What it is used for
- Pain and inflammation from arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Muscle and joint injuries, sprains and strains
- Back pain
- Period pain
- Pain and swelling after dental or other procedures
How it works
Diclofenac inhibits the COX enzymes responsible for producing prostaglandins, reducing pain, swelling and inflammation in the affected tissues.
How it is taken
Available as tablets and capsules (including modified-release forms), gels and creams for the skin, suppositories, eye drops, and an injection used in clinical settings. Take or apply it exactly as your doctor, pharmacist or the label directs. Oral forms are usually taken with or after food. Do not crush or chew modified-release tablets.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Indigestion, heartburn or stomach pain
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Headache or dizziness
- Skin redness or irritation with the gel
Serious effects — get help
- Stomach or gut bleeding or ulcers (black stools, vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain)
- Heart attack or stroke warning signs (chest pain, breathlessness, weakness on one side, slurred speech)
- Serious allergic reaction (swelling, wheezing, difficulty breathing)
- Signs of liver problems (yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea)
- Severe skin reactions
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Other NSAIDs and aspirin
- Blood thinners such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants
- Some blood pressure medicines, diuretics and certain heart drugs
- Corticosteroids and SSRIs (bleeding risk)
- Lithium, methotrexate and ciclosporin
- Alcohol
Who should take care
- Avoided in late pregnancy and used cautiously, if at all, earlier — confirm with your clinician
- Not recommended for people with significant heart disease, stroke history or poorly controlled risk factors; diclofenac carries a relatively higher heart risk among NSAIDs
- Tell your doctor about ulcers, asthma, high blood pressure, or kidney or liver disease
- Use the lowest effective amount for the shortest time
- Seek urgent care for chest pain, stroke symptoms or signs of gut bleeding