Voltfast (diclofenac potassium)

Form: Sachet of powder to be dissolved in water
API: Diclofenac potassium 50 mg per sachet
Category: Fast-acting NSAID analgesic and anti-inflammatory

Indications

• Short-term relief of acute musculoskeletal pain, sprains, strains, and soft-tissue injuries

• Treatment of migraine attacks, primary dysmenorrhea, and acute inflammatory conditions

• Alleviates post-operative pain, dental pain, and inflammatory ENT conditions

Dosage & Administration

• Adults: 50–150 mg daily, divided into up to three doses (i.e., 1–3 sachets/day)

• Migraine: Initial 50 mg at onset, may repeat every 4–6 hours up to 200 mg/day

• Menstrual cramps: Start with 50–100 mg, with a possible increase up to 200 mg/day under guidance

• Adolescents (14–18 yrs): 50–100 mg daily in divided doses; maximum 150 mg/day

• Not recommended for children under 14

• Sachet dissolved in water and preferably taken before meals

Mechanism of Action

• Diclofenac inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis

• This results in decreased inflammation, pain, swelling, and fever

Side Effects & Precautions

• Common: GI discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, elevated blood pressure

• Serious (rare): GI bleeding, liver enzyme elevations (monitor if prolonged > 90 days), kidney impairment, hypersensitivity, skin reactions

• Avoid in patients with peptic ulcer, severe heart, liver, or kidney disease, or those with NSAID hypersensitivity

• Use cautiously in the elderly or underweight patients, initiating at the lowest effective dose

Contraindications

• Known allergy to diclofenac or other NSAIDs, history of aspirin-induced asthma

• Active GI bleeding or ulcer, severe heart failure, significant renal/hepatic impairment

• During the third trimester of pregnancy due to risk of fetal ductus closure and bleeding inhibition

• Avoid in breastfeeding unless benefits outweigh risks

Drug Interactions

• Increased bleeding risk with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, SSRIs/SNRIs

• Caution with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids

• May reduce antihypertensive efficacy; caution in patients on ACE inhibitors or diuretics

Overdose Management

• Symptoms: nausea, GI bleeding, dizziness, renal or liver dysfunction

• Treatment is supportive; consider activated charcoal, hydration, and monitoring renal/liver function

Storage

• Store sachets below 25 °C in their original packaging to prevent moisture absorption

• Shelf life typically up to 3 years

Patient Advice

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary

• If pain persists beyond 7 days, or GI/liver symptoms appear, consult a healthcare provider

• Stay hydrated; take with food to reduce GI irritation

• Watch for warning signs like dark stools, abdominal pain, rash, or breathing difficulty; report immediately