Description
Your healthcare team may prescribe a Flector patch to treat acute pain. It is typically prescribed for muscle pain like strains, sprains, and contusions. The Flector patch works by blocking prostaglandins, which are a chemical signal in the body. Doing so reduces pain and inflammation.
Flector belongs to the class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Fact Table |
Formula |
C14H11Cl2NO2 |
License |
US FDA |
Bioavailability |
- |
Legal status |
Rx |
Chemical Name |
Diclofenac Epolamine |
Elimination half-life |
1.2–2 h |
Dosage (Strength) |
1.3% |
Pregnancy |
Not Recommended |
Brands |
Flector Patch |
Protein binding |
More than 99% |
PubChem CID |
3033 |
MedlinePlus |
a689002 |
ChEBI |
47381 |
ATC code |
D11AX18 |
DrugBank |
DB00586 |
KEGG |
D07816 |
Routes of administration |
By mouth |
Directions
Apply one Flector patch to the painful area every 12 hours. Remove the previous patch and watch the area before applying the new patch.
When disposing of this drug, fold it upon itself to prevent accidental exposure to children or animals.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Flector patch is diclofenac.
Interactions
Common drug-drug interactions may include:
- Alcohol
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
- Anticoagulants
- Beta-Blockers
- Corticosteroids
- CycloSPORINE
- Deferasirox
- Digoxin
- Herbal Products with Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Effects
- Lithium
- Loop Diuretics
- Methotrexate
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents
- Salicylates
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
- Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
- Tacrolimus
- Tenofovir Products
- Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics
- Voriconazole
Cautions
Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal disease before starting this drug.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of precautions.
Side Effects
The most common adverse reactions are:
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Anaphylaxis
- Aphthous stomatitis
- Application site atrophy
- Application site erythema
- Application site irritation
- Application site vesicles
- Blurred vision
- Body odor
- Burning sensation of skin
- Cataract
- Cerebrovascular accident
- Constipation
- Coronary thrombosis
- Decreased appetite
- Depression
- Dermatitis
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms
- Dysgeusia
- Eczema
- Exfoliative dermatitis
- Facial edema
- Gastritis
- Gastroenteritis
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Gastrointestinal inflammation
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Gastrointestinal ulcer
- Hyperhidrosis
- Hyperkinetic muscle activity
- Hypersensitivity reaction
- Hypertension
- Hypoesthesia
- Increased serum creatinine
- Increased serum transaminases
- Laryngismus
- Laryngitis
- Lethargy
- Lip edema
- Local skin discoloration
- Lower limb cramp
- Nausea
- Neck stiffness
- Oral mucosa ulcer
- Otalgia
- Palpitations
- Pharyngeal edema
- Pharyngitis
- Rectal hemorrhage
- Skin discoloration
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Tongue edema
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Upper abdominal pain
- Urticaria
- Visual disturbance
- Vomiting
- Xeroderma
- Xerostomia
References
Flector Patch [package insert]. Bristol, TN: King Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flector Patch (Diclofenac Epolamine)
What is Flector Patch used for?
Flector Patch is used to treat pain caused by minor sprains, strains, or bruising, and symptoms of Arthritis Pain, Acute Pain, and Osteoarthritis.
How should Flector Patch be applied?
Apply one patch to the area that hurts the most, twice a day.
What is the active ingredient in Flector Patch?
The active ingredient in Flector Patch is Diclofenac Epolamine.
Is Flector Patch available over the counter or by prescription?
Flector Patch is available both over the counter and by prescription.
What class of medication does Flector Patch belong to?
Flector Patch belongs to a class of drugs called Topical Skin Products, which are also Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs).
How long does it take for Flector Patch to work?
Much like using gel and plaster variants, the Flector patch will usually take 1 to 2 days to work.
What are the common side effects of Flector Patch?
Common side effects include skin irritation where the patch is placed, nausea/headaches, heartburn and stomach pain.
Can Flector Patch be used with other medications?
Flector Patch may interact with water pills, steroids, Anti-Inflammatory drugs, or blood pressure medications.
Where can I find more information about Flector Patch?
You can find more information about Flector Patch on online medication websites like Canada Pharmacy or the packaging of the product.
How should Flector Patch be stored?
It is advised to store Flector Patch at room temperature, away from moisture, and out of the reach of children.
About Dr. Conor Sheehy (Page Author)
Dr. Sheehy (BSc Molecular Biology, PharmD) works a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, oncology, and ambulatory care. He’s a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), and his experience working one-on-one with patients to fine tune their medication and therapy plans for optimal results makes him a valuable subject matter expert for our pharmacy. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 11420