What is Sefnac?
Sefnac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and other symptoms of arthritis of the joints (eg, osteoarthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. However, Sefnac does not cure osteoarthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to use it.
Sefnac topical 3% gel is also used to treat actinic keratosis, a skin problem that may become cancerous if not treated. The exact way that topical Sefnac helps this condition is unknown.
Sefnac topical solution is used to treat pain and swelling caused by osteoarthritis of the knees.
Sefnac topical patch is used to treat acute pain caused by minor strains, sprains, and contusions (bruises).
Sefnac is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Sefnac indications
Intramuscular
Renal colic
Adult: As Sefnac Na: 75 mg, may repeat once after 30 min if needed. Max: 150 mg/day. Max period: 2 days.
Intramuscular
Bursitis, Pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal and joint disorders, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis, Acute gout, Dysmenorrhoea
Adult: As Sefnac Na: 75 mg once daily, injected into the gluteal muscle, may increase to 75 mg bid in severe conditions. Max period: 2 days.
Intravenous
Postoperative pain
Adult: As Sefnac Na: 75 mg infusion in glucose 5% or NaCl 0.9% (previously buffered w/ Na bicarbonate) given over 30-120 min or as bolus inj, may repeat after 4-6 hr if necessary. Max period: 2 days.
Intravenous
Prophylaxis of postoperative pain
Adult: As Sefnac Na: Initially, 25-50 mg infusion given after surgery over 15-60 min followed by 5 mg/hr. Alternatively, initial dose may be given as bolus inj over 5-60 sec followed by additional inj, may repeat after 4-6 hr if necessary. Max: 150 mg/day. Max period: 2 days.
Ophthalmic
Postoperative ocular inflammation
Adult: As Sefnac Na (0.1% soln): Instill into the appropriate eye 4 times daily starting 24 hr after surgery for up to 28 days.
Ophthalmic
Inflammation and discomfort after strabismus surgery
Adult: As Sefnac Na (0.1% soln): Instill 1 drop 4 times daily for the 1st wk; then tid in the 2nd wk, bid in the 3rd wk, and as required for the 4th wk.
Ophthalmic
Pain and discomfort after radial keratotomy
Adult: As Sefnac Na (0.1% soln): Instill 1 drop before surgery followed by 1 drop immediately after surgery, and then 1 drop 4 times daily for up to 2 days.
Ophthalmic
Pain after accidental trauma
Adult: As Sefnac Na (0.1% soln): Instill 1 drop 4 times daily for up to 2 days.
Ophthalmic
Control of inflammation after argon laser trabeculoplasty
Adult: As Sefnac Na (0.1% soln): Instill 1 drop 4 times during the 2 hr before procedure followed by 1 drop 4 times daily, up to 7 days after procedure.
Ophthalmic
Prophylaxis of intra-operative miosis
Adult: As Sefnac Na (0.1% soln): Instill into appropriate eye 4 times w/in 2 hr before surgery.
Ophthalmic
Post-photorefractive keratectomy pain
Adult: As Sefnac Na (0.1% soln): Instill into the affected eye twice, an hr before surgery, then 1 drop twice at 5-min intervals immediately after surgery, then every 2-5 hr while awake for up to 24 hr.
Ophthalmic
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
Adult: As Sefnac Na (0.1% soln): Instill 1 drop before surgery followed by 1 drop immediately after surgery, and then 1 drop 4 times daily for up to 2 days.
Oral
Bursitis, Pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal and joint disorders, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis, Acute gout, Dysmenorrhoea
Adult: As Sefnac Na: 75-150 mg/day in divided doses. Max: 150 mg/day.
Oral
Migraine
Adult: As Sefnac K: Initially, 50 mg taken at the 1st sign of an attack, an additional dose of 50 mg may be taken after 2 hr if symptoms persist. If needed, further doses of 50 mg may be taken 4-6 hrly. Max: 200 mg/day.
Rectal
Acute gout, Bursitis, Dysmenorrhoea, Pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal and joint disorders, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis
Adult: As Sefnac Na: 100 mg once daily.
Topical/Cutaneous
Actinic keratoses
Adult: As Sefnac Na (3% gel): Apply bid for 60-90 days.
Topical/Cutaneous
Osteoarthritis
Adult: As Sefnac Na (1.6% soln): Apply in small amounts (20 or 40 drops) onto affected area 4 times daily. As Na: (1% gel): Apply to the affected area 4 times daily. Max: 32 g/day over the affected area.
Topical/Cutaneous
Local symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation
Adult: As Sefnac Na (1% gel): Apply onto affected area 3 or 4 times daily.
Transdermal
Acute pain
Adult: Sprains, strains, contusions: 1 patch bid.
How should I use Sefnac?
Use Sefnac solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Sefnac solution comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Sefnac solution refilled.
- Do not apply Sefnac solution to infected skin; open wounds; or red, swollen, or peeling skin.
- Wash your hands immediately before and after using Sefnac solution.
- Wash the affected area and dry completely before using Sefnac solution.
- To apply Sefnac solution, dispense 10 drops at a time onto the knee or into your hand. Spread Sefnac solution evenly around the front, back, and sides of the knee. Repeat until you have used the whole dose.
- Be sure that you cover your entire knee with your dose of Sefnac solution. Do not use more than the recommended amount.
- Do not apply sunscreens, cosmetics, insect repellants, other topical medicines, or any other substance to the treated area until it is completely dry.
- Do not put on clothes over the treated area until it is completely dry.
- Do not wrap, bandage, or apply heat to the treated area.
- Let the treated skin dry before touching it or letting it touch anyone else's skin.
- Do not shower, bathe, or wash the treated area for at least 30 minutes after you use Sefnac solution.
- If you miss a dose of Sefnac solution, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Sefnac solution.
Uses of Sefnac in details
Sefnac is used to relieve pain from various conditions. This form of Sefnac is used to treat migraine headaches. Sefnac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used to treat gout attacks.
How to use Sefnac
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Sefnac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Empty the contents of one packet into a cup containing 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) of water. Mix well and drink all of it right away. Do not mix with any liquid other than water. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. However, if you take this medication with a meal high in fat, it may not work as well.
There are different brands and forms of this medication available. Because different forms do not have the same effects at equal strengths, do not switch forms of Sefnac unless your doctor tells you to.
To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.
Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Sefnac description
The active substance is sodium-[o[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-amino]-phenyl]-acetate (= Sefnac).
Each enteric tablet contains 25 mg or 50 mg of Sefnac.
One prolonged-release tablet contains 100 mg of Sefnac.
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: Gastro-Resistant Tablet: Core for 25 mg and 50 mg: Cellulose microcrystalline; lactose monohydrate; magnesium stearate; maize starch; povidone; silica, colloidal anhydrous; sodium starch glycolate (type A).
Coating for 25 mg and 50 mg: Hypromellose; iron oxide yellow (E172); macrogoglycerol hydroxystearate; methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer; macrogol 8000; talc; titanium dioxide (E171); simeticone; alpha-octadecyl-omega-hydroxy-polyglykolether; sorbic acid.
Coating for 50 mg: Iron oxide red (E172).
SR Tablet: Tablet Core: Cetyl alcohol; magnesium stearate; povidone; silica; colloidal anhydrous; sucrose.
Tablet Coating: Hypromellose; iron oxide red (E172); macrogol 8000; polysorbate 80; sucrose; talc; titanium dioxide (E171). Printing Ink: Carbon black, shellac, ammonium hydroxide, simethicone.
Injection: Each ampoule also contains the following excipients: Mannitol, sodium metabisulfite (E223), benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol, water for injection, sodium hydroxide.
Sefnac dosage
General Dosing Instructions
Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of Sefnac and other treatment options before deciding to use Sefnac. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals.
The effectiveness of Sefnac when taken with food has not been studied in clinical studies. Taking Sefnac with food may cause a reduction in effectiveness compared to taking Sefnac on an empty stomach.
Acute Pain
For management of mild to moderate acute pain, the dosage is 18 mg or 35 mg orally three times daily.
Osteoarthritis Pain
For management of osteoarthritis pain, the dosage is 35 mg orally three times daily.
Dosage Adjustments in Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Patients with hepatic disease may require reduced doses of Sefnac compared to patients with normal hepatic function. As with other Sefnac products, start treatment at the lowest dose. If efficacy is not achieved with the lowest dose, discontinue use.
Non-Interchangeability with Other Formulations of Sefnac
Sefnac capsules are not interchangeable with other formulations of oral Sefnac even if the milligram strength is the same. Sefnac capsules contain Sefnac free acid whereas other Sefnac products contain a salt of Sefnac, i.e., Sefnac potassium or sodium. A 35 mg dose of Sefnac is approximately equal to 37.6 mg of sodium Sefnac or 39.5 mg of potassium Sefnac. Therefore, do not substitute similar dosing strengths of other Sefnac products without taking this into consideration.
Sefnac interactions
See also:
What other drugs will affect Sefnac?
Aspirin: Concomitant administration of Sefnac and aspirin is not recommended because Sefnac is displaced from its binding sites during the concomitant administration of aspirin, resulting in lower plasma concentrations, peak plasma levels and AUC values.
Anticoagulants: While studies have not shown Sefnac to interact with anticoagulants of the warfarin type, caution should be exercised, nonetheless, since interactions have been seen with other NSAIDs. Because prostaglandins play an important role in hemostasis and NSAIDs affect platelet function as well, concurrent therapy with all NSAIDs, including Sefnac and warfarin, requires close monitoring of patients to be certain that no change in their anticoagulant dosage is required.
Digoxin, Methotrexate, Cyclosporine: Sefnac, like other NSAIDs, may affect renal prostaglandins and increase the toxicity of certain drugs. Ingestion of Sefnac may increase serum concentrations of digoxin and methotrexate and increase cyclosporine's nephrotoxicity. Patients who begin taking Sefnac or who increase their Sefnac dose or any other NSAID while taking digoxin, methotrexate or cyclosporine may develop toxicity characteristics for these drugs. They should be observed closely, particularly if renal function is impaired. In the case of digoxin, serum levels should be monitored.
Lithium: Sefnac decreases lithium renal clearance and increases lithium plasma levels. In patients taking Sefnac and lithium concomitantly, lithium toxicity may develop.
Oral Hypoglycemics:
Sefnac does not alter glucose metabolism in normal subjects nor does it alter the effects of oral hypoglycemic agents. There are rare reports, however, from marketing experiences, of changes in effects of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in the presence of Sefnac that necessitated changes in the doses of such agents. Both hypo- and hyperglycemic effects have been reported. A direct causal relationship has not been established, but physicians should consider the possibility that Sefnac may alter a diabetic patient's response to insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents.Diuretics: Sefnac and other NSAIDs can inhibit the activity of diuretics. Concomitant treatment with potassium-sparing diuretics may be associated with increased serum potassium levels.
Other Drugs: In small groups of patients (7-10/interaction study), the concomitant administration of azathioprine, gold, chloroquine, D-penicillamine, prednisolone, doxycycline or digitoxin did not significantly affect the peak levels and AUC values of Sefnac. Phenobarbital toxicity has been reported to have occurred in a patient on chronic phenobarbital treatment following the initiation of Sefnac therapy.
Sefnac side effects
See also:
What are the possible side effects of Sefnac?
There have been cases reported of Sefnac being associated with the development of symptoms resembling the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion in elderly women. A patient who had been taking Sefnac for several years and had increasingly complained of dry, gritty eyes noticed that eye irritation disappeared within 3 days when Sefnac had to be discontinued because of GI effects.
The most frequent adverse effects reported in patients given Sefnac are GI in nature. Typical reactions include epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Rarely, peptic ulcer and GI bleeding have occurred. Sefnac has also been implicated as the causative agent in colonic ulceration, small bowel perforation and pseudomembranous colitis.
Renal papillary necrosis and nephritic syndrome have been reported in patients taking Sefnac. Elevations of serum aminotransferase activity and clinical hepatitis, including fetal fulminant hepatitis have occurred in patients taking Sefnac. Self-limiting skin reaction eg, rash or pruritus may occur in patients given Sefnac.
Aspirin-sensitive asthmatic patients have developed reactions (rhinorrhoea, tightness of chest, wheezing, dyspnoea) when challenged with Sefnac in doses of 10-25 mg and the CMS in the UK have received a report of 1 aspirin-sensitive patient who died from acute asthma 4 hrs after a single 25-mg dose of Sefnac.
Sefnac contraindications
See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Sefnac?
Hypersensitivity to Sefnac or to any of the excipients of Sefnac.
Active gastric or intestinal ulcer, bleeding or perforation.
Last trimester of pregnancy.
Hepatic, renal and severe cardiac failure.
Patients in whom attacks of asthma, urticaria or acute rhinitis are precipitated by acetylsalicylic acid and/or other drugs with prostaglandin-synthetase inhibitory activity.
Treatment of peri-operative pain in setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
The use of high dose Sefnac (150 mg/day) for >4 weeks is contraindicated in patients with established cardiovascular disease (congestive heart failure, established ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease) or uncontrolled hypertension.
Established Cardiovascular Disease or Significant Cardiovascular Risk Factors: The use of high dose Sefnac (150mg/day) for >4 weeks is contraindicated in patients with established cardiovascular disease (congestive heart failure, established ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease) or uncontrolled hypertension. If Sefnac treatment is needed, patients with established cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension or significant cardiovascular risk factors (eg, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking) should be treated only after careful consideration and at doses ≤100 mg daily if the treatment is for >4 weeks. As the cardiovascular risks of Sefnac may increase with dose and duration of exposure, Sefnac should always be prescribed at the lowest effective daily dose and for the shortest duration possible.
Renal Impairment: Sefnac is contraindicated in patients with renal failure. No specific studies have been carried out in patients with renal impairment, therefore, no specific dose adjustment recommendations can be made. Caution is advised when administering Sefnac to patients with mild to moderate renal impairment.
Hepatic Impairment: Sefnac is contraindicated in patients with hepatic failure. No specific studies have been carried out in patients with hepatic impairment, therefore, no specific dose adjustment recommendations can be made. Caution is advised when administering Sefnac to patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
Active ingredient matches for Sefnac:
Diclofenac in Thailand.
Diclofenac Na in Thailand.
Diclofenac sodium in Thailand.
| Unit description / dosage (Manufacturer) | Price, USD |
| Sefnac 50 mg x 50 x 10's | |
| Sefnac EC tab 50 mg 50 x 10's (Unison) | |
List of Sefnac substitutes (brand and generic names): | |
| Sefenac | |
| Sefenac 75 mg Injection (SPM Drugs Pvt. Ltd.) | $ 0.02 |
| Selclo Pep | |
| Selclo Pep 50+10 Tablet (Waksman Selman Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.) | $ 0.06 |
| Selectofen (Mexico) | |
| Gel; Topical; Diclofenac Sodium 1% (Diba) | |
| Injectable; Injection; Diclofenac Sodium 25 mg / ml (Diba) | |
| Tablet, Enteric Coated; Oral; Diclofenac Sodium 50 mg (Diba) | |
| Tablets, Enteric Coated; Oral; Diclofenac Sodium 50 mg (Diba) | |
| Selectofen L.P. | |
| Tablet, Extended Release; Oral; Diclofenac Sodium 100 mg | |
| Tablets, Extended Release; Oral; Diclofenac Sodium 100 mg | |
| Sendic | |
| Sendic 50+10 Tablet (Hamax Pharmaceuticals) | $ 0.06 |
| Senic (India) | |
| Senic Diclofenac potassium 50 mg, Serratiopeptidase 10 mg. TAB / 100 (Mint) | |
| 100's (Mint) | |
| SENIC tab 10's (Mint) | |
| Senter-D (India) | |
| Senter-D Serratiopeptidase 10 mg, Diclofenac potassium 50 mg TAB / 10 (Pharma-Tech) | $ 0.66 |
| 10's (Pharma-Tech) | $ 0.66 |
| SENTER-D tab 10's (Pharma-Tech) | $ 0.66 |
| Sep K | |
| Sep K 10+50 Tablet (Rut Pharma) | $ 0.08 |
| SEP K TABLET 1 strip / 10 tablets each (Rut Pharma) | $ 0.55 |
| Sep K Tablet (Rut Pharma) | $ 0.06 |
| Sepdase D | |
| Sepdase D 50+10 Tablet (Elixir Formulations) | $ 0.05 |
| Sepdase D 50+10 Jocund India Tablet (Elixir Formulations) | $ 0.06 |
| SEPDASE D 50MG/10MG TABLET 1 strip / 10 tablets each (Elixir Formulations) | $ 0.75 |
| Sepdase D 50 mg/10 mg Tablet (Elixir Formulations) | $ 0.08 |
| Septa D | |
| Septa D 50+10 Tablet (Rekvina Pharmaceuticals) | $ 0.07 |
| SEPTA D 50 MG/10 MG TABLET 1 strip / 10 tablets each (Rekvina Pharmaceuticals) | $ 0.70 |
| Septa D 50 mg/10 mg Tablet (Rekvina Pharmaceuticals) | $ 0.07 |
| Septidase-D (India) | |
| Septidase-D Diclofenac potassium 50 mg, Serratiopeptidase 15 mg, zinc, cobalt, manganese. EC-TAB / 10 (MMC) | $ 0.65 |
| 10's (MMC) | $ 0.65 |
| SEPTIDASE-D enteric-coated tab 10's (MMC) | $ 0.65 |
| Seradic Gel (India) | |
| Seradic Gel Diclofenac diethylamine 1.16 %w/w, linolenic acid 3 % w/w, methyl salicylate 10 % w/w, menthol 5 % w/w, benzylalcohol 1 % w/w. GEL / 30g (Obsurge Biotech Limited) | $ 0.60 |
| 30g (Obsurge Biotech Limited) | $ 0.60 |
| Seradic Gel 30 gm Gel (Obsurge Biotech Limited) | $ 0.78 |
| SERADIC GEL topical gel 30g (Obsurge Biotech Limited) | $ 0.60 |
| Serador D | |
| Serador D 50+10 Tablet (Adore Healthcare) | $ 0.06 |
| Serafact-D (India) | |
| Serafact-D Diclofenac sodium 50 mg, Serratiopeptidase 10 mg. TAB / 10 (Medico HC) | $ 0.78 |
| 10's (Medico HC) | $ 0.78 |
| SERAFACT-D tab 10's (Medico HC) | $ 0.78 |
| Seraflam D | |
| Seraflam D 50+10 Tablet (Osho Pharma Pvt.Ltd.) | $ 0.04 |
| Seral-D (India) | |
| Seral-D Diclofenac potassium 50 mg, serratiopeptidase 15 mg. TAB / 100 (Alna Bio) | $ 5.71 |
| 100's (Alna Bio) | $ 5.71 |
| SERAL-D tab 10's (Alna Bio) | $ 0.57 |
| Seranavi (India) | |
| Seranavi Diclofenac potassium 75 mg, Serratiopeptidase 15 mg. TAB / 10 (Speciality Meditech Pvt. Ltd.) | $ 0.72 |
| 10's (Speciality Meditech Pvt. Ltd.) | $ 0.72 |
See 8886 substitutes for Sefnac | |
References
- DailyMed. "DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailyme... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- PubChem. "diclofenac". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/com... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- DrugBank. "diclofenac". http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00586 (accessed September 17, 2018).
Reviews
The results of a survey conducted on ndrugs.com for Sefnac are given in detail below. The results of the survey conducted are based on the impressions and views of the website users and consumers taking Sefnac. We implore you to kindly base your medical condition or therapeutic choices on the result or test conducted by a physician or licensed medical practitioners.User reports
Consumer reported useful
No survey data has been collected yetConsumer reported price estimates
No survey data has been collected yetConsumer reported time for results
No survey data has been collected yet4 consumers reported age
| Users | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-45 | 1 | 25.0% | |
| > 60 | 1 | 25.0% | |
| 16-29 | 1 | 25.0% | |
| 6-15 | 1 | 25.0% | |
Consumer reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first to write one! |
Information checked by Dr. Sachin Kumar, MD Pharmacology
