Diclofenac (By mouth)

dye-KLOE-fen-ak

Treats pain. Also treats migraines. This medicine is an NSAID.

Drug classes

Analgesic, Antimigraine, Antirheumatic, Central Nervous System Agent, Musculoskeletal Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild-to-moderate pain, and helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis (eg, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. This medicine does not cure arthritis and will only help you as long as you continue to take it.

This medicine is also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis that affects the joints in the spine, and other painful conditions such as menstrual cramps.

Diclofenac is also used to treat acute migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults. It will not prevent or lessen the number of migraine attacks.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Coated Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Oral solution: Mix the packet contents with 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 mL) of water. Do not use any liquid other than water for mixing the medicine. Mix well and drink it immediately on an empty stomach.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. .

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use any other NSAID unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Some medicines and foods can affect how diclofenac works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:

Cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate A blood thinner (such as warfarin) A steroid medicine A diuretic (water pill) Blood pressure medicine

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, or another NSAID.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, heart failure, high blood pressure, or heart or blood vessel problems, or a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Also tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Increased risk of heart attack or stroke Bleeding in your stomach or intestines Liver problems Serious skin reactions

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

Bloody or black, tarry stools, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Change in how much or how often you urinate

Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, faintness

Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg, sudden or severe headache, or problems with vision, speech, or walking

Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Constipation or diarrhea

Mild headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Cambia, Cataflam, DermaSilkRx Anodynexa Pak, DermaSilkRx Diclo Pak, DermacinRx Inflammatral Pak, Inflammacin, Voltaren, Voltaren-XR, Zipsor, Zorvolex

There may be other brand names for this medicine.