Description:

Parafenac Tablets (Diclofenac Sodium & Paracetamol) is a combination analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication used for the short-term relief of moderate to severe pain and inflammation. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as headache, toothache, menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), musculoskeletal pain, backache, joint pain (arthritis), post-operative pain, fever, and other acute painful/inflammatory conditions. Diclofenac provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, while paracetamol adds additional pain relief and fever reduction. In Ghana (Accra), Parafenac is a very popular, affordable over-the-counter/prescription painkiller widely available in pharmacies for everyday aches, fever, and inflammatory pain.

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

Therapeutic Category:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) + Analgesic Combination (Pain and inflammation relief for similar combinations).

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, typical): Maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, sodium starch glycolate, microcrystalline cellulose, and film-coating agents (hypromellose, titanium dioxide, etc.). Tablets are film-coated, round or capsule-shaped, and usually white/off-white.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Parafenac Tablets (standard combination: diclofenac 50mg + paracetamol 500mg). Related variants: Parafenac Forte (higher diclofenac dose or different ratio in some markets), Parafenac Plus (with added caffeine in some formulations), smaller packs (e.g., 10 tablets), or syrup forms for children. The standard tablet is the most common form.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; take with or after food to reduce stomach irritation).

Directions/Usage: Adults and children over 12 years: Typically 1 tablet every 6–8 hours as needed (maximum 3 tablets per day).

• Take with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal irritation.
• Duration: Short-term (3–5 days maximum without medical advice).
• Do not exceed the recommended dose (risk of liver damage from paracetamol or gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcers from diclofenac).
• Not recommended for children under 12 years without medical advice.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhoea (mainly from diclofenac).
• Central: Dizziness, headache, drowsiness.
• Skin: Rash, mild allergic reactions. Rare/serious (seek help): Stomach ulcers/bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood), severe allergic reactions, liver damage (jaundice, dark urine), kidney issues (reduced urine output), or cardiovascular effects (hypertension, edema).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip, packs of 1×10, 2×10 = 20, or 3×10 = 30 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, with ulcer history, or high dose/long-term) – take with food or antacids if needed.
• Contraindicated if allergic to diclofenac/paracetamol/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 50mg + paracetamol 500mg tablets in Ghana include:

• Gebedol Plus (similar combination by Entrance).
• Generic diclofenac/paracetamol tablets (various importers).
• Alternatives: Panadol Extra (paracetamol + caffeine), APC tablets (aspirin + paracetamol + caffeine), plain diclofenac, ibuprofen, or aceclofenac. Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Varies by exact batch (many diclofenac + paracetamol tablets in Ghana are locally produced or imported generics). Marketed/distributed by local pharmaceutical companies or importers (widely stocked as local/imported product).

Country of Origin:

Ghana or India (many such combinations are locally manufactured in Ghana or imported from India; widely available in Accra pharmacies).