In the pharmaceutical industry, Diclofenac Potassium 50 mg is a potent, fast-acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). As a pharmacist, I distinguish this from the Sodium salt primarily by its pharmacokinetics: the Potassium salt is more water-soluble, allowing for rapid absorption and a faster onset of analgesic action, making it the preferred choice for acute pain.
Primary Clinical Uses
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Acute Pain Relief: Specifically indicated for the rapid treatment of acute painful conditions such as migraine attacks, toothaches, and post-operative pain.
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Primary Dysmenorrhea: Widely used to manage severe menstrual cramps due to its ability to quickly inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in the uterus.
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Musculoskeletal Injuries: Effective for acute sprains, strains, and sports injuries where rapid reduction of inflammation and pain is required.
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Inflammatory Conditions: Management of flare-ups in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Mechanism of Action
Diclofenac Potassium works by inhibiting the enzymes Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). This inhibition halts the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are the primary mediators of pain, fever, and inflammation.
Because the potassium salt dissolves more quickly in the stomach’s neutral-to-acidic environment than the sodium version, it reaches peak plasma concentration ($T_{max}$) in approximately 20–60 minutes, compared to 2 hours for the sodium salt.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export
From a manufacturing and global trade standpoint, Diclofenac Potassium 50 mg is a high-demand “fast-relief” product:
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Non-Enteric Coating: Unlike the sodium version (which is often enteric-coated for slow release), the potassium version is usually film-coated. This ensures the tablet disintegrates immediately in the stomach for rapid absorption.
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Hygroscopic Protection: Diclofenac Potassium is more sensitive to moisture than the sodium salt. As a WHO-GMP manufacturer, we utilize Alu-Alu blister packaging to ensure the stability of the API and maintain a 36-month shelf life in Zone IVb climates.
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API Purity: We adhere to strict BP/USP/IP standards, monitoring for impurities like “Indolinone” to ensure the highest safety profile for export.
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B2B & Tender Supply: This is a staple for pharmacy chains and emergency medical supplies. Our Mumbai-based hub provides full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support international partners in rapid registration.