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Diclofenac

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Tell your doctor if you have a history of stomach problems including stomach ulcers.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

About diclofenac

Type of medicine Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Used for Pain and inflammation in rheumatic disease, and in disorders of the joints, muscles and tendons
Gout
Pain relief after operations
Also called Voltarol, Voltarol SR, Voltarol Retard, Voltarol Rapid
Diclomax SR, Diclomax Retard
Motifene, Defenac, Diclofex, Diclozip, Dyloject, Fenactol, Flamrase, Flamatak, Econac, Rhumalgan SR, Rhumalgan XL, Volsaid SR
Available as Tablets and dispersible tablets
Enteric coated tablets (coated to make sure the diclofenac is released after the tablet has passed through the stomach. This protects the stomach)
Modified release tablets and capsules (diclofenac released slowly for a more even effect)
Suppositories
Injection

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation.

A substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, including prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation.

Diclofenac blocks the action of COX, so stopping the production of these prostaglandins. This results in less pain, swelling and inflammation.

Before taking diclofenac

Before taking diclofenac make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding. If you have a history of stomach problems including stomach ulcers. If you suffer from liver or kidney problems. If you have a history of allergic disorders. If you suffer from asthma. If you suffer from any blood clotting disorder. If you have a heart condition. If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder). If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine, any other NSAID (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, indometacin) or any other medicine.

How to take diclofenac

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Try to take diclofenac at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. Diclofenac enteric coated (e/c) tablets: Swallow whole (not chewed or crushed) with a small glass of water. Avoid taking indigestion remedies at the same time. If you need an indigestion remedy, take it at least two hours before or two hours after the diclofenac. Diclofenac dispersible tablets: Dissolve or mix the tablets with water before swallowing. Take your dose with or straight after eating food. Diclofenac rapid tablets: Swallow the tablets whole with a small glass of water. Do not crush or chew them. Diclofenac modified release (m/r) tablets and capsules: Swallow whole (not chewed or crushed) preferably after eating food.

Getting the most from your treatment

If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can diclofenac cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. Drink plenty of liquid to replace any lost fluids
Indigestion, stomach discomfort, wind Eat little and often. If the discomfort continues, speak with your doctor
Dizziness, lightheadedness Avoid driving, operating machinery or doing other tasks which require you to be alert
Loss of appetite, headache If troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestine such as blood in vomit or black stools, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

Important: If you experience any shortness of breath, skin rash or swelling of the mouth or face, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store diclofenac

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Voltarol, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised March 2007, accessed 18 March 2008.British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF). Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
EMIS 2008 DocID:3357 DocRef: dils2358 Last Updated: 3 Jun 2008 Date of Next Review:3 Jun 2010 Version:22

Author:EMIS
Copyright 2006 EMIS, HTML generated by EMIS Knowledge Source Editor