Angio-oedema following rectal diclofenac after caesarean section

We report a case of an acute allergic reaction to rectal diclofenac following elective caesarean section in a patient taking ibuprofen. The reaction presented as severe angio-oedema affecting the face and tongue. Serial blood samples failed to show the rise in tryptase levels characteristic of an anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reaction. Diclofenac is widely used for postoperative pain relief in women undergoing caesarean section. To our knowledge this is the first time that an adverse reaction to diclofenac given via this route has been reported in an obstetric patient.