Lextol

What is Lextol?

11 DESCRIPTION Diclofenac sodium topical solution USP, 1.5% is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, available as a clear, colorless to faintly pink-orange solution for topical application. Diclofenac sodium topical solution contains 1.5% w/w diclofenac sodium, a benzeneacetic acid derivative that is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), designated chemically as 2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino]-benzeneacetic acid, monosodium salt. The molecular weight is 318.14. Its molecular formula is C 14 H 10 Cl 2 NNaO 2 and it has the following structural formula: Each 1 mL of solution contains 16.05 mg of diclofenac sodium. In addition, diclofenac sodium topical solution contains the following inactive ingredients: dimethyl sulfoxide USP (DMSO, 45.5% w/w), ethanol, glycerin, propylene glycol and purified water. Chemical Structure

Uses of Lextol

Established uses

• 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Diclofenac sodium topical solution, USP is indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee(s) (1).
• Diclofenac sodium topical solution is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee(s).
• ( 1 ) Uses for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains and sprains

How Lextol works

In more detail: 12.1 Mechanism of Action Diclofenac has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of diclofenac sodium, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). Diclofenac is a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis in vitro. Diclofenac concentrations reached during therapy have produced in vivo effects. Prostaglandins sensitize afferent nerves and potentiate the action of bradykinin in inducing pain in animal models. Prostaglandins are mediators of inflammation. Because diclofenac is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, its mode of action may be due to a decrease of prostaglandins in peripheral tissues.

How to take Lextol

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals. The recommended dose is 40 drops on each painful knee, 4 times a day. ( 2 ) Apply diclofenac sodium topical solution to clean, dry skin. ( 2.1 ) Dispense diclofenac sodium topical solution 10 drops at a time either directly onto the knee or first into the hand and then onto the knee. Spread diclofenac sodium topical solution evenly around front, back and sides of the knee. Repeat this procedure until 40 drops have been applied and the knee is completely covered with solution. ( 2.1 ) Wash hands completely after administering the product. Wait until the area is completely dry before covering with clothing or applying sunscreen, insect repellent, cosmetics, topical medications, or other substances. Until the treated knee(s) is completely dry, avoid skin-to-skin contact between other people and the treated knee(s). ( 2.2 ) Do not get diclofenac sodium topical solution in your eyes, nose or mouth. 2.1 General Dosing Instructions Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [ see Warning

Dosage

Follow the dose prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. The ranges below are general information, not a personal prescription.

Adults

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals. The recommended dose is 40 drops on each painful knee, 4 times a day. ( 2 ) Apply diclofenac sodium topical solution to clean, dry skin. ( 2.1 ) Dispense diclofenac sodium topical solution 10 drops at a time either directly onto the knee or first into the hand and then onto the knee. Spread diclofenac sodium topical solution evenly around front, back and sides of the knee. Repeat this procedure until 40 drops have been applied and the knee is completely covered with solution. ( 2.1 ) Wash hands completely after administering the product. Wait until the area is completely dry before covering with clothing or applying sunscreen, insect repellent, cosmetics, topical medications, or other substances. Until the treated knee(s) is completely dry, avoid skin-to-skin contact between other people and the treated knee(s). ( 2.2 ) Do not get diclofenac sodium topical solution in your eyes, nose or mouth. 2.1 General Dosing Instructions Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [ see Warning

Side effects of Lextol

Common

• 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hepatotoxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypertension [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Heart Failure and Edema [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Anaphylactic Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Serious Skin Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Hematologic Toxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] The most common adverse reactions with diclofenac sodium topical solution are application site reactions.
• ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.
• at 1-866-923-4914 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
• 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another

Warnings and who should not take it

Who should NOT take Lextol?

• 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Diclofenac sodium topical solution, USP is contraindicated in the following patients: Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to diclofenac or any components of the drug product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 , 5.9) ].
• History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 , 5.8) ] .
• In the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
• Known hypersensitivity to diclofenac or any components of the drug product.
• ( 4 ) History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Warnings and precautions

• Warnings For external use only This is not a face cream.
• Do not apply to the face.
• Do not use if allergic to chili peppers or if past allergic reaction to capsaicin.
• Do not apply to wounds or damaged, broken, sunburned, chapped or irritated skin.
• Do not bandage tightly.
• Do not apply within 1 hour before or after bath, shower, hot tub, sauna or vigorous exercise.

Overdose

10 OVERDOSAGE Symptoms following acute NSAID overdosages have been typically limited to lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain, which have been generally reversible with supportive care. Gastrointestinal bleeding has occurred. Hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, and coma have occurred, but were rare. [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2 . 5.4 , 5.6) ]. Manage patients with symptomatic and supportive care following an NSAID overdosage. There are no specific antidotes. Emesis is not recommended due to a possibility of aspiration and subsequent respiratory irritation by DMSO contained in diclofenac sodium. Consider activated charcoal (60 to 100 grams in adults, 1 to 2 grams per kg of body weight in pediatric patients) and/or osmotic cathartic in symptomatic patients seen within four hours of ingestion or in patients with a large overdosage (5 to 10 times the recommended dosage). Forced diuresis, alkalinization of urine, hemodialysis, or hemoperfusion may not be useful due to high protein binding. For additional information about overdose treatment, contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222).

Safety at a glance

Children and elderly

Interactions

Medicine and medicine

• 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS See Table 2 for clinically significant drug interactions with diclofenac.
• Table 2: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Diclofenac Drugs That Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact: Diclofenac and anticoagulants such as warfarin have a synergistic effect on bleeding.
• The concomitant use of diclofenac and anticoagulants have increased the risk of serious bleeding compared to the use of either drug alone.
• Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis.
• Case-control and cohort epidemiological studies showed that concomitant use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and an NSAID may potentiate the risk of bleeding more than an NSAID alone.
• Intervention: Monitor patients with concomitant use of diclofenac sodium with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for signs of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Aspirin Clinical Impact: Controlled clinical studies showed that the concomitant use of NSAIDs and analgesic doses of aspirin does not produce any greater therapeutic effect tha

Frequently asked questions