Your doctor will recommend the form which best suits you. Most frequent forms along with some general directions are presented here:
Oral Tablets:
- Follow the advice given by your physician to use Deblitane. Mostly this medication is prescribed to be used with food or milk for stomach irritation reduction.
- Take this medication by mouth with a glassful of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet, because this can affect how the medication is absorbed by the body.
Topical Gel:
- Clean and dry the affected area thoroughly.
- Apply a small amount of gel on the painful area as directed by your doctor and rub gently.
- Do not cover the area with bandages or heat pads, unless explicitly instructed by your healthcare provider.
Injection:
- Deblitane injections are typically administered by a doctor. The injection is usually performed in a hospital or clinic setting.
- If you need to give it at home then strictly adhere to your doctor’s prescriptions for safe and proper techniques.
- Deblitane acts by blocking prostaglandins, some of the chemicals found in the body.
- Prostaglandins are chemicals responsible for inflammation, pain, and fever.
- When Deblitane blocks these chemicals, it leads to the decrease in inflammation that results in lessened pain as a result of arthritis, injuries of the muscles, and other inflammatory conditions.
In detail, the active ingredient of diclofenac is the inhibitor of cyclooxygenase enzymes; these include both COX-1 and COX-2. These play a significant role in the manufacture of prostaglandins. Through inhibition of these enzymes, Deblitane decreases inflammation and swelling thus providing relief for the pain and discomfort.
Even though Deblitane is very safe and efficient for managing inflammation and pain, it has its side effects among others. The most common side effects include:
Gastrointestinal Problems:
- Deblitane oral preparations have been linked to stomach ache, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting.
- Chronic Deblitane use results in ulcers and internal bleeding within the stomach. Its side effects are more likely to occur if the drug has been used chronically in a patient with a history of gastrointestinal conditions.
Headaches:
- Some may suffer from a headache as part of Deblitane.
Dizziness or Drowsiness:
- There could be dizziness or somnolence related to Deblitane, particularly dizziness on sitting up. Be careful about operating any machinery, especially driving.
Kidney Diseases:
- Long-term use of Deblitane, particularly high dosages would have the negative effect on functioning of kidney. Swelling at ankles, weakness, and difficulty in urinating are the commonly found side effects.
Skin Reactions:
- Topical gels can provoke a reaction in the skin. If redness, itching, or rash happens where you applied the gel, stop taking the medication and see your doctor.
Liver Damage:
- Due to its interference with the liver, although seldom, Deblitane is said to cause damage on the liver and periodic tests of liver functions may be required for extended users of the medication.
If you experience any of these side effects or they worsen, tell your doctor right away. They may change your treatment plan or recommend other treatments.
Before you start Deblitane, consider the following:
Pre-existing Conditions:
- If you have any history of problems with your digestive system (for example, ulcers or internal bleeding), any kidney disease or liver disease, consult your physician before taking Deblitane. You could need closer observation during these periods or changes in dosages.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding:
- Use Deblitane only if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Deblitane should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy because it has the potential for causing harm to the baby.
- It is not known whether diclofenac is excreted in human milk. As with other NSAIDs, therefore, caution should be exercised when Deblitane is administered to a nursing woman.
Elderly Patients:
- Older adults tend to be sensitive to NSAIDs and are likely at risk of developing complications including gastrointestinal bleed, impairment of kidneys, or other heart conditions. In this case, such patients need special care and attention as they receive Deblitane.
Cardiovascular Conditions:
- NSAIDs such as Deblitane increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially in patients with heart disease or at risk. Your doctor will advise you to take a different treatment if you have heart conditions.
- Blood Thinners: The combination of Deblitane with anticoagulants like warfarin increases the risk of bleeding. The patient needs to be carefully followed up by a doctor.
- Other NSAIDs: The use of more than one NSAID in combination enhances the risk of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and kidney problems.
- Antihypertensive Drugs: Deblitane may reduce the effect of drugs for high blood pressure, including ACE inhibitors or diuretics.
- Lithium: Deblitane may elevate the drug concentration of lithium in the blood to a level where toxicity develops. Blood level monitoring may be necessary when both drugs are used.
Inform your physician of any prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking to prevent possible drug-drug interactions.
Deblitane dosage will depend on the severity of the condition that is being treated, your medical history, and your doctor’s recommendations. Below are general dosage instructions:
Oral Tablets:
- In general, the starting dose for adults is between 50 and 75 mg. The drug is given twice or thrice a day. The dose may be increased if the patient tolerates the medicinal treatment well. It is generally less than 150 mg a day.
Topical Gel:
- A small amount of gel is applied to the affected area two to three times a day. The amount depends on your doctor’s prescription and the size of the area to be treated.
Injection:
- Deblitane injection is used in severe cases in doses between 37.5 mg and 75 mg. It is given once every 1-4 weeks.