The U.S. FDA approved Diclofenac on December 10, 2007, to treat pain and inflammations. Diclofenac belongs to the medication class known as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins.

Diclofenac reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation in conditions affecting joints, muscles, and tendons, conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder,  and dislocations. Additionally, it is also used for pain and inflammation after dental and minor surgery.

Diclofenac Suppository: 

Empty your bowels before insertion, and wash your hands thoroughly. Lie on one side with your knees bent, and gently insert the suppository into your rectum using your finger. Push it up comfortably and lower your legs, remaining still for a few minutes. If the urge to expel arises, resist it by lying still and pressing your buttocks together. Maintain the suppository in the rectum to allow for dissolution and absorption. Finally, wash your hands for proper hygiene.

Diclofenac Patch: 

Take the Diclofenac as your physician advises. Read the label carefully before using it. Clean the area of skin where you will apply the patch. Remove the backing from the patch and apply it to the skin, ensuring the entire patch is in contact with the skin. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking this if your doctor advises you to stop.

The most common side effects of Diclofenac are loss of appetite, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, a sensation of whirling, and loss of balance. Serious side effects while taking Diclofenac are cramping, tenderness of the abdomen, bloody diarrhea, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, swollen face, hands, or fingers, rash, itching, blistering or peeling, shortness of breath, rashes, yellowing of eyes or skin, high fever, persistent sore throat, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or any signs of inability to lift arms, speak, or facial drooping. 

Do not use Diclofenac if you are allergic to Diclofenac, aspirin, ibuprofen, other NSAIDs, or any of its ingredients. Avoid if you have a history of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or adverse reactions to NSAIDs. It is also not recommended for severe heart, kidney, or liver failure, established heart or cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, or if you are beyond six months pregnant. Refrain from using if you experience bowel issues, diarrhea, or rectal bleeding.

This medicine may impact fertility, so if you are planning to get pregnant or facing difficulties in get pregnant, consult your healthcare provider before use. It is not recommended for children. Inform your doctor about any stomach, bowel, liver, kidney, bleeding disorders, asthma, allergies, breastfeeding, angina, blood clots, high blood pressure, cholesterol/triglyceride issues, heart problems, stroke history, or risk factors for these conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking habits. Also, notify if you have Lupus or similar conditions before using Diclofenac.

Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop using the product until your doctor advises. Do not double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Contact your doctor for more information. 

1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic agents; Pharmacotherapy of gout, 12th edition, 2011, 987.
2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antipyretic-analgesics, 7th edition, 2013, 204.
3. Mercury Pharma Group Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on Dec 2021] [ Accessed on 18th July 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5750.pdf
4. RA Alfaro et al; Diclofenac; NCBI Bookshelf; [Updated on June 2021] [Accessed on 18th July 2023]; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557879/

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.