Jonac tablets and suppository uses and side effects
Jonac is a popular brand name of Diclofenac sodium that is commonly available in indian sub-continent.
Common preparations of Jonac
This medication is available as tablets, suppository, and gel format for local application. Local application is effective in treating localized painful conditions. It has minimal side effects.
Oral medication is used in treating muscle pains, post-surgical pain and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, Jonac plus is a preparation that has paracetamol (Acetaminophen) + Diclofenac sodium. Therefore, it is more effective.
Uses of Jonac
It is a NSAID class medication and used as a painkiller for moderate to severe muscular skeletal pain. It is not effective in painful conditions that arise due to nerve problems. However, it causes burning stomachache (heartburn) and it reduces platelet counts in the blood.
Dangers and side effects of Jonac
This medication can cause heart burn and stomach irritation. In addition, it can rarely cause severe stomach bleeds. But it usually occurs in people who abuses NSAID class medications. It can be prevented by concomitantly taking proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole or antacid medication.
Other side effects of Jonac
Other most common side effect Jonac is reduction of platelet counts in the blood. It can become a serious complication when this medication is used in viral fever. Some viral fevers are known to decrease platelet counts. When this medication is used to treat body aches that occur in viral fever then it can cause significant platelet drop that may result in severe bleeding. Therefore, it should not be used in undiagnosed illnesses associated with fever.
Other serious side effect that can occur with Jonac is aggravation of asthma. When a known asthmatic takes NSAIDs such as Jonac, it could result in constriction of bronchial smooth muscles and obliteration of the bronchial tree. It can result in severe breathlessness.
In addition, long term (for years) regular use of Jonac could result in kidney damage. it is called NSAID induced kidney impairment. It can be irreversible.
Summary
Jonac or Diclofenac sodium can be a useful medication in short term relief of moderate to severe pain. But long term use and use in fever can cause serious problems. In addition, this medication is known to cause heart burn and respiratory problems in asthmatic patients.