Caflam tablet (also called Cataflam) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Each tablet contains 50 mg of diclofenac potassium. Doctors prescribe it for short-term relief of pain, swelling and inflammation. Common reasons include period pain, dental pain, muscle and joint pain, migraine attacks and pain after minor surgery. Caflam is a fast-acting medicine, so it suits acute pain better than long-term use.
اردو میں مختصر جواب: کیفلیم (Caflam) ٹیبلٹ میں ڈائیکلوفینیک پوٹاشیم 50 ملی گرام ہوتا ہے۔ یہ سوزش اور درد کم کرنے والی دوا ہے۔ ڈاکٹر اسے ماہواری کے درد، دانت کے درد، جوڑوں اور پٹھوں کے درد اور مائیگرین کے دورے میں تجویز کرتے ہیں۔ اسے ڈاکٹر کے مشورے کے مطابق کھانے کے بعد استعمال کریں۔
Key Takeaways
- Generic name: Diclofenac potassium (50 mg per tablet)
- Drug class: NSAID (pain reliever and anti-inflammatory)
- Main uses: Pain, inflammation, period pain, migraine attacks, dental and post-operative pain
- Usual adult label dose: 1 tablet two to three times daily, as directed by the doctor
- Avoid in: Stomach ulcer, aspirin or NSAID allergy, and pregnancy from about 20 weeks
- Take with: Food and a full glass of water
What Is Caflam Tablet?
Caflam is a brand of diclofenac potassium made by Novartis. In Pakistan, the 50 mg sugar-coated tablet is the most common strength. Many other brands sell the same salt, but “Caflam” is the name patients search for most.
You may also see it written as Cataflam. Both names refer to the same medicine. “Cataflam” is the international brand name, while “Caflam” is the spelling commonly used in Pakistan.
Caflam tablet formula:
- Active ingredient: Diclofenac potassium 50 mg
- Form: Sugar-coated tablet
- Class: NSAID, phenylacetic acid derivative
- Manufacturer: Novartis
Diclofenac potassium is absorbed quickly. This is why it is chosen for acute pain. Diclofenac sodium, found in slow-release brands such as Voltral SR, works over a longer period.
How Does Caflam Work?
Your body makes chemicals called prostaglandins when tissue is injured. Prostaglandins cause pain, swelling and fever. Caflam blocks the COX enzymes that produce them. Less prostaglandin means less pain and inflammation.
This is also why NSAIDs irritate the stomach lining: prostaglandins protect it too. Doctors therefore advise taking Caflam after food.
Caflam Tablet Uses
Doctors prescribe Caflam for short-term management of the following conditions:
- Primary dysmenorrhea (period pain): Reduces cramping and lower abdominal pain.
- Migraine attacks: Helps relieve pain during an acute attack. It does not prevent future attacks.
- Dental pain: Used after tooth extraction or dental procedures.
- Post-operative pain: Eases pain and swelling after minor surgery.
- Musculoskeletal pain: Covers sprains, strains, back pain and sports injuries.
- Arthritis symptoms: Reduces joint pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Pain from ear, nose and throat conditions: Eases pain linked to inflammation.
Caflam treats pain and swelling, but it does not cure the underlying disease. If pain continues beyond a few days, see a doctor.
Caflam 50 mg Tablet Uses
Caflam 50 mg is the standard strength sold in Pakistan. A single 50 mg tablet suits most adults with moderate pain or inflammation. Your doctor decides how many tablets you need and for how long.
| Condition | Typical Role of Caflam 50 mg |
|---|---|
| Period pain | Starts quickly, taken at the onset of cramps |
| Dental pain | Short course after the procedure |
| Back or muscle pain | Short-term relief of pain and swelling |
| Arthritis flare | Symptom relief during painful episodes |
| Migraine attack | Taken at the start of the attack |
Caflam Tablet Uses in Urdu (اردو میں استعمالات)
کیفلیم ٹیبلٹ کیا ہے؟
کیفلیم ایک NSAID دوا ہے جس میں ڈائیکلوفینیک پوٹاشیم ہوتا ہے۔ یہ جسم میں درد اور سوجن پیدا کرنے والے کیمیکلز کو کم کرتی ہے۔
کیفلیم 50 ملی گرام کے استعمالات:
- ماہواری کا درد
- دانت کا درد اور دانت نکلوانے کے بعد کا درد
- کمر، پٹھوں اور جوڑوں کا درد
- گٹھیا (arthritis) میں درد اور اکڑاہٹ
- مائیگرین کے دورے میں درد سے آرام
- چھوٹے آپریشن کے بعد کا درد اور سوجن
استعمال کا طریقہ:
ڈاکٹر کی ہدایت کے مطابق ایک گولی دن میں دو سے تین بار لی جاتی ہے۔ گولی کھانے کے بعد پانی کے پورے گلاس کے ساتھ نگلیں۔ خالی پیٹ لینے سے معدے میں جلن ہو سکتی ہے۔
کب استعمال نہ کریں:
معدے یا آنتوں کا السر، گردوں یا دل کی بیماری، ڈائیکلوفینیک یا اسپرین سے الرجی، اور حمل کے آخری مہینوں میں اسے نہ لیں۔ حاملہ خواتین اور دودھ پلانے والی ماؤں کو لازمی ڈاکٹر سے پوچھنا چاہیے۔
نوٹ: یہ معلومات عمومی آگاہی کے لیے ہیں۔ خود سے دوا شروع یا بند نہ کریں۔ علاج کے لیے ڈاکٹر یا فارماسسٹ سے رجوع کریں۔
Caflam Tablet Dosage and How to Take It
Dosage depends on your condition, age, kidney function and other medicines. The doctor’s prescription always overrides general information. Pakistani pharmacy labels list the adult dose as one 50 mg tablet two or three times daily.
General rules:
- Take Caflam after meals with a full glass of water.
- Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew it.
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
- Do not go above the daily total your doctor sets. Most adult regimens stay within 150 mg per day.
- Missed a dose? Take it when you remember, unless the next dose is close. Never double up.
- Caflam is not usually recommended for children unless a doctor prescribes it.
- Elderly patients have a higher risk of stomach bleeding and kidney problems, so they need closer supervision.
Overdose: Severe stomach pain, vomiting, drowsiness or dizziness after taking too much needs urgent medical care. Go to the nearest hospital.
Caflam Tablet Side Effects
Most people tolerate Caflam well for short periods. The following are the more common side effects:
- Stomach pain, heartburn or nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Headache or dizziness
- Bloating or gas
- Mild skin rash
Stop the medicine and contact a doctor immediately if you notice:
- Black, tarry stools or vomiting blood (signs of GI bleeding)
- Chest pain, breathlessness or weakness on one side of the body
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat (allergic reaction)
- Yellow skin or eyes (liver problems)
- Very little urine or sudden leg swelling (kidney problems)
NSAIDs including diclofenac carry a boxed warning about heart attack, stroke and gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk rises with higher doses, longer use and existing heart disease. This is why self-medicating with Caflam for weeks is unsafe.
Is Caflam Safe in Pregnancy?
Caflam tablet use in pregnancy needs a doctor’s advice. The FDA recommends avoiding NSAIDs from about 20 weeks of pregnancy onward. They can cause fetal kidney problems and low amniotic fluid. Use in the third trimester can also affect the baby’s heart circulation (premature closure of the ductus arteriosus).
In early pregnancy, doctors usually prefer other pain relievers such as paracetamol. Women planning pregnancy should also check with their doctor before using NSAIDs regularly.
Breastfeeding: Only small amounts of diclofenac pass into breast milk. Even so, confirm with your doctor before using it.
Warnings and Who Should Avoid Caflam
Do not use Caflam if you have:
- An active stomach or intestinal ulcer or bleeding
- Allergy to diclofenac, aspirin or other NSAIDs (including asthma triggered by them)
- Severe heart, kidney or liver failure
- Recent heart bypass surgery (CABG)
- Pregnancy beyond 20 weeks
Use extra caution with:
- High blood pressure or heart disease
- Kidney disease or dehydration
- Asthma
- Age above 65
Drug interactions: Tell your doctor if you take blood thinners (warfarin), aspirin, other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), steroids, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, diuretics, lithium, methotrexate or ciclosporin. Combining NSAIDs raises the risk of bleeding and kidney injury.
Alcohol: Avoid alcohol. It adds to stomach irritation.
Caflam vs Panadol: What Is the Difference?
Both relieve pain, but they work differently. Panadol (paracetamol) reduces pain and fever with little effect on inflammation. Caflam also reduces swelling and inflammation, so it suits pain from injury, arthritis and cramps. Caflam has a higher risk of stomach and heart side effects. For mild pain or fever, paracetamol is usually the safer first choice. See our guides on [Panadol Extra] and [Panadol Extend] for comparison.
Caflam Tablet Price in Pakistan
Caflam 50 mg (Novartis) is sold in packs of 20 tablets. Retail listings show roughly Rs. 400 per pack at the time of writing. Prices change with DRAP updates and pharmacy margins, so confirm at your local pharmacy. Cheaper generic diclofenac potassium 50 mg brands also exist, but ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching brands.
Last price check: October 2026.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor if:
- Pain lasts more than 3 to 5 days
- You need Caflam repeatedly every month
- You develop stomach pain, black stools or swelling
- You have heart, kidney or liver disease
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Caflam tablet used for?
Caflam tablet is used for pain and inflammation. Doctors prescribe it for period pain, dental pain, muscle and joint pain, arthritis symptoms, migraine attacks and post-operative pain.
Is Caflam a painkiller?
Yes. Caflam is an NSAID painkiller that also reduces inflammation. It contains diclofenac potassium.
What is the formula of Caflam tablet?
Each Caflam tablet contains 50 mg of diclofenac potassium.
How long does Caflam take to work?
Diclofenac potassium is absorbed quickly. Many people notice relief within 30 to 60 minutes, though response varies.
Can I take Caflam on an empty stomach?
No. Take it after food to lower the risk of stomach irritation.
Is Caflam safe in pregnancy?
Avoid it from about 20 weeks of pregnancy onward. Ask your doctor before using it at any stage of pregnancy.
Is Caflam the same as Cataflam?
Yes. Cataflam is the international brand name and Caflam is the spelling used in Pakistan. Both contain diclofenac potassium.
Can Caflam be taken for a headache?
It can relieve migraine attacks under medical advice. For ordinary mild headaches, paracetamol is usually the first choice.
Can I use Caflam daily?
Doctors use it for short periods. Long daily use raises the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney damage and heart problems.
What is the Caflam 50mg price in Pakistan?
The Caflam 50mg price in Pakistan depends on the pack size and current pharmacy pricing. The price mentioned in the section above is an estimate, so confirm the latest retail price with a licensed pharmacy before purchasing.
What is the difference between Caflam side effects and other painkiller side effects?
Caflam side effects may include stomach pain, heartburn, nausea and dizziness. Because Caflam contains diclofenac potassium, it can also increase the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney problems and cardiovascular complications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which painkiller is appropriate for your condition.
Are Kaflam tab, Kaflam tablet and Caflan the same as Caflam?
These spellings may be used in online searches, but similar names do not confirm that the medicines contain the same ingredient. Check the exact brand name and active ingredient on the packaging, or ask a pharmacist before using the medicine.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always follow your doctor’s prescription and read the leaflet in your pack.
Content prepared by the Medinzo editorial team and reviewed for accuracy against official drug labels (DailyMed, MedlinePlus, NHS).
Reviewed by
Zeeshan Ahmad