Description:

Afridol Tablets (by Afrique Healthcare or similar branding in Ghana markets) is a combination analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication. It provides relief from mild to moderate pain, inflammation, fever, and associated symptoms in conditions such as headache, toothache, muscle/joint pain, menstrual cramps, back pain, and minor injuries. It combines a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for inflammation and pain reduction with paracetamol for additional analgesia and fever control. It is a common, affordable prescription pain reliever available in Ghanaian pharmacies (e.g., in Accra) for symptomatic use.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx due to NSAID risks like gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular effects; not freely OTC for prolonged use).

Therapeutic Category:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) + Analgesic Combination (for pain, inflammation, and fever relief; or similar for diclofenac + paracetamol combos).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Each tablet typically contains:

• Diclofenac sodium – 50 mg (NSAID; anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic).
• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) – 500 mg (analgesic and antipyretic). Other ingredients (excipients): Microcrystalline cellulose, starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, film-coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, titanium dioxide). Tablets are film-coated (often white/off-white).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Afridol Tablets (standard diclofenac 50mg + paracetamol 500mg combination). Related variants: Afridol in different strengths (e.g., 100mg diclofenac alone) or other combos (e.g., diclofenac + paracetamol + serratiopeptidase). The queried version is the common diclofenac + paracetamol tablet.

Consume Type:

Oral – Tablet (swallow whole with water; take with or after food to reduce stomach upset).

Directions/Usage:

Take as prescribed by a doctor (lowest effective dose/shortest duration).

• Adults: Typically 1 tablet twice or three times daily (maximum 150 mg diclofenac/day).
• Take with food/milk to minimize GI irritation.
• Duration: Short-term (e.g., 3–7 days for acute pain); do not exceed without advice.
• Do not use for more than a few days without medical supervision.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation.
• Central: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness.
• Other: Rash, edema (swelling). Rare/serious (seek immediate help): Stomach ulcers/bleeding (black stools/vomiting blood), severe allergic reactions, heart attack/stroke signs (chest pain, shortness of breath), liver/kidney issues.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip, packs of 1×10 or 2×10 = 10–20 tablets; foil blisters in carton with patient leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Increased risk of serious cardiovascular events (heart attack/stroke), gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcers (especially elderly or ulcer history)—use cautiously.
• Contraindicated if allergic to diclofenac/paracetamol/NSAIDs, active peptic ulcer, severe liver/kidney/heart failure, or late pregnancy (fetal risk).
• Caution in hypertension, asthma (NSAID-exacerbated), bleeding disorders, or on anticoagulants.
• Avoid alcohol/other NSAIDs (increased GI risk).
• Inform doctor if pregnant/planning, breastfeeding, or on other medications.
• If black stools, severe pain, swelling, or chest pain occurs, seek immediate help. Regular monitoring for long-term use.

Product Substitutes: Similar diclofenac + paracetamol tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic diclofenac 50mg + paracetamol 500mg (various importers).
• Dicloran A or other combos.
• Alternatives: Aceclofenac + paracetamol (e.g., Aceclo Plus), ibuprofen + paracetamol, or plain diclofenac/paracetamol. Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Afrique Healthcare or similar local importer/distributor (Afridol is a branded generic line; likely manufactured by an Indian pharmaceutical company and marketed in Ghana by Afrique Healthcare or affiliated entities). Specific manufacturer often not publicly detailed, but common for such generics in West Africa.

Country of Origin:

India (primary manufacturing source for Afridol tablets imported to Ghana; BP/USP-compliant and widely available locally).