Diclofenac diethylamine
[CAS# 78213-16-8]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Antipyretic analgesics >> Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Name: Diclofenac diethylamine
• Synonyms: N-Ethylethanamine 2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino]benzeneacetate; 2-[(2,6-Dichlorophenyl)amino]-benzeneacetic acid compd. with N-ethylethanamine (1:1)
• Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₁₁Cl₂NO₂^.C₄H₁₁N
• Molecular Weight: 369.28
• CAS Registry Number: 78213-16-8
• EC Number: 616-599-2
• SMILES: CCNCC.C1=CC=C(C(=C1)CC(=O)O)NC2=C(C=CC=C2Cl)Cl

Properties

• Solubility: 65 mg/mL (DMSO), 15 mg/mL (water) (Expl.)
• Melting point: 145-148 ºC

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS06;GHS07 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H301-H311-H315-H319-H335
• Precautionary Statements: P261-P262-P264-P264+P265-P270-P271-P280-P301+P316-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P316-P319-P321-P330-P332+P317-P337+P317-P361+P364-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-andP501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H311
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H372
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1A	H360
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361d
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H331
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Reproductive toxicity	Lact.	-	H362
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	1	H370

Discovory and Applicatios

Diclofenac diethylamine is a chemical compound derived from diclofenac, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is the diethylamine salt of diclofenac, formed by the combination of diclofenac with diethylamine. Diclofenac diethylamine is used primarily in topical formulations, particularly in gel or cream forms, as a treatment for localized pain and inflammation. This compound offers the benefits of diclofenac in a form that is easier to apply directly to the skin, thereby reducing the risks associated with oral administration, such as gastrointestinal issues.

The discovery of diclofenac dates back to the early 1970s when it was developed by the pharmaceutical company Ciba-Geigy (now part of Novartis) as a treatment for inflammatory conditions. Diclofenac was originally introduced as an oral medication to treat pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis, gout, and musculoskeletal injuries. Its development was part of the ongoing research into improving the efficacy and safety profiles of NSAIDs. The success of diclofenac in oral form led to the creation of alternative formulations, including topical preparations like diclofenac diethylamine, which are intended for localized relief without the systemic side effects.

The use of diclofenac diethylamine as a topical treatment offers several advantages. One of the main benefits is that it provides effective pain relief and anti-inflammatory action directly to the affected area, which is particularly useful for treating conditions such as osteoarthritis, muscle strains, sprains, and minor sports injuries. Topical diclofenac diethylamine has been found to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with these conditions while minimizing the risks of gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding that are commonly associated with oral NSAIDs.

Diclofenac diethylamine is typically used in the form of gels, creams, or patches that are applied directly to the skin over the area of pain. These formulations allow for the active ingredient to be absorbed through the skin, providing targeted relief. The diethylamine component in the salt enhances the penetration of diclofenac into the skin, improving its effectiveness in treating localized inflammation and pain. This makes diclofenac diethylamine a preferred option for patients who need pain relief in specific areas of the body without the systemic effects of oral NSAIDs.

In addition to its use in pain management, diclofenac diethylamine is also employed in the treatment of certain dermatological conditions. For example, it is used for the management of painful inflammatory skin conditions, such as actinic keratosis. The topical application allows for the direct treatment of these conditions, reducing the risk of systemic side effects and improving patient compliance.

The effectiveness of diclofenac diethylamine is supported by various clinical studies that have demonstrated its ability to provide relief from pain and inflammation when applied topically. These studies have shown that the compound can significantly reduce pain and swelling associated with musculoskeletal disorders, as well as improve mobility and function in patients suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis. Additionally, because it is applied locally, it provides targeted relief with minimal systemic exposure, making it a safer option for long-term use compared to oral NSAIDs.

The formulation of diclofenac diethylamine has been optimized over the years to improve its absorption and effectiveness. Research continues to explore ways to enhance the delivery of diclofenac diethylamine through the skin, as well as to develop new formulations that provide even more effective and convenient treatments for localized pain and inflammation. These advancements in topical therapy represent an important step in the ongoing effort to improve the management of musculoskeletal pain and other inflammatory conditions.

Diclofenac diethylamine has become an important tool in the treatment of localized pain and inflammation. Its development as a topical formulation has provided an effective alternative to oral NSAIDs, offering patients targeted relief with fewer systemic side effects. As research continues, it is likely that new applications for this compound will emerge, further expanding its therapeutic potential in both pain management and dermatological care.

References

2023. Development, Characterization, and Ex Vivo Permeation Assessment of Diclofenac Diethylamine Deep Eutectic Systems Across Human Skin. Journal of Pharmaceutical Innovation, 18(4).
DOI: 10.1007/s12247-023-09784-9

2020. Diclofenac diethylamine nanosystems-loaded bigels for topical delivery: development, rheological characterization, and release studies. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 46(10).
DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2020.1820038

2020. Topical Diclofenac, an Efficacious Treatment for Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review. Rheumatology and Therapy, 7(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s40744-020-00196-6