac should not be administered during breast feeding in order to avoid undesirable effects in the infant
Female fertility: As with other NSAIDs, the use of diclofenac may impair female fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who may have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of diclofenac should be considered.
STORAGE CONDITION
Store below 30°C, Protected from light, Do not freeze.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
PRESENTATION
3ml ampoules packed in cardboard carton along with pack insert.
Pack of 20 ampoules.