Diclofenac
Description
Diclofenac is a painkiller used to relieve pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis (tender and painful joints due to wear down of protective cartilage between the ends of the bones), rheumatoid arthritis (a type of arthritis affecting the small joints of the body), ankylosing spondylitis (pain and stiffness of bones of the spine), lower back pain, neck pain, etc. It is also used in the relief of postoperative pain.
Diclofenac blocks the formation of chemical substances in your body that cause swelling and pain. This medicine comes in oral (tablet and capsule), topical (ointments, gels and sprays) and injection forms. It is also used in combination with other medications to treat the pain and swelling symptoms.
Diclofenac shows side effects like nausea, headache, stomach pain, and diarrhoea. Moreover, it may show injection site pain and redness in case an injection form is given. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve with time. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor at the earliest. Inform your doctor if you have known allergies to this medicine.
Diclofenac may cause dizziness, drowsiness or visual disturbances. Use caution while driving vehicles or doing anything that requires concentration if you are taking this medicine. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine as it can cause excessive drowsiness and increase your risk of stomach problems.
Diclofenac should be taken with food or milk to prevent an upset stomach. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of this medicine for both the dosage forms based on the severity and location of the pain. Your doctor may regularly monitor your kidney function, liver function and levels of blood components if you are taking this medicine for long-term treatment.
Diclofenac is safe for you if you share your entire medical history with your doctor such as problems related to heart, liver, kidney, clotting disorder, etc. Inform your doctor if you take any other medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Diclofenac
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
Uses of Diclofenac
What is it prescribed for?
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Dysmenorrhea
- Mild to moderate pain
- Migraine attacks
- Gout
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionDiclofenac starts showing its effect in 10-30 minutes and varies depending on the dosage form.
- Duration of effectThe effect of Diclofenac lasts for an average duration of 8 hours, which varies with the dosage form.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while taking Diclofenac due to the increased risk of side effects such as severe stomach and intestinal bleeding, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, rashes, nausea, joint pain, fever, jaundice, etc.
- Is it habit forming?Diclofenac has no habit-forming tendency.
- Usage in pregnancy?Diclofenac is not recommended in pregnancy as it may cause miscarriage (loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy) or may affect the development of the heart of your foetus. Discuss all the potential benefits and risks with your doctor before starting the therapy.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Diclofenac may pass into the breastmilk in small amounts. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting treatment with this medicine.
Allergy
Avoid using Diclofenac if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Seek medical attention if you come across any allergic reactions such as a skin rash, hives (itchy, painful eruptions that sting), swelling (face, lips, tongue, etc.), breathing difficulty, etc.
Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers are the sores in the lining of the stomach and intestine. Diclofenac is not recommended for use if you have a peptic ulcer problem, as it may cause stomach bleeding and worsen your condition.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a surgical procedure that diverts the blood from narrowed or blocked vessels in the heart to improve its blood supply. Diclofenac is not recommended for use before, during, or after a coronary artery bypass graft surgery as it may cause heart failure.
NSAID-induced asthma
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-induced asthma is an allergic condition of the respiratory system that may occur after you take an NSAID. These medicines narrow the airway and provoke mucous secretion in the airway, causing severe breathing difficulty. Diclofenac is not recommended for use in this condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Diclofenac is not recommended in pregnancy as it may cause miscarriage (loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy) or may affect the development of the heart of your foetus. Discuss all the potential benefits and risks with your doctor before starting the therapy.
Breast-feeding
Diclofenac may pass into the breastmilk in small amounts. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting treatment with this medicine.
General warnings
Effect on heart
Diclofenac should be used with caution if you have any heart problems due to the increased risk of heart attack and other heart complications, especially on prolonged use. Your heart function and vital signs will be closely monitored by your doctor while you are taking this medicine.
Stomach and intestinal toxicity
Diclofenac may cause damage to the stomach and intestine, especially on prolonged use. This risk is specifically higher in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal problems. Consult your doctor about the potential risks before taking this medicine.
Skin allergies
Diclofenac may cause skin allergies in some people. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop signs and symptoms such as rashes, hives, or other allergic symptoms.
Water retention
Diclofenac may cause water retention (majorly in lower limbs) in some people. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and heart function based on your clinical condition.
Driving or operating machinery
Diclofenac may cause drowsiness or dizziness in some people. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine
use in elderly
Diclofenac should be used with caution in elderly people due to the increased risk of kidney and liver impairment. Your doctor will generally start treatment with lower doses to check for your tolerance to this medicine. Your doctor may closely monitor your kidney and liver function.
Missed Dose
Oral, topical and rectal forms: If you missed a dose of Diclofenac take it as soon as you remember. Do not add it with your next dose to make up for a missed dose.
Since Diclofenac injection is usually given by a healthcare professional in a clinical or hospital setting, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Oral, topical and rectal forms: Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you might have taken an overdose of Diclofenac, seek immediate medical guidance.
Injection: Since Diclofenac is given in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low.
However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by your doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while taking Diclofenac due to the increased risk of side effects such as severe stomach and intestinal bleeding, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, rashes, nausea, joint pain, fever, jaundice, etc.
Interaction with Medicine
Methotrexate
Ramipril
Apixaban
Ketorolac
Cyclosporine
Disease interactions
Kidney Disease
If you already have kidney problems, using Diclofenac for a prolonged period can potentially worsen the condition of your kidney. It is recommended that you get your kidney function monitored regularly as per your doctor’s guidance.
Heart Disease
Receiving Diclofenac for a prolonged period may increase the risk of a heart attack. Your doctor will periodically suggest tests to ensure the regular functioning of your heart.
Liver Disease
Diclofenac is broken down and gets converted into its active form for absorption in the body. If you have liver problems, accumulation of this medicine may take place in your liver leading to worsening of compromised liver and other undesirable effects.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral, topical and rectal forms: Use Diclofenac as advised by your doctor.
You may take the oral form of this medicine with or after food.
Do not use in larger or smaller amounts than advised.
Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects.
Ensure that the treatment course is completed.
Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Injection: Diclofenac should be given by a trained healthcare professional as per the doctor's instructions. Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects.
Long-term use may lead to complications such as stomach bleeding and kidney disease.
Do not drive vehicles or operate machines if you experience dizziness and drowsiness.
Avoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine.
Your doctor may regularly monitor your kidney function, liver function, and levels of blood components if you are taking this medicine for long-term treatment.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Diclofenac works by blocking the formation of certain chemical substances in your body that are responsible for causing pain and swelling.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
Schedule
Schedule H
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Diclofenac Sodium 50mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 7 September 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 7 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. AKIS 75mg/ml solution for injection - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 12 July 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 12 July 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 26 Oct 2021
Disclaimer
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