Diclofenac

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Cataflam D (disper tabs/powder), Dicloflam (dispers tabs), Fortfen (caps), K-fenak (tabs), Panamor (tablets/injection/suppository), Veltex (caps), Voltaren (tabs/drops/inj/supp)

Popular combinations:

Arthrotec (with misoprostol)

Drug group:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, analgesic, drug for gout

Prescription needed?

Yes (most preparations)

What does it do?

• Short term pain relief - mild to moderate headache, menstrual pain, pain from minor surgery, acute gout attacks
• Regular long term use for pain/inflammation - rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis
• Eye drops – for inflammatory eye conditions

How should it be used?

• Most oral forms of diclofenac should be taken with food
• To minimize side effects use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Total daily dose (adults): 75–150mg, taken 1–3 x daily
• Children: dose calculated according to weight of child

How quickly will it start to work?

Pain relief within 1 hour, full anti-inflammatory effect in 2 weeks

How long will the effects last?

Up to 12 hours (24 hours with SR-preparations)

When should I stop using it?       

• Short-term pain relief: can be safely stopped as soon as no longer needed
• Long-term treatment: discuss with your doctor before stopping the drug

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Use for the shortest duration possible. Prolonged use can increase the risk of ulceration/perforation/bleeding from the bowel wall; and heart attack or stroke.                   

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting
• Less common: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, swelling of the feet/legs, weight gain
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash, itching, wheezing, breathlessness, black/bloodstained vomit or faeces

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart problems, bleeding disorders, peptic ulcer, porphyria, allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs, asthma, high blood pressure
• Other medicines: other NSAIDs, oral anticoagulants, corticosteroids, SSRI antidepressants, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, lithium, digoxin, methotrexate
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not recommended in pregnancy. Small amounts of the drug pass into breast milk, but adverse effects on the baby are unlikely.
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug can cause dizziness, drowsiness and vertigo
• Alcohol: Avoid, increases risk of stomach irritation
• Surgery and general anaesthetics Discuss with your doctor or dentist before any surgery