Dicloran SR 100mg Tablet (Diclofenac Sustained-Release)

Drug Class: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) — Sustained-Release | Form: Oral Sustained-Release Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered

What is Dicloran SR 100mg Tablet?

Dicloran SR 100mg Tablet contains Diclofenac Sodium 100mg in a specially designed sustained-release (SR) formulation — delivering double the dose of Dicloran 50mg in a single tablet, with the added clinical advantage of a controlled, gradual release of the medicine over an extended period of time. The "SR" stands for Sustained-Release, meaning the tablet does not release its full dose immediately upon swallowing — instead, it slowly and steadily releases Diclofenac into the digestive system over several hours, maintaining consistent therapeutic blood levels throughout the day and night.

This sustained-release design provides two important advantages over the standard 50mg tablet. First, the higher 100mg dose delivers more powerful and prolonged anti-inflammatory and analgesic coverage — particularly beneficial for patients with moderate to severe chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis that require sustained, round-the-clock control. Second, the slow-release mechanism means the medicine can typically be taken once or twice daily rather than three times daily — significantly improving convenience and treatment adherence for patients managing long-term conditions.

The gradual release also means the stomach lining is exposed to Diclofenac more slowly and at lower concentrations at any one moment — which may reduce the severity of immediate gastrointestinal irritation compared to an immediate-release tablet delivering the full dose at once. However, the overall gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and kidney risks of Dicloran SR remain consistent with all prescription NSAIDs and require careful medical supervision — particularly with long-term use.

Dicloran SR 100mg must only be taken under a doctor's prescription, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest time clinically necessary to control symptoms.

What is Dicloran SR 100mg Tablet Used For?

Dicloran SR 100mg Tablet is approved for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis — degenerative joint disease causing chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the knees, hips, hands, and spine (جوڑوں کا تکلیف دہ گھسنا) — one of the most common uses of SR formulation given the need for sustained daily coverage
• Rheumatoid arthritis — chronic autoimmune inflammatory joint disease causing persistent pain, swelling, warmth, and morning stiffness across multiple joints (ریمیٹائڈ آرتھرائٹس) — the SR formulation is particularly valuable for controlling overnight and early morning stiffness when taken at night
• Ankylosing spondylitis — chronic progressive inflammatory condition of the spine and sacroiliac joints causing stiffness and back pain (ریڑھ کی ہڈی کی سوزش) — sustained-release coverage helps manage characteristic early morning spinal stiffness
• Acute gout — sudden severely painful joint inflammation caused by uric acid crystal deposits — typically affecting the big toe (گاؤٹ / یورک ایسڈ کا درد)
• Musculoskeletal injuries — sprains, strains, soft tissue injuries, and sports injuries with significant pain and inflammation
• Post-operative pain — moderate to severe pain and inflammation following surgical procedures
• Post-dental procedure pain — pain and swelling after tooth extractions or other dental procedures
• Back pain — acute and chronic lower back and cervical pain with an inflammatory component (کمر اور گردن کا درد)
• Shoulder and neck conditions — periarthritis, frozen shoulder, and cervical spondylosis
• Dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps) — painful menstruation caused by prostaglandin-driven uterine contractions (ماہواری کا شدید درد) — the SR formulation provides longer-lasting relief across the painful days of the menstrual cycle

How Does Dicloran SR 100mg Tablet Work?

The Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Mechanism:

Diclofenac works by blocking COX-1 and COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase) enzymes — the enzymes responsible for producing prostaglandins throughout the body. Prostaglandins are chemical messengers released at sites of tissue damage, injury, and inflammation that produce the four classic signs of inflammation — pain, swelling, redness, and heat — as well as fever and sensitisation of pain receptors.

By inhibiting COX enzymes and reducing prostaglandin production, Dicloran SR 100mg delivers three simultaneous therapeutic effects:

Anti-inflammatory action — directly reduces the swelling, warmth, and redness in inflamed joints and soft tissues by interrupting the prostaglandin-driven inflammatory cascade at its source

Analgesic action — reduces the sensitivity of pain receptors by lowering prostaglandin levels around nerve endings, significantly decreasing the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain

Antipyretic action — reduces fever by blocking prostaglandin production in the hypothalamus — the brain's temperature regulation centre

The Sustained-Release Advantage:

In a standard immediate-release 50mg tablet, Diclofenac is released and absorbed rapidly, producing a sharp peak in blood concentration followed by a gradual decline — meaning blood levels may drop below the therapeutic threshold before the next dose is due. This produces fluctuating pain coverage and requires dosing three times per day.

In Dicloran SR 100mg, the tablet's special matrix coating controls the rate at which Diclofenac is released — producing a slower, flatter, and more sustained blood concentration curve over 12 to 24 hours. This means:

• More consistent anti-inflammatory and analgesic coverage throughout the day and night
• Reduced peak concentration spikes that are associated with greater stomach irritation
• Once or twice daily dosing — improving patient compliance with long-term treatment
• Better control of early morning stiffness and pain in arthritis patients when taken at bedtime

Dosage and Administration

⚠️ Always take exactly the dose and frequency prescribed by your doctor. Dicloran SR 100mg is a high-dose sustained-release tablet — never take more than prescribed or combine with other NSAIDs. Always take with food. Never crush or chew this tablet.

Note: The maximum daily dose of Diclofenac from all sources combined is 150mg per day. If a doctor prescribes 100mg SR once daily alongside a standard 50mg tablet for breakthrough pain, this already reaches the maximum — no additional Diclofenac or other NSAID must be taken.

How to Take:

• Never crush, split, break, or chew the SR tablet — doing so destroys the sustained-release mechanism, releases the full 100mg dose immediately, and significantly increases the risk of stomach damage and systemic toxicity
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water
• Always take with food or immediately after a meal — essential to protect the stomach lining; never take on an empty stomach
• For chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, taking the dose in the evening or at bedtime is often recommended — the sustained-release profile then provides coverage through the night and into the following morning when arthritis stiffness is typically worst
• Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one — if a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose; in that case, skip the missed dose and continue normally

Active Ingredient

Who Should NOT Take Dicloran SR 100mg Tablet?

Do not take this tablet if you:

• Are allergic to Diclofenac, Aspirin, or any other NSAID
• Have experienced asthma, hives, facial swelling, or severe allergic reaction after taking Aspirin or any NSAID
• Have or have previously had a stomach ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, or bowel perforation
• Have severe heart failure, established ischaemic heart disease (angina or previous heart attack), peripheral arterial disease, or cerebrovascular disease (previous stroke or TIA)
• Have severe kidney failure or severe liver failure
• Are in the last 3 months (third trimester) of pregnancy
• Are a child under 18 years of age
• Are currently taking other NSAIDs or Aspirin above 75mg per day

Always consult your doctor before taking Dicloran SR 100mg if you have any of the following:

• History of stomach or intestinal ulcers, bleeding, or inflammatory bowel disease
• High blood pressure (ہائی بلڈ پریشر) or any cardiovascular risk factors — smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity
• Any degree of kidney or liver disease
• Asthma — particularly aspirin-sensitive asthma
• Diabetes — NSAIDs can impair kidney function and affect blood glucose management
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Are aged 65 or over — substantially higher risk of serious side effects at the 100mg dose
• Are pregnant (first or second trimester) or breastfeeding
• Are taking blood thinners, corticosteroids, SSRIs, or Methotrexate

Side Effects

Dicloran SR 100mg is a high-dose NSAID and carries a more significant side effect risk than the 50mg formulation — particularly regarding the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system. The sustained-release design may reduce the intensity of immediate stomach irritation but does not eliminate the underlying risks of long-term NSAID use.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea, stomach discomfort, or indigestion — reduced by always taking with food
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Diarrhoea (دست) or constipation
• Headache or mild dizziness
• Mild skin rash or itching
• Elevated liver enzyme levels on blood tests — more common with Diclofenac than some other NSAIDs; liver function monitoring is recommended with long-term use
• Fluid retention — mild swelling of the ankles or feet

Serious Side Effects — Stop Taking and Seek Emergency Medical Attention Immediately:

• Gastrointestinal ulcer or bleeding — dark or black tarry stools, vomiting blood or coffee-ground material, or sudden severe stomach pain — the most important serious risk; at the 100mg dose this risk is greater than with the 50mg formulation
• Cardiovascular events — chest pain, sudden breathlessness, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, sudden speech difficulty or facial drooping — Diclofenac at higher doses carries a meaningful increase in cardiovascular risk including heart attack and stroke with long-term use
• Severe allergic reaction — sudden widespread rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing
• Severe liver damage — yellowing of skin or eyes (یرقان / jaundice), dark urine, severe right-sided abdominal pain, extreme fatigue — Diclofenac is associated with a higher rate of liver enzyme elevation than many other NSAIDs; liver function tests must be monitored
• Kidney problems — significantly reduced urination, ankle and leg swelling, unexplained rapid weight gain — NSAIDs reduce kidney blood flow
• Heart failure exacerbation — sudden leg swelling, rapid unexplained weight gain, breathlessness when lying flat
• Severe skin reactions — Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis — widespread blistering or peeling skin — rare but life-threatening; stop immediately and seek emergency help
• Worsening of asthma — sudden wheezing or chest tightness after taking the tablet

If any serious symptom develops, stop Dicloran SR 100mg immediately and go to the nearest hospital emergency department without delay.

Drug and Food Interactions

Always provide your doctor and pharmacist with a complete list of all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Dicloran SR 100mg.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Protect from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture
• Keep in the original blister pack until time of use — the SR coating is sensitive to environmental conditions
• Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a kitchen — humidity and heat can damage the sustained-release coating
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the blister pack or outer carton

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the key difference between Dicloran 50mg and Dicloran SR 100mg?

Both contain Diclofenac Sodium and work through the same mechanism, but they differ in dose, release profile, and dosing frequency. Dicloran 50mg is an immediate-release tablet that releases its full dose quickly — requiring dosing two to three times daily. Dicloran SR 100mg delivers double the dose through a special slow-release coating — releasing Diclofenac gradually over 12 to 24 hours, allowing once or twice daily dosing. The SR formulation is better suited for chronic conditions requiring sustained around-the-clock anti-inflammatory coverage, while the 50mg tablet may be more appropriate for short-term acute pain where rapid onset is needed.

Why must Dicloran SR 100mg never be crushed or broken?

The SR tablet is coated with a specially engineered matrix designed to control exactly how slowly Diclofenac is released into the body. If the tablet is crushed, split, or chewed, this protective mechanism is completely destroyed — the full 100mg dose is released and absorbed all at once rather than gradually over 12 to 24 hours. This sudden surge effectively creates an unintended massive immediate dose, sharply increasing blood concentration, dramatically raising the risk of serious stomach damage, and potentially causing cardiovascular and kidney toxicity. Always swallow the tablet whole without any modification.

Is taking Dicloran SR 100mg once daily at bedtime beneficial for arthritis?

Yes — for many arthritis patients, taking Dicloran SR 100mg in the evening or at bedtime is specifically recommended by doctors for a practical clinical reason. The sustained-release profile means that as patients sleep, Diclofenac blood levels are gradually rising and being maintained. By early morning — when arthritis patients typically experience their worst stiffness and pain upon waking — therapeutic anti-inflammatory blood levels are already well established. This approach provides significantly better control of the characteristic early morning joint stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis compared to taking the dose in the morning.

Do I need a stomach-protecting medicine alongside Dicloran SR 100mg?

For many patients — particularly those aged over 65, those requiring long-term treatment, those with a history of stomach problems, those also taking corticosteroids or blood thinners, and those with multiple cardiovascular risk factors — doctors routinely co-prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as Omeprazole or Pantoprazole alongside Dicloran SR to protect the stomach lining. Even though the SR formulation exposes the stomach to Diclofenac more gradually, the underlying risk of NSAID-related ulceration and bleeding at the 100mg dose remains clinically significant. Discuss this with your doctor if gastroprotection has not been prescribed alongside your treatment.

Can Dicloran SR 100mg be used long-term for rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis?

Long-term use may be medically necessary for chronic inflammatory conditions under regular specialist supervision. However, prolonged daily use at the 100mg dose carries meaningful cumulative risks — particularly gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding, cardiovascular events including heart attack and stroke, kidney damage, and liver enzyme elevation. Patients on long-term Dicloran SR require regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, liver enzymes, and cardiovascular risk assessment. The treating rheumatologist will periodically reassess whether the benefit of continued treatment clearly outweighs the accumulated risks and whether disease-modifying treatments or alternative analgesic strategies can reduce NSAID dependence over time.

Is Dicloran SR 100mg safe during pregnancy?

Diclofenac must be avoided in the last 3 months of pregnancy — it is strictly contraindicated in the third trimester as it can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus — an important blood vessel in the developing baby's heart — as well as impaired fetal kidney function and delayed or prolonged labour. During the first and second trimesters, it should only be used when clearly necessary under strict medical guidance at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Paracetamol remains the recommended first-choice pain reliever during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor before taking any NSAID during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

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⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This product description is provided for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified and licensed doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any prescription medicine. Dicloran SR 100mg must only be taken under medical supervision — never crush or chew the tablet — use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary — long-term use requires regular monitoring by your doctor.

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DRAP Registered | Prescription Required (Rx) | Swallow whole — never crush or chew — always take with food — long-term use requires regular medical review