Tissue necrosis and necrotizing fasciitis after intramuscular administration of diclofenac.
OBJECTIVE
To report 6 cases of severe local reactions associated with intramuscular injection of diclofenac.


METHODS
Three patients developed extensive tissue necrosis at the injection site after intramuscular diclofenac. Necrotizing fasciitis in an additional 3 patients was associated with complications such as adult respiratory distress syndrome, renal failure, shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Organisms were cultured from the necrotic site in 3 cases. Two patients died.


CONCLUSIONS
Tissue necrosis is a rare but serious complication of intramuscular administration of medicines, including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Pain often occurs at the time of the injection, but tissue necrosis typically becomes apparent a few days later. Necrotizing fasciitis is characterized by rapidly spreading infection with necrosis of fascia and subcutaneous fat.


CONCLUSIONS
Intramuscular administration of diclofenac may be associated with severe tissue necrosis or necrotizing fasciitis. Although rare, these serious complications should be considered when intramuscular injection of NSAIDs is contemplated.
Pillans
P I
PI
Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town Medical School, South Africa.
O'Connor
N
N
D000328:Adult; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005208:Fasciitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D013997:Time Factors
D004008:Diclofenac