Diclofenac Epolamine

Rahimi M, et al. Acta Anaesthesiologica Taiwanica, 2009, 47(1), 17-21.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of diclofenac epolamine patches in preventing postoperative sore throat (POST) in parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery under endotracheal general anesthesia. A total of 220 women were randomized into two groups receiving either a diclofenac epolamine patch or a placebo patch. Following rapid sequence induction and intubation, patches were applied, and patients were monitored for sore throat incidence and severity at 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Baseline characteristics between groups were comparable. Results demonstrated a significantly reduced incidence of POST in the diclofenac group at all measured time points (p = 0.04, < 0.001, and 0.015, respectively). Importantly, no adverse reactions or withdrawals were reported. The findings confirm that topical diclofenac epolamine patches provide a safe and effective strategy for reducing intubation-related throat discomfort.

Kerry S. Kuehl. Clinical Therapeutics, 2010, 32(6), 1001-1014.

Diclofenac epolamine (DETP) has been investigated extensively for its analgesic efficacy in soft tissue injuries, including strains, sprains, and contusions. Literature analysis identified eight clinical studies, predominantly placebo- or active-controlled, assessing its therapeutic potential. In these trials, patients with acute localized pain applied DETP (1.3%) patches directly to the injury site, with pain intensity evaluated using visual analog scales over 7-14 days. Comparative studies demonstrated DETP produced significantly greater reductions in pain scores than placebo and diclofenac diethylammonium gel, with a median pain resolution 3 days faster than placebo. Adverse events, mainly mild skin reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort, occurred at low incidence and were comparable to placebo. Collectively, experimental evidence confirms DETP as an effective and well-tolerated topical intervention for managing acute soft tissue pain.