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What is Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammatory illnesses such as gout, marketed under the brand name Voltaren, among others. It is administered orally, rectally in a suppository, injected, or applied to the skin.

Uses of Diclofenac:

  • Relief of pain caused by arthritis
  • Reduction of swelling and inflammation associated with arthritis
  • Alleviation of joint stiffness caused by arthritis

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Side Effects of Diclofenac

Common Side Effects:
  • Allergic Reactions:
    • Rash
    • Itching
    • Swelling (especially face/tongue/throat)
    • Extreme dizziness
    • Difficulty breathing
    Notify the Doctor Immediately for:
    • Hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears)
    • Mental/mood changes
    • Difficult/painful swallowing
    • Symptoms of heart failure (swelling of ankles/feet, unusual weakness, sudden weight gain)
    • Symptoms of kidney complications (changes in urine volume)
    • Unexplained stiff neck
    • Signs of severe liver disease (dark urine, nausea/vomiting/loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, jaundice)

    How to use Diclofenac oral ?

    Before Use:

    • Read the prescription provided by your doctor/pharmacist before starting diclofenac and each time you get a refill.

    Dosage Instructions:

    • Unless otherwise instructed, take diclofenac by mouth with a full glass of water.
    • Do not lay down for at least 10 minutes after taking it.
    • You can take it with food, milk, or an antacid if you experience stomach upset.
    • Swallow whole; do not crush, chew, or break the capsules.

    Dosage Adjustment:

    • The dosage depends on medical condition, medication reaction, and other drugs being taken.
    • Use at the lowest effective dosage for the shortest time to reduce side effects.
    • Do not increase or take more often than necessary.

    Duration of Use:

    • Continue taking as instructed by your doctor, especially for chronic conditions like arthritis.
    • It may take up to 2 weeks of daily use for full effects.

    Missed Dose:

    • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
    • Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed one.
    • Consider setting a reminder or asking for assistance if you tend to forget doses.
    • Contact your physician if you have missed multiple doses for adjustments to your dosing schedule.

    Overdose:

    • Do not exceed the prescribed dosage.
    • Consuming more medication will not change overdose symptoms and can lead to poisoning or severe side effects.
    • Bring medication details when seeking medical assistance.
    • Do not share medications with others to prevent overdose risk.

    As Needed Use:

    • If taken on an "as needed" basis, take at the first signs of pain for better effectiveness.
    • Waiting until the pain worsens may decrease effectiveness.

    Monitoring:

    • Notify your doctor if your condition worsens.

    Precautions of Diclofenac

    Inform Doctor Before Taking Medication:

    • Allergies to diclofenac, aspirin, or other NSAIDs
    • Medical history, especially asthma, bleeding or coagulation issues, cardiac disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, nasal polyps, stomach/intestinal/esophagus disorders
    • Current medications, including prescription and nonprescription drugs
    • Pre-surgery medications

    Health Precautions:

    • Stay hydrated, especially if prone to dehydration or have heart failure or kidney disease.
    • Older adults may be at higher risk of certain complications.
    • Discuss risks and benefits with a doctor before use in women of childbearing age or during pregnancy.
    • Consult a doctor before breastfeeding while taking medication.

    Medication Usage Precautions:

    • Avoid activities requiring alertness if feeling dizzy or drowsy from medication, especially with alcohol or marijuana use.
    • Limit alcohol and tobacco use to reduce the risk of stomach bleeding.
    • Use sunscreen and limit sun exposure due to increased sun sensitivity.

    Interactions

    • Drug interactions may affect medication effectiveness or increase the risk of serious side effects.
    • Provide your doctor and pharmacist with a list of all medications you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products.
    • Do not adjust medication dosage without your doctor's permission.
    • Some products that could interact with this medication include:
      • Aliskiren
      • ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril)
      • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (e.g., valsartan, losartan)
      • Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
      • Cidofovir
      • Lithium
      • Methotrexate
      • Diuretics
    • Use caution with other medications that may cause bleeding, such as antiplatelet medications and blood thinners.
    • Review prescription and non-prescription drug labels carefully, especially pain relievers/fever reducers, as they may increase the risk of side effects when taken with diclofenac.
    • Low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention can be continued if advised by a doctor.

    Storage of Diclofenac:

    • Store medicines at room temperature, away from extreme heat, direct light, and moisture.
    • Avoid freezing the medicines.
    • Keep away from children.

    Diclofenac vs Aceclofenac

    Diclofenac Aceclofenac
    Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal Aceclofenac is a nonsteroidal
    Anti-inflammatory Anti-inflammatory
    This is taken to treat pain and inflammatory diseases such as gout. It is used for the relieving of pain and inflammation
    Formula: C14H11Cl2NO2 Formula: C16H13Cl2NO4
    Molar mass: 296.148 g/mol Molar mass: 354.1847 g/mol

    Citations

    Diclofenac induced hepatitis, ID:10.1007/BF01316809 Diclofenac sodium, ID:2670397

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis. It helps improve daily activity.

    Diclofenac is known to be more active than ibuprofen, and two or three times a day should be used. In order to relieve pain from arthritis, Ibuprofen also needs to be taken in higher doses.

    Diclofenac is used to relieve discomfort and swelling (inflammation) that are caused by various mild to moderate painful conditions. To treat it, muscle aches, backaches, tooth pain, menstrual cramps, and sports wounds are used. It also reduces pains, swelling, and stiffness of joints caused by arthritis.

    Diclofenac is a pain reliever in the NSAID family of medicines (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It is available in both, by prescription and over-the-counter.

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