Safe and appropriate use of diclofenac in chronic kidney disease: An Indian perspective

Characterization of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) stolon polysaccharide and evaluation of its potential as a tablet binder in the formulation of matrix tablet

This investigation focuses on the extraction, characterization, and evaluation of taro (Colocasia esculenta) stolon polysaccharide (TSP) as a tablet binding agent, which is obtained from edible taro stolon. TSP was subjected to phytochemical screening and characterized by FTIR, DSC, TGA, DTA, XRD, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, rheological behavior, and SEM. The tablets prepared with varying concentrations of TSP (2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 %, and 10 % w/w) and diclofenac sodium (DS) were evaluated and compared with the same concentrations of gum acacia and PVP K-30. The presence of carbohydrates was confirmed by Molisch's test. The FTIR spectra established the compatibility of the drug with excipients. The SEM images revealed asymmetric and elongated particles of TSP powder. The hydration kinetics study showed matrix hydration and water penetration velocity within the range of 0.602-0.753 g/g and 0.112-0.189 cm/g.h, respectively. The tablets showed drug release of >75 % at 45 min. The release-exponent value above 0.89 indicated a super case II drug transport combining matrix erosion and diffusion. Optimum tablet hardness and very low friability, even at 2.5 % binder concentration, suggested the potential application of the novel TSP as a tablet binder in the formulation of the tablets.

Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of urolithiasis in geriatric patients - differences, similarities and caveats in comparison to the general population

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Purpose of the review is to address management and prevention of urolithiasis in elderly patients examining the dynamic interplay between general measures, dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and targeted pharmacological and/ or surgical interventions. The goal is to provide understanding of the evolving strategies required for effective urolithiasis prevention in the geriatric population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Age-specific diagnostic considerations are necessary because urolithiasis in the elderly population is characterized by bigger stones, greater peri-operative risks, and heightened symptom severity. When comorbidities are present, conservative treatments - especially analgesia - provide difficulties. Surgical procedures prove to be safe and effective, with complication rates and practical application comparable to younger cohorts. Prevention approaches that include lifestyle changes and the investigation of novel pharmaceutical options such as sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2)-inhibitors are promising in the management of urolithiasis in the elderly population.

SUMMARY

Our review offers a thorough investigation of urolithiasis in the elderly population, elucidating distinct clinical manifestations, complex diagnostic issues, and treatment implications. The safety and effectiveness of ureteroscopy in older patients, as well as the possible prophylactic function of SGLT-2-I, offer crucial insights for clinicians. Subsequent studies are necessary to enhance age-specific therapies, addressing the distinct obstacles presented by urolithiasis in the elderly population within this rapidly growing demographic.

Efficacy of Diclofenac Transdermal Patch in Therapeutic Extractions: A Literature Review

Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that effectively manages pain following therapeutic extractions. Post-extraction pain is commonly treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In addition to their high bioavailability and long duration of action, transdermal NSAIDS have several other advantages. The review tries to understand and elucidate the use of transdermal patches, here Diclofenac, as a postoperative pain management modality. Drug delivery is one of the essential aspects of drug administration where transdermal patches are to be found equally effective when compared to oral administration of drugs. Various analgesics can be administered as patches, for example, ketoprofen, diclofenac, etc. There are also comparative studies between diclofenac and ketoprofen to see and understand the efficacy of transdermal patches compared with oral administration. Compared to oral administration, transdermal patches offer numerous benefits. These include avoidance of first-pass metabolism, sustained and non-rapid absorption, steady plasma levels that remain for prolonged periods, lack of patient dependence on drugs, prevention of gastric distress, and flexibility of stopping delivery of medications by simply removing the patch. This review aims to examine the diclofenac transdermal patch's effectiveness in reducing postoperative pain after orthodontic extraction.