Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Diclofenac is a proven, commonly prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID) that has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties, and has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of acute and chronic pain and inflammatory conditions. As with all NSAIDs, diclofenac exerts its action via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) with relative equipotency. However, extensive research shows the pharmacologic activity of diclofenac goes beyond COX inhibition, and includes multimodal and, in some instances, novel mechanisms of action (MOA). DATA SOURCES: Literature retrieval was performed through PubMed/MEDLINE (through May 2009) using combinations of the terms diclofenac, NSAID, mechanism of action, COX-1, COX-2, and pharmacology. Reference citations resulting from publications identified in the literature search were reviewed when appropriate. METHODS: This article reviews the established, putative, and emerging MOAs of diclofenac; compares the drug's pharmacologic and pharmacodynamic properties with other NSAIDs to delineate its potentially unique qualities; hypothesizes why it has been chosen for further recent formulation enhancement; and evaluates the potential effect of its MOA characteristics on safety. DISCUSSION:
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Authors | Tong J Gan |
Journal | Current medical research and opinion
(Curr Med Res Opin)
Vol. 26
Issue 7
Pg. 1715-31
(Jul 2010)
ISSN: 1473-4877 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 20470236
(Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
- Diclofenac
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Topics |
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
(adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Diclofenac
(adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Models, Biological
- Pain
(drug therapy)
- Signal Transduction
(drug effects, physiology)
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