Introduction
Misoclo is a combination product containing Diclofenac sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic properties, and Misoprostol, a gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal protective synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue.

Composition
Each tablet consists of an enteric-coated core containing 50 mg Diclofenac sodium surrounded by an outer mantle containing 200 mcg misoprostol. Diclofenac sodium is sparingly soluble in water. Its chemical formula and name are: C14H10Cl2NO2Na [M.W. = 318.14] 2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl) amino] benzene acetic acid, monosodium salt.
Misoprostol is a water-soluble, viscous liquid that contains approximately equal amounts of two diastereomers. Its chemical formula and name are:
C22H38O5 [M.W. = 382.54] (±) methyl 11a, 16-dihydroxy-16-methyl-9-oxoprost-13E-en-1-oate.

Pharmacodynamics
Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog with gastric anti secretory and (in animals) mucosal protective properties. NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. A deficiency of prostaglandins within the gastric and duodenal mucosa may lead to diminishing bicarbonate and mucus secretion and may contribute to the mucosal damage caused by NSAIDs. Misoprostol can increase bicarbonate and mucus production, but in humans this has been shown at doses 200 mcg and above that are also anti secretory. It is therefore not possible to tell whether the ability of misoprostol to prevent gastric and duodenal ulcers is the result of its anti secretory effect, its mucosal protective effect, or both. Misoprostol produces a moderate decrease in pepsin concentration during basal conditions, but not during histamine stimulation. It has no significant effect on fasting or postprandial gastrin nor intrinsic factor output. Orally administered misoprostol is rapidly and extensively absorbed, and it undergoes rapid metabolism to its biologically active metabolite, misoprostol acid.

Indications
Misoclo is indicated for treatment of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in patients at high risk of developing NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers and their complications.

Dosage and Administration
Misoclo is administered as Misoclo 50 (50 mg diclofenac sodium/200 mcg misoprostol).
Osteoarthritis: The recommended dosage for maximal GI mucosal protection is Misoclo 50 tid. For patients who experience intolerance, Misoclo 50 bid can be used, but are less effective in preventing ulcers.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The recommended dosage is Misoclo 50 tid or qid. For patients who experience intolerance, Misoclo 50 bid can be used, but are less effective in preventing ulcers.
Advanced renal disease: In patients with advanced kidney disease, treatment with Misoclo is not recommended. If NSAID therapy must be initiated however, close monitoring of the patient's kidney function is advisable.
Hepatic effects: Elevations of one or more liver enzyme is seen in clinical trials, post marketing surveillance has found rare cases of severe hepatic reactions, including liver necrosis, jaundice, and fulminant fatal hepatitis with and without jaundice.

Contraindications
Misoclo is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to diclofenac or to misoprostol or other prostaglandins. Misoclo should not be given to patients who have experienced asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, rarely fatal, anaphylactic-like reactions to diclofenac sodium have been reported.

Side Effects
4 Belly pain, heartburn, cramps, gas, nausea,
4 Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy may help.
4 Diarrhea. Take with meals. Use antacids without magnesium.

Precautions
Misoclo contains misoprostol. Because of its abortifacient property, misoprostol is contraindicated for use by pregnant women. Misoprostol may cause miscarriage if given to pregnant women at any time during pregnancy. Miscarriages caused by misoprostol may be incomplete, which could lead to dangerous bleeding, hospitalization, surgery, infertility, or maternal or fetal death.

Use in Pregnancy & Lactation
Misoclo is not recommended for use by pregnant & nursing mothers.

Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. As with any NSAID, the elderly are likely to tolerate adverse events less well than younger patients.

Drug Interactions
4Aspirin: Concomitant administration of Misoclo and aspirin is not recommended.
4 Digoxin: Elevated digoxin levels have been reported in patients receiving digoxin and diclofenac sodium. Patients receiving digoxin and Misoclo should be monitored for possible digoxin toxicity.
4 Antihypertensive agents: NSAIDs can inhibit the activity of antihypertensives, including ACE inhibitors. Thus, caution should be taken when administering Misoclo with such agents.
4 Warfarin: The effects of warfarin and NSAIDs on GI bleeding are synergistic
4 Oral hypoglycemics: Diclofenac sodium does not alter glucose metabolism in healthy people nor does it alter the effects of oral hypoglycemic agents.
4 Methotrexate and cyclosporine: Ingestion of Misoclo may increase serum concentrations of methotrexate and increase cyclosporine nephrotoxicity.
4 Lithium: When NSAIDs and lithium are administered concurrently, subjects should be observed carefully for signs of lithium toxicity.
4 Antacids: Antacids reduce the bioavailability of misoprostol acid. Antacids may also delay absorption of diclofenac sodium.
4 Diuretics: The diclofenac sodium component of Misoclo, like other NSAIDs, can inhibit the activity of diuretics.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Long-term animal studies to evaluate the potential for carcinogenesis and animal studies to evaluate the effects on fertility have been performed with each component of Misoclo given alone. Misoclo itself (diclofenac sodium and misoprostol combinations in 250:1 ratio) was not genotoxic in the Ames test, the Chinese hamster ovary cell (CHO/HGPRT) forward mutation test, the rat lymphocyte chromosome aberration test or the mouse micronucleus test.

Overdose
The toxic dose of Misoclo has not been determined.
Diclofenac sodium : Clinical signs that may suggest diclofenac sodium overdose include GI complaints, confusion, drowsiness or general hypotonia.
Misoprostol: The toxic dose of misoprostol in humans has not been determined.

How Supplied
Each box contains 2 Blister strips of 10 enteric-coated tablets.