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diclofenac (Oxa Gel / diclofenac, topical)

✓ Approved

Actavis · PTGS1 · Small Molecule

What is diclofenac?

diclofenac is a small molecule developed by Actavis. It is approved for therapeutic indications via transdermal.

Drug Profile

Brand NamesOxa Gel, diclofenac, topical
CompanyActavis
Drug ClassSmall Molecule
Molecular TargetPTGS1, PTGS2
RouteTransdermal
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Actavis

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targets

diclofenac acts on 2 molecular targets:

PTGS1prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1 (COX3, PCOX1)
PTGS2prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (GRIPGHS, hCox-2)
Want deeper analysis?Noah AI can explain complex mechanisms and compare to similar drugs.

Therapeutic Indications

diclofenac is developed for 5 unique indications across 3 therapeutic areas.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disordersMusculoskeletal pain✓ Approved
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disordersMyositis✓ Approved
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disordersRheumatoid arthritis✓ Approved
Injury, poisoning and procedural complicationsTraumatic shock✓ Approved
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disordersActinic keratosisPhase III

Related Research Articles

PubMedThe Journal of dermatology2026-07-25

Topical Cycling and Systemic Eligibility in Patients With Psoriasis in Japan.

Morita Akimichi A, Imafuku Shinichi S, Torii Hideshi H, Peetluk Lauren L et al.

Topical therapy is the typical first-line treatment for psoriasis, with the International Psoriasis Council recommending systemic therapy for patients with body surface area > 10%, high-impact site involvement, or topical therapy failure. A recent Japanese Delphi Consensus Study proposed a definition for topical failure that considers time on therapy, failure to respond, flare on therapy, and other concepts. Using 2 real-world data sources, this study aimed to describe topical cycling and evaluate systemic therapy eligibility among patients with psoriasis in Japan. With DeSC insurance claims data (January 1, 2017, to August 31, 2024), we evaluated topical therapy treatment patterns before systemic treatment initiation. With data from the Japanese subgroup of the UPLIFT survey, we applied recommendations from the Japan Delphi Study to estimate the proportion of patients receiving topical therapy who may be eligible for systemic treatment. Of 6361 patients with psoriasis from the DeSC database, at least 1 dispensing of a topical therapy (index event) and no systemic treatment at index, 9.5% initiated systemic therapy during follow-up (mean time to initiation 712.5 days). Most patients began with strong/very strong corticosteroids (35.0%) or combinations of topical therapies (± vitamin D; 41.8%), with a shift toward predominantly combination regimens during follow-up. Most patients received multiple topical therapy classes before initiating systemic therapy (mean unique classes: 3.8). Of 137 Japanese UPLIFT survey respondents with psoriasis with or without psoriatic arthritis using only topical therapy, 92.7% met at least 1 of the 7 Delphi consensus recommendations assessed, indicating potential eligibility for systemic treatment; 87.6% met more than 1 recommendation and 57.7% met 3 or more. Our findings suggest that many Japanese adults with psoriasis who may be eligible for systemic therapy may be undertreated and highlight the need to apply eligibility criteria for systemic treatment in clinical practice, which could improve long-term patient outcomes.

PMID 42499214
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PubMedCureus2026-07-25

Economic Burden and Cost Differences Between Branded and Generic Topical Antifungals in India.

Dt Prateek P, Dongerkery Kavitha K, Deolekar Pradnya P, Dahibhate Atharva A et al.

India's pharmaceutical market is characterized by a significant presence of both generic and branded drugs, particularly for common ailments such as superficial mycoses (SFMs), which pose a substantial public health and economic burden. Patients in tropical countries like India, which have common superficial mycoses, need prolonged treatment because of their recurrence rates after initial treatment and due to incomplete therapy. Given the high variability in drug pricing and the imperative for cost-effective healthcare, a pharmacoeconomic analysis comparing generic and branded topical antifungals in India is crucial to inform prescribing practices and optimize resource allocation. The price comparison of various topical antifungal medications from different brands was conducted by using the latest information from the "Monthly Index of Medical Specialties" August to October 2025, and 1mg online pharmacy and Jan Aushadhi website. The study calculated the total expenses for 30 mL and 30 g dosage forms, which included cream, ointment, lotion, eye drops, and shampoo products of each drug brand. We conducted a comparison between different drug brands through their cost ratio, and percentage cost variation (PCV) analysis was done, keeping generic medicines prices (retrieved from the Jan Aushadhi website) as baseline values. The data analysis showed a significant variation in the costs of different brands of topical antifungals in the Indian market. After analysis, we identified itraconazole 1% ointment to have the highest cost variation at 8335.1%, followed by clotrimazole dusting powder (4740%). Ketoconazole 2% cream, bifonazole 1% lotion, and sertaconazole shampoo showed the smallest variation at 3.29%, 3.5%, and 11.3%, respectively. When generic and branded topical antifungals were compared, the highest cost variation was seen for clotrimazole 1% cream (3431.7%), and the least variation was observed for ketoconazole 2% powder (135.4%). When combination topical antifungals were compared, the highest percentage cost variation of 1479.4% was seen for clotrimazole 1%w/w and beclomethasone dipropionate 0.025%w/w cream, and the least percentage cost variation of 38.8% was seen for terbinafine (1% w/w) + ciprofloxacin (1% w/w) + metronidazole (1% w/w) + clobetasol (0.05% w/w). The market for topical antifungal agents demonstrates substantial price variation among available products. Regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and clinicians must collaborate to achieve optimal reductions in drug costs. Strict implementation of cost regulation policies, along with increased awareness among clinicians regarding the rational selection of cost-effective therapies, is essential.

PMID 42500790
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PubMedBiomaterials research2026-07-25

Tryptanthrin Nanoliposomal Lotion as a Corticosteroid-Free Strategy for Safe and Effective Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis.

Song Yo Han YH, Na Young-Guk YG, Yoon Moon Sup MS, Kim Da-Eun DE et al.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by dry skin, itching, and recurrent eczematous lesions. Although current therapeutic strategies are effective, their use is often limited due to adverse effects. Therefore, the development of safer and more effective alternatives is required. Tryptanthrin is a yellow-gold alkaloid compound with anti-atopic and various pharmacological activities. However, its poor aqueous solubility results in low topical bioavailability. A tryptanthrin-loaded liposomal lotion was developed using a design of experiments approach to improve topical delivery. The optimized formulation showed enhanced physicochemical stability and moisturizing properties, as well as improved drug release compared to free tryptanthrin. In human keratinocyte cells, the liposomal lotion exhibited lower cytotoxicity than the free tryptanthrin and demonstrated higher skin residual. In the DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model, the tryptanthrin-loaded liposomal lotion produced therapeutic effects comparable to or greater than those of 1.0% hydrocortisone, without inducing adverse effects such as skin atrophy. Overall, the tryptanthrin-loaded liposomal lotion is presented as a promising and safe strategy for the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis.

PMID 42499629
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PubMedCase reports in dermatology2026-07-25

High-Potency Depigmenting Mask Delivered via 1,927-nm Fractional Laser in Refractory Melasma: A Pilot Case Series.

Piquero-Casals Jaime J, Mir-Bonafé Juan Francisco JF, Rozas-Muñoz Eduardo E, Piquero-Casals Vanesa V et al.

Melasma is a chronic, relapsing hyperpigmentation disorder and may remain refractory despite multiple topical agents and procedural approaches. We report a case series of six women with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V and longstanding, treatment-resistant facial melasma managed with a multimodal protocol consisting of (1) a 16-week home regimen (twice-daily depigmenting cosmeceutical serum and daily high-protection sunscreen) and (2) two sessions of low-energy, low-density 1,927-nm fractional thulium laser at 4-week intervals, immediately followed by laser-assisted delivery of a compounded depigmenting mask (hydroquinone, retinoic acid, kojic acid, triamcinolone acetonide, vitamins C and E). Clinical response was assessed using the Melasma Severity Scale (MSS), standardized photography, and patient satisfaction. At week 16, all patients improved: 4 achieved >75% clinical improvement and 2 achieved 50-75% improvement, with high satisfaction and no significant adverse events beyond transient darkening and mild desquamation. Clinical benefits remained stable 12 weeks after the final laser session. This case series suggests that 1,927-nm fractional thulium laser-assisted delivery of a high-potency depigmenting compound, supported by topical priming and strict photoprotection, may be a feasible option for selected patients with refractory melasma.

PMID 42499700
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PubMedPreparative biochemistry & biotechnology2026-07-25

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and purification of B. harveyi for the development of bioactive wound healing gel: In vitro evaluation.

Kasi Murugan Bavani B, Sahadevan Renganathan R, R V Hemavathy H, Subramanian Sangeetha S

Marine macroalgal biomass is abundant and contains multifunctional bioactive components. Bostrychia harveyi, one of the underutilized seaweeds, was collected and extracted by the ultrasonication process. UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were carried out to confirm functional groups and structural features. A novel wound healing gel was prepared using carrageenan incorporated with a flavonoid-rich extract from B. harveyi. The bioactivity of the extract and gel was assessed with standard in vitro assays. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH) of the gel and ascorbic acid (standard) showed inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 67.05 µg/mL and 50.48 µg/mL. The phosphomolybdenum reduction activity of gel and ascorbic acid showed inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 61.71 and 48.51 µg/mL. The bovine serum albumin denaturation by the gel and diclofenac sodium exhibited a maximum inhibition of 83.47% and 93.6% at 100 µg/mL, confirming a significant anti-inflammatory property. The antibacterial activity was confirmed using an agar well diffusion assay, indicating maximum inhibition of E. coli compared to S. aureus. The scratch wound assay using the L929 fibroblast showed 98.25% scratch closure after 48 hours, highlighting the preliminary effectiveness of the gel through its natural bioactive compounds and serving as a sustainable alternative in wound healing.

PMID 42498929
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PubMedHealth care science2026-07-25

Management of Radiodermatitis in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Scoping Review.

da Silva Tâmara Taynah Medeiros TTM, Silva Louise Constancia de Melo Alves LCMA, de Lima Fernandes Thatiane Evelyn TE, Leal Karena Cristina da Silva KCDS et al.

Given the worldwide prevalence of head and neck cancer and the importance of scientifically based treatment, current studies are discussing innovative strategies for the treatment of radiodermatitis. This review adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute's nine-step methodological framework for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. We searched eight databases: Web of Science, Science Direct, Scientific Electronic Library Online, CAPES Catalog of Theses and Dissertations, Elsevier's Scopus, Wiley Online Library, PubMed Central, and Cochrane Library. Data collection occurred in March 2024. A final sample of 21 articles was selected. The research question was formulated using the "Population, Concept and Context" framework. This led to the specific question: "What are the strategies identified in the literature used in the management of radiodermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy?" The included studies were published between 2011 and 2024, with China being the leading producer of articles. Clinical trials were the predominant study design. Scales were frequently used to assess various aspects of radiodermatitis. The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria were commonly used. Several topical agents for preventing radiodermatitis were evaluated, including pharmacological therapies, phototherapy/photobiomodulation, and dressings. Numerous topical agents have been clinically tested for the treatment and prevention of radiodermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer. However, the current body of research is insufficient in both quantity and quality to conclusively support or refute the widespread approval of any specific product.

PMID 42499639
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