Pharmacokinetic studies on diclofenac sodium in young and old volunteers

A singel 50 mg enteric-coated tablet of diclofenac sodium (Voltaren) was administered to two groups, each consisting of eight female subjects. The subjects in the one group were young adults all aged less than 22 years, while those in the other were all over the age of 62 years. The plasma concentration/time profiles, relative bio-availability, and urinary excretion pattern of the drug in the two groups were similar. Thus, in the absence of interacting factors, such as drugs and disease, the ability to absorb, metabolise, and excrete diclofenac sodium does not appear to be influenced by age.