Diclofenac Tablet - Uses, Side Effects, Precautions and FAQs
Uses
See also Warning section.The enteric-coated tablet form of diclofenac is used to reduce pain, swelling (inflammation), and joint stiffness from arthritis. Reducing these symptoms helps you do more of your normal daily activities.Diclofenac is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.Ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain.
How to use diclofenac oral
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking diclofenac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2-4 times a day. Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, you may take it with food, milk, or an antacid. However, this may slow absorption and delay pain relief.
Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so can increase stomachupset.
There are different brands and forms of this medication available. Because different forms do not have the same effects at equal strengths, do not switch forms of diclofenac unless your doctor tells you to.
Side Effects
Diclofenac may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas or bloating
- headache
- dizziness
- ringing in the ears
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical help. Do not take any more diclofenac until you speak to your doctor.
- unexplained weight gain
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- swelling of the abdomen, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- excessive tiredness
- lack of energy
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- itching
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- flu-like symptoms
- fever
- blisters
- rash
- hives
- swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, lips, throat, arms, or hands
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- hoarseness
- pale skin
- fast heartbeat
- cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
- back pain
- difficult or painful urination
Diclofenac may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Precautions
Use Diclofenac (Voltaren) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Different brands of diclofenac contain different amounts of this medicine, and may have different uses. If you switch brands, your dose needs may change. Follow your doctor's instructions about how much medicine to take. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the brand of diclofenac you receive at the pharmacy.
Swallow the whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. tablet
Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Zorvolex
Call your doctor if your headache does not completely go away after taking Cambia.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.
Dissolve diclofenac powder with 1 to 2 ounces of water. Do not use any other type of liquid. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. Diclofenac powder works best if you take it on an empty stomach. (Cambia)
If you use diclofenac long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
FAQs
What’s the difference between diclofenac and other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen?
There are many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) available besides diclofenac. Unlike diclofenac, certain NSAIDs can be purchased over the counter (OTC) without a doctor’s prescription. Examples of OTC NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
Examples of other NSAIDs include meloxicam (Mobic) and celecoxib (Celebrex). There are also others that aren’t available in the U.S., such as aceclofenac. These other NSAIDs have different uses and dosages, and they require a doctor’s prescription.
To learn more about how different NSAIDs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long can you take diclofenac for?
Diclofenac is typically prescribed as a long-term treatment. You’ll take the medication for as long as it’s safe and effective in treating symptoms of your condition.
Diclofenac can sometimes be used short term if this works to treat symptoms of your condition. However, it’s common for symptoms to return after stopping diclofenac treatment.
It’s important to note that the conditions* diclofenac is approved to treat are progressive. This means their symptoms generally worsen over time, especially without treatment. So if you’re prescribed diclofenac long term, be sure to continue taking it.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about how long you can expect to take diclofenac.
* To learn more about the approved uses of diclofenac, see the “Diclofenac uses” section below.
Can diclofenac be used for other types of pain, such as headache, toothache, or back pain?
Diclofenac is not approved to treat other types of pain, including gout. However, doctors may prescribe the drug off-label for this use. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
Diclofenac is approved to treat symptoms, including pain, due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. For more details, see the “Diclofenac uses” section below.
To learn more about off-label uses of diclofenac, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If you have pain, your doctor can help find the right treatment for you.
