Diclofenac

Diclofenac, a widely prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), remains one of the most commonly used analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications worldwide. Despite its therapeutic efficacy, diclofenac is associated with a spectrum of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) ranging from common gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects to rare but serious complications, including cutaneous hyperpigmentation and Nicolau syndrome. This comprehensive review examines the drug profile, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and detailed analysis of reported ADRs. Special attention is given to uncommon but clinically significant reactions such as Nicolau syndrome following intramuscular administration and drug-induced hyperpigmentation. The review provides evidence-based management strategies, risk factor identification, and monitoring protocols essential for safe clinical practice. Through systematic analysis of clinical trials, case reports, and pharmacovigilance data, this review highlights the importance of appropriate patient selection, route optimization, and vigilant monitoring in minimizing diclofenac-associated morbidity.

A simple, economic and precise RP-HPLC method has been developed and validated for simultaneous estimation of thiocolchicoside (THC) and diclofenac (DCF) both in bulk drug and in capsule formulation. Reversed-phase chromatography was performed on a C18 Phenomenex-Gemini column with mobile phase acetonitrile: water (70:30 % v/v, adjusted at pH 3.0) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. Detection was performed at 258 nm and sharp peaks were obtained for THC and DCF at a retention time of 1.537 min and 4.010 min respectively. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, detection and quantification limits, and system suitability in accordance with ICH guidelines. Linear regression analysis data for the calibration plot showed there was a linear relationship between response and concentration for THC in the range 4 - 24 μg/ml with the correlation coefficient 0.9998 and the linear regression equation y = 20.64x + 26.08. Linearity was observed in the range of 25 - 150 μg/ml with the correlation coefficient 0.9998 and the linear regression equation y = 11.13x + 65.27 for DCF. The detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) limits for THC were found to be 1.052 and 3.187 μg/ml and for DCF it was found to be 1.475 and 4.470 μg/ml. Statistical analysis proved that the method was precise, reproducible and accurate for simultaneous estimation of THC and DCF. The wide linearity range, sensitivity, accuracy, short retention time, and simple mobile phase imply that the method is suitable for routine quantification of THC and DCF with high precision and accuracy.