| Common Brands | Cambia, Lofena, Zipsor, Zorvolex |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
NSAID |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Cataflam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that comes in the form of both an over-the-counter and a prescribed medication. It belongs to a more extensive class of drugs, which includes many more common over-the-counter over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Many times, Cataflam is prescribed for those dealing with more severe cases of pain or inflammation. The active ingredient in Cataflam is diclofenac potassium, a substance often associated with strong anti-inflammation, analgesic, and antipyretic properties.
It is usually prescribed for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, and others caused by inflammation. Its main objective is to reduce pain and swelling, thus allowing a patient to live with conditions that would otherwise limit their activities.
Generally, Cataflam is administrated orally as tablets which are to be swallowed wholly with a glass of full water, preferably after intake of food to minimize any sort of irritation in the gastrointestinal cavity. The dose should, therefore, be taken absolutely in the amount and frequency of dosing that has been stipulated by your doctor.
Avoid crushing, splitting, or chewing Cataflam tablets since this may alter the rate at which the drug is absorbed. Moreover, it is not advisable to take more than the prescribed dose to prevent complications.
Cataflam is intended for short-term use, typically to manage acute pain or inflammation. If your healthcare provider prescribes it for long-term use, regular check-ups and monitoring are essential to ensure there are no adverse effects, particularly on the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, or liver.
Cataflam works by inhibiting the COX enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) that are responsible for prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins are chemicals that play a significant role in the body’s inflammatory response and cause pain, swelling, and fever. By inhibiting these enzymes, Cataflam reduces the production of prostaglandins and, in turn, reduces pain, inflammation, and fever.
The drug acts quickly in the body and gives relief from acute pain a short time after intake. Thus, it is an effective medication for diseases with inflammation and pain, like musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, post-surgical pain, and primary dysmenorrhea, which is painful menstruation.
Apart from its anti-inflammatory properties, Cataflam helps in decreasing the patient’s fever; therefore, it is applicable for use on patients with flu, as well as other infection that causes an increase in the temperature of the body.
Common side effects of Cataflam include;
Gastrointestinal disturbances: Cataflam can cause discomfort in the stomach, especially if one takes it in an empty stomach. It can cause nausea or stomach upsets and abdominal pains.
Headaches or dizziness: Some people may start feeling dizzy or experience a headache when using Cataflam.
Rashes or allergic reactions: Some people may develop skin rashes, itching, or swelling.
Increased blood pressure: Cataflam may cause some users to have increased blood pressure. It is essential to monitor the blood pressure, especially in patients with pre-existing hypertension.
Kidney or liver problems: Cataflam may cause kidney or liver problems, including elevated liver enzymes or kidney dysfunction.
Seek medical attention right away if symptoms such as sudden weight gain, swelling, shortness of breath, or appearance of signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (black or tarry stools) occur.
Gastrointestinal problems : Patients with a history of any gastrointestinal problems, including an ulcer or bleeding, should take Cataflam with caution since these conditions may worsen when taking this drug.
Heart and blood vessels risks: Cataflam should be used carefully with individuals who have past illnesses like heart disease, hypertension, or stroke due to increased risk of cardiovascular events through the use of NSAIDs.
Kidney and liver problems: If you have problems concerning the kidneys or livers, you should inform your physician prior to taking Cataflam.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid Cataflam during the third trimester of pregnancy. It can pass to the breast milk, as well. So, do not use Cataflam while breast-feeding unless a medical provider prescribes it to you.
Similar to other NSAIDs, Cataflam will have drug-to-drug interaction with other categories of drugs leading to increased or unwanted side effects. It interacts with the following;
Cataflam is combined with blood thinner agents (e.g. warfarin) hence an increase in the risks associated with bleeding.
Using a number of NSAIDs will expose the patient to more dangers of gastrointestinal bleeds and ulcers. Use Cataflam with other NSAIDs and corticosteroids are not recommended.
Diuretics (water pills): Cataflam decreases the efficiency of diuretics that are used for the treatment of high blood pressure and fluid retention.
ACE inhibitors or Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): These drugs that are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, may be counteracted by Cataflam
Lithium: Cataflam increases lithium levels in blood, resulting in toxicity.
Before initiating Cataflam, you need to tell your healthcare provider of all drugs you take, over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
The standard doses of Cataflam are :
For acute pain: 50-100 mg/day is given in divided doses for two times.
For chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis: 100-150 mg/day taken in divided doses two or thrice.
For dysmenorrhea: 50 to 100 mg up to three times daily as necessary.
Always adhere to the recommendations of your healthcare professional, and never take more than directed.
Cataflam is a prescription medicine. It can only be prescribed by a doctor, and it is important to have a healthcare provider check your condition to determine how long to use it and the amount that should be taken. For less severe pain, one can use over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen; however, if a patient has underlying health conditions, the same should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Cataflam is primarily used to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling caused by conditions like arthritis, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, and dental pain.
The active ingredient in Cataflam is Diclofenac potassium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Cataflam works by blocking enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in producing prostaglandins that cause inflammation, pain, and fever.
Take Cataflam exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with water, and it can be taken with or without food to reduce stomach upset.
It’s advisable to take Cataflam with food to minimize the risk of stomach irritation, but if your doctor says otherwise, follow their instructions.
Common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, headache, and mild skin rash.
Cataflam is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the later stages, due to risks to the fetus. Always consult your doctor.
Consult your healthcare provider before taking Cataflam during breastfeeding, as it may pass through breast milk.
Yes, Cataflam may interact with blood thinners, other NSAIDs, certain antidepressants, and blood pressure medications—disclose all meds to your doctor.
Cataflam usually starts to relieve pain and inflammation within 30 minutes to 1 hour after oral intake.
Yes, like other NSAIDs, prolonged use of Cataflam may increase the risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
No, Cataflam is not addictive, but it should be used as prescribed to avoid side effects.
Cataflam is generally not recommended for children unless prescribed by a pediatrician.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but skip it if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double up.
Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding when taken with Cataflam. It’s best to avoid or limit alcohol intake.
Yes, Cataflam may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if used long-term or in high doses.
Yes, Cataflam has fever-reducing properties but is mainly used for pain and inflammation.
Store Cataflam tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Some people may experience allergic reactions like rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing—seek immediate medical help if this occurs.
In most countries, Cataflam requires a doctor’s prescription due to potential side effects and the need for proper medical supervision.
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