New Dimension in Pain Management: Diclofenac- Colestyramine.

ABSTRACT

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most widely used of all analgesic agents in the world. In arthritis, NSAIDs are considered to be the major option in therapy but off-late the incidence of gastric side effects have been cause for concern. Diclofenac-colestyramine is an improved formulation of diclofenac which utilizes the ion-exchange resin drug delivery technology. The review of literature and pharmacokinetics of diclofenac-colestyramine reveals a unique quick-slow effect for both acute as well as chronic pain. The faster onset of action, the sustained-release effect, lower gastric side effects add on to the superior potency of diclofenac to provide effective pain relief in arthritis and postoperative pain/outcomes. Twice-daily dosing helps improve the patient compliance - a very important factor in treatment of chronic diseases like arthritis.