Effects on the intestine
Diclofenac can cause various intestinal side effects. For example, inflammation can develop on the bulges of the colon mucosa. These inflammations are also called divericulitis.
Especially people over 70 years of age or people with a weakened immune system are affected. These inflammations can be harmless. Temporary pain in the left lower abdomen may occur.
But there can also be pain in the right or the entire lower abdomen. Fever, flatulence, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation may also occur. However, when taking Diclofenac, the fever and pain may sometimes be inhibited, so that mainly the intestinal problems express themselves.
In other cases, intestinal cramps are the main symptom. In addition, gastrointestinal bleeding may occur while taking Diclofenac. These show up in the black discolored stools, the so-called tar stools. If these symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Effects on the kidney
Diclofenac can have a damaging effect on the kidneys, especially when taken over a long period of time. This can be explained by the inhibition of COX 1 and COX 2, which leads to a lower release of prostacyclins and prostaglandins in the kidney. As a result, the blood circulation in the kidney is reduced.
As a result, the filtering function of the kidney may be reduced. Inhibition of COX 2 can cause the flow of blood in the renal arteries to be impeded. COX 2 is constitutively present in the endothelial cells.
The endothelial cells are constantly exposed to shear forces by the pulse waves of the blood. The task of COX 2 is to mitigate this. It does this by releasing prostacylins there.
As a result, the vessels dilate and the shear forces are “buffered”. This promotes a physiological blood flow, among other things, in the renal arteries. Therefore, permanent or repeated intake of Diclofenac can permanently restrict renal functions.
Side effect sweating
Diclofenac has an antipyretic effect. In technical jargon, it is also known as an antipyretic effect. Therefore, Diclofenac can cause sweating as a side effect.
Normally, prostaglandins play an important role in causing fever in our body. The inhibition of COX 1 and COX 2 prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins. As a result, the body finally reacts with sweating due to various mechanisms.
