Diclofenac belongs to the class of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). It is used to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.

The diclofenac sodium tablet and suppository are used to relieve pain for people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases of the hip. The diclofenac potassium tablets are used for short-term relief of pain and inflammation, such as pain caused by sprains, surgery, dental work, or menstrual cramps.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Diclofenac belongs to the class of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). It is used to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.

The diclofenac sodium tablet and suppository are used to relieve pain for people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases of the hip. The diclofenac potassium tablets are used for short-term relief of pain and inflammation, such as pain caused by sprains, surgery, dental work, or menstrual cramps.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use this medication?

Tablets: The usual adult dosage ranges from 50 mg to 100 mg daily. The enteric-coated diclofenac sodium tablets are taken twice daily with food. Diclofenac potassium tablets are taken every 6 to 8 hours as needed with food. The long-acting (sustained-release, or SR) tablets are taken once daily with food or milk. The maximum recommended daily dose of diclofenac is 100 mg. The lowest effective dose of diclofenac for the shortest duration possible should be used.

Tablets should be swallowed whole with some fluid. Do not crush or chew the tablets as this can change the way the medication is absorbed into your body. It may increase the risk of side effects, such as stomach irritation or bleeding.

Suppositories: The suppositories are usually used as a substitute for the last daily dose in a 50 mg or 100 mg strength, to a maximum total daily dose of 100 mg of diclofenac.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to diclofenac or any ingredients of the medication
• are breast-feeding
• are in the third trimester of pregnancy (after 28 weeks)
• are planning to have or have recently had heart bypass surgery
• currently have or have recently had inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines, such as stomach or intestinal ulcer or ulcerative colitis
• have bleeding in the brain or a bleeding disorder
• have had an allergic reaction to ASA or other anti-inflammatory medications
• have high levels of potassium in the blood
• have severe uncontrolled heart failure
• have severely impaired or deteriorating kidney function
• have significant liver impairment or liver disease

Do not use diclofenac suppositories if you:

• have any inflammatory lesions of the rectum or anus
• have recently had rectal or anal bleeding

Do not give this medication to children or adolescents under 16 years old.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• headache (mild to moderate)
• heartburn
• nausea
• sun sensitivity

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• confusion
• decreased hearing, any other change in hearing, or ringing or buzzing in ears
• discoloration of the skin
• "flu-like" symptoms (malaise, fatigue, loss of appetite)
• persistent indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea
• rectal itching or bleeding
• shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness
• signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• signs of meningitis not caused by infection (e.g., headache [severe], throbbing, or with stiff neck or back)
• swelling of face, feet, or lower legs
• symptoms of urinary tract problems (e.g., bladder pain, pain when urinating, increased need to urinate, change in urine colour or odour)
• unexplained, unexpected, or unusually heavy vaginal bleeding
• vision changes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• chest pain
• large hive-like swellings on face, eyelids, mouth, lips, or tongue
• severe and continuing nausea, heartburn, vomiting
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• signs of bleeding in the stomach (e.g., bloody, black, or tarry stools; spitting up of blood; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
• signs of a heart attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
• signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Allergy: Some people who are allergic to other anti-inflammatory medications also experience allergic reactions to diclofenac. Before you take diclofenac, inform your doctor about any previous side effects you have had to medications, especially ketorolac or ibuprofen. Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.

Bladder symptoms: This medication can cause bladder symptoms such as frequent or painful urination and blood in urine. If you develop these symptoms, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Bleeding: Like other NSAIDs, diclofenac may increase bruising, and bleeding from cuts may take longer to stop. If you have a condition where your blood does not clot easily, or if you are taking medications to prevent your blood from clotting, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible.

Breathing problems: People who have asthma, long term breathing problems, or allergic conditions such as hay fever or nasal polyps are more likely to experience difficulty breathing and allergic reactions caused by NSAIDs. If you have a history of allergic reactions to other substances, or respiratory illness, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced awareness: Some people have reported headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and confusion while taking this medication. Avoid operating motor vehicles and doing other potentially hazardous activities until you have determined how this medication affects you.

Fertility: As with other NSAIDs, this medication may make it more difficult for a couple to conceive if the woman is taking diclofenac. Stopping the medication allows the body's chemistry to return to normal which often resolves this issue.

Fluid retention: Diclofenac may cause fluid retention and swelling, possibly worsening high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or decreased heart function. If you have any of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you develop shortness of breath; fatigue; excessive weight gain; chest pain; or swelling of the legs, feet, or ankles while taking this medication, consult your doctor immediately.

Heart problems: Like other NSAID medications, diclofenac may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, which may be fatal. The risk is greater with higher total daily doses and taking the medication for a long period of time. Due to this increased risk, people with the following conditions or risk factors should be closely monitored by their doctor if they use diclofenac:

• congestive heart failure
• diabetes
• heart attack
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• impaired kidney function
• poor circulation
• smoking
• stroke

If you have any of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience signs of decreasing heart function, such as swelling in the hands and feet, difficulty breathing when lying down, or easily becoming short of breath.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience signs of heart attack while taking this medication. Signs of heart attack may include a crushing sensation or pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, becoming pale and sweating, or sudden development of nausea and vomiting.

Infection: This medication may hide the signs of an infection, such as a fever or generalized achiness.

Kidney function: Decreased kidney function and kidney disease may cause diclofenac to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have decreased kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Long-term use of diclofenac may lead to a higher risk of reduced kidney function. This is most common for people who already have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart failure; for people who are taking diuretics (water pills); and for seniors. If you experience signs of decreasing kidney function, such as increased fluid retention or decreased amounts of urine being produced, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Liver function: This medication may cause liver problems. If you have a liver condition, you may need more frequent checkups with your doctor. If you develop signs of a liver problem (such as yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, or itchy skin), stop taking the medication and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Potassium levels: Diclofenac may increase the risk of high potassium levels in the blood, especially for seniors, people who have conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure, or those taking certain other types of medications. Your doctor may order blood tests periodically during long-term treatment to monitor the amount of potassium in your blood. People who have been diagnosed with having high potassium levels in their blood should not take this medication.

Stomach problems: Stomach ulcers, perforation, and bleeding from the stomach have been known to occur during treatment with diclofenac. These complications can occur at any time, and are sometimes severe enough to require immediate medical attention. The risk of ulcers and bleeding are increased for people taking higher doses of NSAIDs for longer periods of time.

Diclofenac should be taken under close medical supervision by people prone to irritation of the stomach and intestines, particularly those who have had a stomach ulcer, bloody stools, or diverticulosis or other inflammatory disease of the stomach or intestines (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease). In these cases, your doctor must weigh the benefits of treatment against the possible risks.

Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms or signs suggestive of stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach (black, tarry stools). These reactions can occur at any time during treatment without warning.

Sun sensitivity: This medication may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. While you are using this medication, avoid excessive sun exposure, including tanning beds and sun lamps. If you experience sunburn with itching, swelling, and blistering, stop using this medication and contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Use of diclofenac at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy may increase the risk of kidney damage and complications due to low amniotic fluid in the developing baby. When diclofenac is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy, there is an increased risk of the child developing heart problems and the parent having a longer labour to deliver the baby. If diclofenac is taken during the earlier stages of pregnancy, there is also an increased risk of miscarriage. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if diclofenac passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and taking diclofenac, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Diclofenac is not recommended for children under 16 years of age. The safety, effectiveness, and dosage of this medication for this age group have not been established.

Seniors: Seniors appear to have a higher risk of side effects with this medication. The lowest effective dosage should be used under close medical supervision.

For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.

If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.