Is Diclofenac an Effective Pain Reliever in Children?

Diclofenac comes from the family of NSAID’s which is the shortened term given to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications can be purchase over the counter under the name of ibuprofen such as Advil or Aleve. Their safety has been well established in adults while their use in children has not been so clearly established.

This is most likely due to the fact that children are not as able to withstand the side effects of drugs as well as their adult counterparts. Yet diclofenac has been found to serve a vital purpose in children that are subject to perioperative pain. Side effects can be simlar to those in the adult population but cases are known to be quite rare. Still, when it is your child that is to be given this medication, it is imperative that the parent or guardian know exactly what to look for in possible adverse symptoms.

Drug Safety Studies

Although this drug is used fairly often to reduce or eliminate acute discomfort in children it has not been meant for this purpose. Study groups are presently working to evaluate the following:

• The effectiveness of using diclofenac in children
• The safety of short-term use
• In what areas should future research be directed

Reports of clinical trials done in 2005 and again in 2008, including reference lists, involving patients aged 18 years of age and younger, assessed the following analysis.

Study Results

Controlled studies compared the efficacy of diclofenac to placebos and other pain reducing medications. It was reported that the need for rescue analgesia was greatly reduced. As for safety, adverse side effects ranged less than one percent in the majority of side effects.

Noted Side Effects

The following side effects, though minimal, were observed in the trial studies performed. These are considered to be the most common and rarely life threatening, they should be reported to your physician right away.

• Cramping, bloating, or pain of the stomach and abdomen
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Appetite loss, nausea, or vomiting
• Difficulty breathing on exertion; tiredness or weakness
• Loss of weight, headache dizziness, rash, or itching skin
• Pale skin
• Cloudy urine and tarry or black stools
• Bruising or vomiting of blood

Overdose of this medication is to be avoided at all costs. Overdose can lead to more severe drug reactions and some of these can be life threatening. If you notice anything at all out of the ordinary, it is imperative that you bring your child to the nearest hospital for evaluation.

As with all NSAID’s, including diclofenac, there are some common side effects that do not require medical intervention. These would include flatulence, ringing in the ears, lessened strength, temporary hearing loss, and stomach gas.

As with most medications, if a dose is missed, it should be given as soon as remembered. If it is close to the time the next dose is scheduled, wait until then. Do not stop using the drug without the permission of the doctor. Keep in mind that our child's dose was specifically designed for him or her based on size and body weight. The dosage should not be increased or decreased without first speaking with your physician.

Despite all these warnings, the use of diclofenac has been found to be very safe when ued as directed in those under the age of 18 years.