Diclomol Tablets

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Diclomol Tablets

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Diclomol Tablets

Property Description
Active Ingredients Diclofenac and Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Form Tablets (Solid oral dose)
Pharmacological Class Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) and Analgesic/ Antipyretic Combination
General Purpose Relief of Pain, Inflammation, and Fever
Origin Synthetic

What Type of Medicine is Diclomol Tablets?

Diclomol Tablets is a Combination Product delivered as a solid dose form, specifically Tablets, intended for Oral administration. It is fundamentally classified as an Analgesic (pain-relieving) and Antipyretic (fever-reducing) medicine, which includes a component belonging to the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) class. This type of formulation is recognized in pharmaceutical science as an effective strategy for managing complex pain states. The product is Synthetic in origin and falls within the category of preparations used for managing generalized discomfort.


Understanding the Composition and Purpose

The tablets contain two primary Active Ingredients: Diclofenac and Acetaminophen (known internationally as Paracetamol). The Diclofenac component serves to reduce localized inflammation and swelling, while the Acetaminophen component works centrally to relieve pain and lower elevated body temperature. This dual composition is distinct from single-ingredient formulations, positioning Diclomol for scenarios where both pain and inflammation are present.

Combining an NSAID with Acetaminophen is clinically recognized as an effective method for acute pain management. The core General Therapeutic Purpose of the combination is to manage acute symptoms involving both discomfort and potential temperature elevation, leveraging the strengths of both compounds simultaneously.


The Dual-Action Advantage of Diclomol Tablets

The advantage of Diclomol Tablets lies in its unique Dual-Action mechanism, which targets multiple pathways of discomfort. This formulation provides a Diclofenac component that acts peripherally to reduce the underlying tissue reaction, complemented by an Acetaminophen component that acts centrally to decrease the perception of pain and help normalize fever. Conceptually, this differentiates Diclomol from standard single-agent pain medications by offering a broader scope of action, addressing a typical use scenario that involves pain stemming from inflammatory processes.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

What side effects are possible with Diclomol Tablets?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety profile for Diclomol Tablets is structured around the documented risks associated with its two components, Diclofenac and Acetaminophen (Paracetamol). Regulatory authorities classify potential adverse reactions primarily by the organ system affected and their established frequency of occurrence, strictly derived from clinical data and post-marketing surveillance.


System-Organ Classes and Frequency

Adverse reactions are grouped into categories such as Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g., nausea, dyspepsia), which are classified as Common, and Nervous System Disorders (e.g., headache, dizziness).

Classification Examples of Reactions
Common Gastrointestinal discomfort, elevated liver enzymes, headache, dizziness.
Rare Serious gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, acute liver failure, severe hypersensitivity reactions.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Restrictions

Regulatory documentation highlights several severe adverse reactions. The Diclofenac component carries a documented risk of serious Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events (such as myocardial infarction and stroke) and severe Gastrointestinal Toxicity (including perforation). The Acetaminophen component is associated with the risk of Hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure, especially when maximum dosage limits are exceeded. Furthermore, serious, potentially fatal Skin Reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome) are officially listed.

To minimize potential risk, official labeling mandates that the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration should be used. Safety constraints also include specific contraindications for certain populations, such as use in the third trimester of pregnancy or in individuals with pre-existing severe hepatic impairment or severe heart failure.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Official regulatory information emphasizes that immediate medical attention is mandatory for any suspected overdose of Diclomol Tablets, even if a person feels well. This urgency is driven by the potential for delayed, severe, and fatal liver damage caused by the Acetaminophen component. You must seek medical advice right away or contact emergency services.

Overdose manifestations may initially be non-specific, including nausea, vomiting, pallor, and abdominal pain, but can rapidly progress to life-threatening outcomes. The profile includes risks of severe acute liver failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. Severe neurological events like coma and seizures are also documented.

Management is critically time-sensitive due to the specific antidote. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is required to counteract the hepatotoxicity of Acetaminophen, and its effectiveness is greatest when administered within the first eight hours of ingestion. For the Diclofenac component, no specific antidote exists, and treatment focuses on supportive and symptomatic measures, including monitoring renal and hepatic function. Special considerations note that individuals who consume three or more alcoholic beverages per day and elderly patients are at a heightened risk for severe outcomes.

Therapeutic Uses of Diclomol Tablets

This medication is commonly used to help with a combination of symptoms related to physical discomfort, inflammatory or irritative states, and symptoms related to systemic imbalance (fever). The combination is considered relevant for conditions where multiple symptoms occur together, providing support that helps ease the overall symptom burden and contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.


The tablets are considered relevant for providing symptomatic assistance in conditions marked by recurrent or acute manifestations of discomfort, including musculoskeletal pain, joint stiffness and swelling related to conditions like Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, headache, dental discomfort, and menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea). The combination is applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns where pain may be linked to an inflammatory process, and this action assists with maintaining functional stability and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.


Quick Fact: Relief for Dual Discomfort
This combination is commonly used to help with symptoms that are simultaneously painful and inflammatory, such as those experienced after soft tissue injuries (sprains and strains).

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Diclomol Tablets — official regulatory information


Eligibility Scope

Populations for whom use is allowed (as stated in label): Adults and adolescents generally aged 14 to 15 years and older.

Populations for whom use is not recommended (if applicable): Children under the minimum age threshold, and women who are breastfeeding or actively attempting to conceive.

Populations for whom use is contraindicated: Patients with severe hepatic or renal failure, established congestive heart failure (NYHA Class II-IV), ischemic heart disease, or cerebrovascular disease. Use is prohibited in patients with active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, and those with a history of allergic reactions (e.g., asthma) precipitated by aspirin or other NSAIDs. Women in the last trimester of pregnancy must not use this medicine.

Age-related eligibility rules: Use in the elderly requires the lowest effective dose due to increased risk of adverse events.

Condition-specific eligibility rules: Mild-to-moderate organ impairment and conditions like hypertension or inflammatory bowel disease require caution and close medical surveillance.

Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status (if explicitly documented): Use is contraindicated in the last trimester of pregnancy and not recommended during lactation.

Eligibility-related restrictions: Use is prohibited for pain management in the setting of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery.


Eligibility Classifications (High-level)

Eligibility severity classification (as defined in official documents): Contraindicated (Absolute Prohibition), Not Recommended, and Caution/Surveillance.

Regulatory basis (EMA / FDA / etc.): Restrictions are based on the combined risk profile of Diclofenac and Acetaminophen as documented in Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and FDA Prescribing Information.

Eligibility-context constraints (as defined in official documents): Constraints are disease-state dependent (GI, CV, organ failure) and physiological-state dependent (age, reproductive status).


Resulting Eligibility Structure

Official eligibility statements:

  • CONTRAINDICATED in the last trimester of pregnancy.
  • CONTRAINDICATED in patients with established severe cardiovascular disease.
  • CAUTION is required for use in mild-to-moderate renal or hepatic impairment.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile (2–4 sentences): Official regulatory documents strictly define who can and cannot use Diclomol Tablets by establishing absolute contraindications for patients with severe organ dysfunction, established cardiovascular disease, or NSAID-related allergies. Use is specifically restricted for populations such as the elderly, women attempting conception, and those with mild-to-moderate comorbidity, defining the eligible population as primarily healthy adults and older adolescents without the prohibited medical conditions.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Diclomol Tablets contains two active ingredients: diclofenac (an NSAID) and paracetamol (acetaminophen). The interaction profile is defined by the known risks associated with each component.

Contraindicated Combinations

Co-administration with other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including low-dose aspirin and ibuprofen, is strongly discouraged due to a significantly increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events, such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. Use in the setting of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is contraindicated.

Clinically Significant Interactions

  • Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents (e.g., Warfarin, Aspirin): Concomitant use with the diclofenac component increases the risk of bleeding due to combined antiplatelet effects. Close monitoring of coagulation is required.
  • Oral Corticosteroids and SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): Combining Diclomol with these classes increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Diuretics: Diclofenac may reduce the natriuretic and antihypertensive effects of diuretics, requiring blood pressure and diuretic efficacy monitoring.
  • CYP2C9, 2C19, and 3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Voriconazole): These drugs can increase the systemic exposure (Cmax and AUC) of diclofenac, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Other Product Interactions

Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with the diclofenac component and may increase the risk of liver damage associated with the paracetamol component, especially when the maximum recommended daily dosage of paracetamol is exceeded.

Mechanism of Action

How Diclomol Tablets Works

Diclomol is a fixed-dose combination product containing two pharmacologically active components that operate through distinct mechanisms to achieve physiological modulation.

Diclofenac exerts its action primarily through the non-selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, predominantly targeting the COX-2 isoenzyme. This enzymatic inhibition prevents the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostanoids. The result is a decreased synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, which limits the initiation and progression of the inflammatory cascade within peripheral tissues.

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) acts predominantly within the Central Nervous System (CNS). The mechanism is proposed to involve a modulatory effect on descending serotonergic pathways and an action on the endogenous cannabinoid system. The central consequence of this activity is the alteration of the threshold for pain perception and the modulation of central thermal regulation.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Diclomol Tablets

The usage of Diclomol Tablets, a combination medicine containing Diclofenac and Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), is governed by specific instructions provided for the product to ensure standardized administration.


Standard Administration Principles

The approved route of administration for this medicine is oral, with the solid tablet being taken by mouth. The standard regimen dictates that the tablet must be swallowed whole with liquid and should not be broken, chewed, or crushed. These administration constraints help ensure the proper delivery of the active components.

Labeling instructions specify the medicine should be taken with or immediately after meals. The total daily dose for the Diclofenac component typically ranges up to 150 mg and is generally administered in two or three divided applications per day. For long-term therapy, a lower, twice-daily frequency is often used, maintaining the principle of using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.


Dosing and Population Context

Usage Constraint Standard Labeled Instruction
Dosing Frequency Administered in two or three divided doses per day
Meal Timing Take with or after meals
Paediatric Use Tablets are not suitable for children (typically under 14 years) due to difficulty with dose subdivision
Physical Intake Must be swallowed whole

These instructions define the procedural structure for use, establishing the correct frequency and administration conditions (such as taking the dose with food).

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Summary of Clinical Research

Research has extensively investigated whether the drug affects clinical outcomes in people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) who have hyperphosphatemia.

Studies were designed to investigate the potential for the agent to affect serum phosphate levels. The agent and the research findings have been the subject of investigation for managing hyperphosphatemia. The treatment agent was administered with meals as part of the trial protocol.


Key Clinical Trial Outcomes

Key clinical trials evaluated whether the drug affected the progression of vascular calcification. Research explored whether this reduction in phosphate was associated with changes in long-term cardiovascular risks.

Comparative studies compared the drug to calcium-based binders to evaluate potential differences in outcomes, such as mortality, in CKD patients. The results of these comparative studies varied across different trial populations.

Research examined the drug as a monotherapy or in combination with calcitriol. In clinical trials, hypocalcemia was reported as an outcome that was measured.


Early-Stage Research

In clinical trials, the drug was studied in participants without severe hypocalcemia at baseline.

Initial Phase II studies investigated whether the drug influenced hyperphosphatemia and noted the pill burden involved in the treatment regimen. These initial findings were used to inform the design of later Phase III trials.

Key Studies & References Phase II Dose-Ranging Study of Phosphate Binder X in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Diclomol Tablets (FAQ)


Q: How long does it take for Diclomol to start working?

Pharmacokinetic data from official sources indicate that for the diclofenac component, peak plasma levels in the body are typically reached within 1 to 4 hours after taking the tablet. This timeframe may be delayed if the medicine is consumed with food. The time it takes for an individual to notice the effects can vary.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Diclomol?

Regulatory patient information for medicines containing diclofenac generally advises taking the missed dose as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, labeling typically states that the missed dose should be skipped. It is generally advised that a double dose not be taken to make up for a missed one.

Q: Is Diclomol available over the counter?

In most major regulatory regions, oral formulations of diclofenac, which is one of the active components in Diclomol Tablets, are classified as prescription-only medicines. This classification is primarily due to the potential risks of the medicine that necessitate supervision from a healthcare professional.

Q: How should I dispose of expired Diclomol Tablets?

Official guidelines recommend disposal by following local regulations, often involving authorized drug take-back sites or pharmacies. Authorities advise against flushing medicines down the toilet to protect the environment. Some official guidelines also detail steps for disposal in household trash, such as mixing the medicine with an undesirable substance and sealing it.

Q: What pain and inflammation research has been done on Diclomol?

The active ingredients in Diclomol, diclofenac and acetaminophen, are widely studied compounds used in the management of pain and inflammation. Registered clinical trials for combination products similar to Diclomol have been conducted to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in patients experiencing various forms of acute and chronic pain.

How should Diclomol Tablets be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Diclomol Tablets?

Regulatory authorities define specific conditions for storing and disposing of this medicine to ensure stability and public safety.

Official Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C (Store below 30°C).
Environment Keep the tablets protected from light and moisture in a cool, dry place.
Packaging Keep the medicine in its original container or pack and ensure it remains tightly closed.

Crucially, it is mandatory to keep Diclomol Tablets out of the sight and reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

Official Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired tablets must be disposed of according to local regulations. Authorities advise against throwing the medicine into household trash or flushing it down the toilet or into wastewater to avoid release to the environment. The product should instead be taken to an authorized drug take-back location.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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