Other Brands/Names

Bufaflam Emulgel, Cataflam, Eflagen, Flamar, Flamar Eye Drops, Flamic, Flazen 50, Kaditic, Laflanac, Megatic Emulgel, Merflam, Simflamfas, Troflam, Voltaren dan Zegren.

How It Works

This medicine works by blocking the body’s production of prostaglandins, natural compounds that amplify inflammation and sensitize pain pathways. By inhibiting prostaglandin formation at injury sites, diclofenac lessens inflammatory activity and helps reduce symptoms.

Indications

This medicine is used to treat pain that starts suddenly (acute) as well as pain that lasts a long time (chronic). In addition, diclofenac is prescribed for inflammatory conditions that arise in several medical problems, including:

• Osteoarthritis, a degenerative inflammatory problem that can involve multiple joints and restrict movement.

• Rheumatoid arthritis, joint inflammation caused by the immune system attacking the body’s own healthy tissues.

• Gout, joint inflammation due to the buildup of uric acid crystals within joints.

• Migraine headaches.

• Ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory condition that can gradually cause the spaces between vertebrae to fuse and stiffen.

• Post-operative pain

Contraindication

Do not use this medicine in people with any of the following conditions:

• History of allergy to diclofenac or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

• Mild to moderate heart failure.

• Coronary artery disease.

• Peripheral arterial disease.

• Lesions, ulcers, or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Severe kidney or liver disorders.

• Third trimester of pregnancy.

• Current use of blood-thinning medication.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Excess gas

• Stomach pain

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Blurred vision

Seek urgent medical care if you develop any of the following, since these can be serious:

• Severe allergic reactions, such as a generalized skin rash, facial or oral swelling, or shortness of breath.

• Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as vomiting blood or passing black or bloody stools.

Types

This medicine is available in the following dosage forms to fit clinical needs:

• Oral capsules or tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg strengths

• Oral drops 15 mL and dry syrup formulations

• Topical gel: 10 g, 15 g, 20 g, and 50 g pack sizes

• Injectable solution: 3 mL vials 

Dosage

The following are oral dosing recommendations for diclofenac. 

Acute Pain

• Adults: 50 mg taken 2–3 times daily.
• Adolescents 14 years old and over: 25 mg three times daily, or 50 mg twice daily.

Menstrual Pain

• Adults: 50 mg three times daily.

Migraine Headaches

• Take 50 mg for the first attack; an additional 50 mg may be taken if symptoms persist after 2 hours.
• Maximum daily dose: 200 mg in 24 hours.

Other Pain

For toothache, acute gout flare, joint pain, pain after surgical procedures, cramps, or sprains:

• Adults: 50 mg taken 2–3 times daily.

• Adolescents 14 years old and over: 25 mg three times daily.

Safety

This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy. Use only after consultation with a doctor, and only when the expected benefit clearly outweighs potential risks to the mother and fetus. Diclofenac can be excreted into breast milk, so discuss use with your doctor before and during breastfeeding to ensure safety for the infant.

Drug Interactions

• Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding if diclofenac is combined with:
  

  • Corticosteroids

  • SSRI antidepressants

• Increased risk of hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) and kidney injury if used with:
  

  • ACE inhibitors (captopril, ramipril, etc.)

  • Diuretics (medicines that increase urine output)

  • Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus)

• Higher diclofenac levels, with a greater chance of side effects, may occur if used with:
  

  • Cardiac medicines (digoxin)

  • Mood stabilizers (lithium)

  • Antiepileptics (phenytoin)

  • Chemotherapy agents (methotrexate)

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