Voltfast is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that contains diclofenac potassium. It is available as a powder for oral solution, and each sachet contains 50 mg of diclofenac potassium.
Voltfast is indicated for short-term treatment of acute painful and inflammatory conditions, including:
* Post-traumatic pain, inflammation, and swelling
* Post-operative pain, inflammation, and swelling
* Painful and/or inflammatory conditions in gynecology, e.g., primary dysmenorrhea or adnexitis
* Migraine attacks
* Painful syndromes of the vertebral column
* Non-articular rheumatism
* As an adjuvant in severe painful inflammatory infections of the ear, nose, or throat
The recommended initial daily dose is 100 to 150 mg, divided into up to 3 separate doses. In milder cases, 50 to 100 mg daily may be sufficient. The dosage may be adjusted based on the individual patient's needs and condition.
The most common side effects include:
* Headache
* Dizziness
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Dyspepsia
* Abdominal pain
* Flatulence
* Decreased appetite
* Rash
* Transaminases increased
Voltfast can cause serious side effects, including:
* Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, or perforation (which can be fatal)
* Arteriothrombotic events (myocardial infarction, stroke)
* Hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylactic reactions, angioedema)
* Hepatotoxicity (hepatitis, jaundice, liver failure)
* Renal toxicity (acute kidney injury, hematuria, proteinuria)
* Hematologic effects (thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia)
* Visual disturbances (blurred vision, diplopia)
Voltfast should be used for the shortest duration possible at the lowest effective dose.
Close medical surveillance is required for patients with impaired hepatic or renal function.
Patients with a history of gastrointestinal toxicity should be closely monitored for unusual abdominal symptoms.
Caution is advised in patients receiving concomitant medications that could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding.
Special caution is recommended in patients with asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, or other respiratory conditions.
The risk of cardiovascular events may be increased with higher doses and longer durations of treatment.
Voltfast is contraindicated in the following situations:
* Known hypersensitivity to diclofenac or any of the excipients
* Active gastric or intestinal ulcer, bleeding, or perforation
* Last trimester of pregnancy
* Hepatic failure
* Renal failure (GFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m²)
* Severe cardiac failure
* Patients in whom the use of acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs can precipitate asthma, angioedema, urticaria, or acute rhinitis
Other NSAIDs and corticosteroids: Concomitant administration may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Anticoagulants and anti-platelet agents: Concomitant administration may increase the risk of bleeding.
CYP2C9 inducers (e.g., rifampicin): May decrease plasma concentrations of diclofenac.
CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., voriconazole): May increase plasma concentrations of diclofenac.
Lithium: Diclofenac may raise lithium plasma concentrations.
Digoxin: Diclofenac may raise digoxin plasma concentrations.
Diuretics and antihypertensive agents: Diclofenac may reduce the antihypertensive effect.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): May increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Antidiabetics: Diclofenac may influence the effect of antidiabetic agents.
Metformin: May increase the risk of metabolic acidosis.
Phenytoin: Diclofenac may increase phenytoin plasma concentrations.
Pregnancy: Voltfast is contraindicated in the third trimester due to the possibility of uterine inertia, premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, and fetal renal impairment. Use during the first two trimesters should be limited to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.
Lactation: Diclofenac passes into breast milk in small amounts. It is recommended to avoid breast-feeding while using Voltfast.
Voltfast inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, which play a key role in causing inflammation, pain, and fever. This inhibition is thought to be the primary mechanism responsible for Voltfast's antirheumatic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties.