Catafast sachets are available in powder form and dissolved in water to form a rapidly absorbed solution for oral use. This medication contains diclofenac potassium as its main active ingredient. Diclofenac potassium belongs to a widely used class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are characterized by their ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. Catafast works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that play a key role in causing pain, inflammation, and fever. This medication features a formulation that allows for rapid absorption of the active ingredient, resulting in a faster pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect compared to some other diclofenac formulations.
The active ingredient in Catafast sachets
Catafast sachets contain the following active ingredient, which is the basis of its therapeutic effect:
Diclofenac potassium: The potassium salt of diclofenac acid. Diclofenac potassium differs from diclofenac sodium in its rapid absorption. Diclofenac potassium is absorbed more quickly from the gastrointestinal tract, making it a preferred choice when rapid relief from pain and inflammation is needed.
Available Strengths
Catafast sachets are typically available in one standard strength of the active ingredient to provide an effective and uniform dose per use:
50 mg of diclofenac potassium per sachet.
The contents of one sachet are usually taken after being completely dissolved in an appropriate amount of water (usually half a glass or a full glass of water). The resulting solution can be taken once or twice daily, depending on the severity of the pain, the medical condition, and the instructions of the treating physician. The recommended dosage and duration of treatment determined by the physician must be adhered to and not exceeded to avoid potential side effects.
Indications for Use of Catafast sachets
Catafast sachets are used effectively to relieve a variety of pain, inflammation, and medical conditions, including:
Mild to moderate pain: such as headaches, muscle pain, backache, and mild joint pain.
Fever (high temperature): As a fever reducer in cases of fever associated with infection or other conditions.
Inflammation associated with various conditions: such as arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis), tendonitis and ligament inflammation, and inflammation resulting from trauma.
Primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain): To relieve cramps and pain associated with menstruation in women.
Toothache: To relieve pain resulting from toothaches or dental procedures.
Muscle and joint pain: resulting from stress, sports injuries, or arthritis.
Headache: Including migraines in some cases.