The effect of diclofenac sodium on renal function.

The effects of diclofenac sodium on the kidneys were studied during 4 1/2 hours in eight patients with normal renal function. Urinary output decreased within 10 min after the injection, and maximally by 80%. The renal plasma flow and the glomerular filtration rate initially diminished significantly, by 35%, but began to increase after only 2 hours. The dominant and persistent effect was reduction of free water clearance, with maximum fall from 5.9 to 0.08 ml/min after 2 1/2 hours. The long-lasting increased tubular reabsorption of water probably is important for the lowered intrapelvic pressure that is associated with good analgetic effect of diclofenac in ureteral colic.