Diclofenac Intravenous Infusion for Adults

Who can administer

May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife

Important information

  • The drug is safe for intravenous use only if the infusion solution has been buffered with 0.5mL sodium bicarbonate 8.4% prior to the addition of diclofenac
  • Unlicensed medicine

Available preparations

Voltarol 75mg per 3mL ampoule

Diclac 75mg per 3mL ampoule

Reconstitution

Already in solution

Draw up using a 5 micron filter needle

Dilute further prior to administration

Infusion fluids

Sodium Chloride 0.9% or glucose 5%

Methods of intravenous administration

Intermittent intravenous infusion ONLY (administer using an electronically controlled infusion device)

  • Buffer 100 to 500mL infusion fluid with 0.5ml 8.4% sodium bicarbonate before adding Diclac
  • Add one ampoule (75mg) of Diclac brand to buffered fluid above and administer over minimum 30 minutes

Dose in adults

  • Give 75mg, may be repeated once only after 4 to 6 hours if necessary
  • Use the lowest effective dose (frail/elderly patients may respond to a lower dose)
  • Use for the shortest duration at the lowest dose possible - treatment should not exceed 2 days by iparenteral route
  • Contraindicated in severe renal or hepatic impairment

Monitoring

  • Monitor renal function

Further information

  • The maximum permitted dose by any route is 150mg in 24 hours
  • For intramuscular use there is NO NEED to buffer the Diclac

Storage

  • Store below 250C
  • Keep the ampoules in the outer container in order to protect them from light

References

Voltarol SPC 04/02/2023

Therapeutic classification

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs