Diclofenac

Diclofenac

Diclofenac is an FDA-approved NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) used to manage a range of conditions involving pain & inflammation, such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, and migraine attacks. It is available in various forms, including tablets, gels, and eye drops. While effective in reducing pain & inflammation, it carries risks like potential heart attacks or strokes and gastrointestinal bleeding, especially with long-term use. It is crucial to follow prescribed dosages & consult with a primary caregiver regarding potential side effects and interactions.

Product Overview

Diclofenac is a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) widely prescribed for its effectiveness in reducing pain, inflammation, and fever associated with various conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, menstrual cramps, and acute migraine attacks. 

It is available in multiple forms. Despite its benefits, Diclofenac poses significant risks including increased chances of fatal heart attacks or strokes, particularly in long-term or high-dose usage, and severe gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in older adults. 

It is essential for users to avoid alcohol, stay hydrated, and protect against sunlight while on this medication. Patients must disclose their full medical history to avoid adverse reactions, especially those with existing heart, liver, or kidney issues. Diclofenac requires careful management and adherence to prescribed dosages to ensure safety & efficacy.

What Are the Uses of Diclofenac?

• Menstrual cramps
• Osteoarthritis
• Mild to moderate pain
• Migraine attacks
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine)

What Are the Benefits of Diclofenac?

• Helps manage both acute and chronic pain conditions.
• Available in multiple forms (tablets, gel, patches, suppositories) for flexible treatment options.
• Particularly effective in treating inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
• Can help reduce pain and inflammation after surgery or injury.
• May help manage menstrual pain and cramps.
• Works quickly when used as a topical treatment for localized pain.
• Can be used to treat migraine headaches when combined with other medications.
• Long-acting formulations are available for extended pain relief.
• Can provide relief from fever in addition to pain and inflammation.

What Are the Side Effects of Diclofenac?

Common Diclofenac side effects may include:

• Headache
• Gas
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mild allergic reaction
• Hair loss
• Feeling sleepy
• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Fluid retention (buildup)
• Abdominal pain
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Itchy skin

[Note: This list is not exhaustive, if you notice any other symptoms that are not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is available in different forms and strengths:

• Eye Drops: 0.1% for treating postoperative inflammation.
• Tablets (Immediate-Release): 25 mg and 50 mg.
• Topical Solution: 1.5% (for knee pain) and 2% (for osteoarthritis of the hand).
• Topical Gel: 1% Diclofenac sodium gel.
• Injectable Solution: 75 mg/ml for intramuscular injection.
• Tablets (Enteric-Coated): 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg.
• Topical Patch: 1.3% Diclofenac sodium.
• Topical Cream: 1% Diclofenac sodium cream.
• Tablets (Extended-Release): 100 mg.

What Is the Typical Dosage of Diclofenac?

Dosage of Diclofenac for Osteoarthritis

• Free Acid Capsules: 35 mg orally, three times a day.
• Potassium Immediate-Release Tablets: 50 mg, two to three times a day.
• Sodium Enteric-Coated Tablets: 50 mg two to three times a day, or 75 mg twice daily.
• Maximum Daily Dose: 150 mg.

Dosage of Diclofenac for Migraine (Acute Treatment)

• Potassium for Oral Solution Packets: 50 mg (1 packet) taken once for an acute attack. Not recommended for migraine prevention or for cluster headache treatment.

Dosage of Diclofenac for Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Pain)

• Potassium Immediate-Release Tablets: 50 mg three times a day. Start with an initial dose of 100 mg, then continue with 50 mg doses. Begin treatment at the onset of symptoms and continue for several days.

Dosage of Diclofenac for Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Sodium Enteric-Coated/Delayed-Release Tablets: 25 mg four times a day, plus an optional 25 mg at bedtime if needed.
• Maximum Daily Dose: 125 mg.

Dosage of Diclofenac for Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Potassium Immediate-Release Tablets: 50 mg three to four times a day.
• Sodium Enteric-Coated/Delayed-Release Tablets: 50 mg three to four times daily, or 75 mg twice daily.
• Maximum Daily Dose: 225 mg.

How to Take Diclofenac?

• Diclofenac Topical Gel, Cream, and Patch:

• • • Clean and dry the skin area before application.
    • Apply the directed amount thinly over the area.
    • Wash your hands after applying, unless they are the area being treated.
    • Do not cover with a bandage or heat unless advised by your doctor.

• Diclofenac Eye Drops:

• • • Avoid touching the dropper tip to keep it clean.
    • Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid, and place the drop.
    • Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes after application.
    • If applying more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between each.

• Diclofenac Tablets (Enteric-Coated, Immediate-Release, & Extended-Release):

• • Take with food or right after eating to prevent stomach upset.
  • Do not crush or chew enteric-coated tablets to maintain their stomach-protective effect.
  • Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water.
  • Take at consistent times each day to keep medication levels steady in your body.

What to Do When You Miss a Dose of Diclofenac?

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose.

[Note: Do not take two doses of Diclofenac at the same time to compensate for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.]

What Happens When You Overdose on Diclofenac?

If you overdose, you might experience severe symptoms like stomach pain, slow breathing, and extreme drowsiness. Seek immediate medical help if symptoms are serious.

[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]

How Does Diclofenac Work?

Diclofenac is an NSAID that reduces pain and inflammation by blocking enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) that produce prostaglandins. Less prostaglandin means less inflammation, pain, and fever.

What Are the Important Safety Precautions of Diclofenac?

• Avoid it if you are allergic to aspirin or NSAIDs.
• Increases risk of fatal heart attacks or strokes, especially with long-term use, high doses, or pre-existing heart conditions.
• Do not use it around the time of heart bypass surgery.
• Can cause life-threatening stomach or intestinal bleeding, especially in older adults.
• Inform your doctor of allergies to Diclofenac or other NSAIDs.
• Discuss medical history, particularly asthma, blood disorders, heart disease, liver disease, or past strokes.
• Risk of kidney problems; stay hydrated and monitor for changes in urine.
• Increases sensitivity to sunlight; use sunscreen and protective clothing.
• Disclose all medications to healthcare providers before surgery.
• Not recommended from 20 weeks of pregnancy, discuss risks with a doctor. 
• It can pass into breast milk; consult a doctor before breastfeeding.

How Do You Store Diclofenac?

• Store it away from excess heat and moisture.
• Avoid freezing.
• Keep out of children’s reach.
• Dispose of expired or unneeded medication properly.

What Drugs Interact with Diclofenac?

• Methotrexate
• Diuretics such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide
• ACE Inhibitors and ARBs such as losartan, lisinopril
• Pemetrexed
• Cyclosporine
• Lithium
• Other NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen
• Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners) like warfarin & heparin
• Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine, fluoxetine, and sertraline
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like norepinephrine
• Digoxin
• Corticosteroids like prednisone
• Antiplatelet Drugs such as aspirin & clopidogrel

[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions or supplements.]

What Are the Diclofenac Alternatives?

• Feldene Gel (piroxicam)
• Naprosyn (naproxen)
• Clinoril (sulindac)
• Advil Junior Chewable Tablets (ibuprofen)
• Advil OTC (ibuprofen)
• Advil Pediatric Drops (ibuprofen)
• Naprosyn SR (naproxen)
• Celebrex (celecoxib)
• Lodine, Lodine XL (etodolac)
• Advil Children’s Liquid Grape (ibuprofen)
• Motrin (ibuprofen)
• Feldene (piroxicam)
• Toradol (ketorolac)
• Indocin, Tivorbex (indomethacin)
• Relafen (nabumetone)
• Mobic (meloxicam)
• Advil Liqui-Gels (ibuprofen)
• Advil Children’s Liquid Fruit (ibuprofen)
• Naproxen EC (Naproxen Sodium)
• Feldene (piroxicam)
• Advil Children’s Liquid Blue Raspberry (ibuprofen)

[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Diclofenac alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

Diclofenac Cost & Coupons

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who cannot take diclofenac?

People with high blood pressure, heart failure, severe liver or kidney disease and those with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus should not take diclofenac.

Is it OK to take diclofenac every day?

Diclofenac can be used long-term for chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor might prescribe medication to protect your stomach from side effects if you use diclofenac long-term.

Does caffeine affect diclofenac?

Caffeine can enhance the pain-relief effect of diclofenac. This enhancement works partly through the body’s opioid systems, mainly affecting the brain.

How many minutes does it take for diclofenac to work?

Diclofenac starts to relieve pain within 20 to 30 minutes when taken as tablets or capsules. Suppositories take a few hours to start working.

Our Guarantee

At Arctic Meds, we guarantee that you will find the most competitive prices to buy Diclofenac online through our platform. As the best Canadian online pharmacy, we are committed to delivering only the highest quality products. Each order is fulfilled through a reputable and licensed Canada pharmacy online, ensuring that every product we ship meets stringent standards of quality and authenticity. Our reliable service ships your medications directly from Canada right to your doorstep. To seamlessly buy Diclofenac online from Canada at a low price contact us.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The information available on the Arctic Meds website is intended to enhance awareness about healthcare products and medical conditions. It is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any prescription or non-prescription medication. Our platform offers access to a broad selection of products that are sourced from various countries including Canada. We operate with both a licensed partnered pharmacy located in Canada along with reputable dispensing pharmacies located globally. All affiliated fulfillment centers are approved by the regulatory bodies of their respective countries.