Description:

Diclofenac Sodium 50mg Tablets (A-Efah brand) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term relief of moderate pain and inflammation. It is commonly indicated for:

• Musculoskeletal pain (e.g., backache, muscle strain, sprains)
• Joint pain (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis flares)
• Dental pain, post-operative pain, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
• Migraine (acute attacks)
• Fever reduction (as an antipyretic) It works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing pain, swelling, and fever. In Ghana (Accra), A-Efah Diclofenac 50mg is a widely available, affordable generic NSAID sold in pharmacies for everyday pain and inflammation relief.

Prescription: Over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana for short-term adult use in most pharmacies. No prescription required for limited use; freely sold. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if pain persists >3–5 days, is severe/recurrent, involves swelling/redness/heat (possible infection), or for use in children under 12, pregnant/breastfeeding women, elderly, or patients with stomach ulcers, kidney/liver/heart issues, asthma, or on other medications (due to NSAID risks).

Therapeutic Category:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) / Analgesic / Antipyretic (Propionic acid derivative).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each enteric-coated tablet contains:

• Active ingredient: Diclofenac sodium – 50 mg. Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, sodium starch glycolate, hypromellose, methacrylic acid copolymer, triethyl citrate, titanium dioxide, and colorants (enteric coating protects stomach from irritation). Tablets are usually yellow or pink, round/oval, film-coated/enteric-coated.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• A-Efah Diclofenac Sodium 50mg enteric-coated tablets (standard strength). Related variants: Diclofenac 25mg or 75mg tablets (lower/higher doses), Diclofenac 100mg SR (sustained-release), Diclofenac gel/cream (topical), or Diclofenac + Paracetamol combinations. The 50mg immediate-release tablet is the most common oral form.

Consume Type:

Oral – Enteric-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew – coating protects stomach).

Directions/Usage: Adults: Typical dose 50 mg 2–3 times daily (maximum 150 mg/day).

• Take with or after food or milk to reduce stomach irritation.
• Duration: Short-term only (3–5 days maximum without medical advice).
• Do not exceed recommended dose or duration (risk of gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcers or kidney issues).
• Not recommended for children under 12 years without medical advice.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhoea.
• Central: Headache, dizziness.
• Skin: Rash, itching. Rare/serious (seek help): Stomach ulcers/bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood), severe allergic reactions, kidney impairment (reduced urine output), liver enzyme elevation (jaundice), or cardiovascular effects (hypertension, edema).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip; packs of 1×10, 2×10 = 20, 3×10 = 30, or 10×10 = 100 tablets; foil blisters in carton or simple box 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. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcers (especially elderly or with ulcer history) – take with food or antacids if needed.
• Contraindicated if allergic to diclofenac/NSAIDs/aspirin, active peptic ulcer, severe liver/kidney/heart failure, or late pregnancy (fetal risk).
• Caution in hypertension, asthma (NSAID-exacerbated), bleeding disorders, or on anticoagulants/steroids.
• Avoid alcohol (increases GI risk).
• Inform doctor if pregnant/planning, breastfeeding, or on other medications.
• If black stools, vomiting blood, severe headache, swelling, or confusion occurs, seek immediate help.
• Do not exceed dose or use longer than 5 days without medical advice.

Product Substitutes: Similar diclofenac sodium 50mg enteric-coated tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic diclofenac sodium 50mg tablets (various importers).
• Voltaren 50mg (original Novartis brand if stocked).
• Other brands like Diclofenac Sandoz, Diclofam, or local generics. Alternatives: Ibuprofen 400mg, naproxen 500mg, aceclofenac 100mg, or paracetamol 500mg (milder). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Exeter Pharmaceuticals or similar (many diclofenac 50mg tablets in Ghana are produced by Indian manufacturers under various export brands; A-Efah often appears on generic labels). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported generic).

Country of Origin:

India (manufactured by Indian pharmaceutical companies; imported to Ghana and widely available in local pharmacies).