How it works

Diclofenac has a typical mode of action on the body. The drug reduces the action of prostaglandins that numbs the pain receptors leading to decreased sensation of pain. Additionally also increases blood flow and vasodilation that leads to draining of excessive fluid out of the body leading to reduced swelling and inflammation

Guidelines for usage

Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.

Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.

Diclofenac may be used with or without food.

Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.

NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.

Missed Dose

It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.

Do not panic if you have missed a dose.

Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.

How & where do I store Diclofenac?

The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.

Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.

Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.

Overdose Related Information

If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.

Safety Information/ Warning Precautions

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.

Ensure that you mention the following:

• Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
• History of heart disease, stroke
• liver or kidney ailments
• asthma and known allergies to pollen, sulphur etc
• nose polyps
• All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
• Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not

This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.

To be avoided

You must avoid using Diclofenac if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have allergies to diclofenac or analgesics or any recent surgery like coronary artery bypass grafting.

Using Alcohol

Diclofenac is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Diclofenac.

These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.

Additional Information

Diclofenac may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking ibuprofen, especially in older adults.

Excessive use of NSAID medications can cause serious damage to the stomach and intestines. Internal bleeding and even perforation may occur. These conditions are potentially fatal and can occur at any time without a warning.

If you notice symptoms like black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, then stop using Diclofenac and seek emergency medical care.

Important Information for Pregnant Women

Diclofenac is categorized under FDA pregnancy category C for prior to 30 weeks gestation and Category D after that.

Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.

Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.

Side Effects

Report the following side effects to your doctor only if they become bothersome or do not stop on their own

The following side effects require immediate medical attention. So report these to your doctor immediately.

• Chest pain and tightness
• blood in stools or vomit
• stiffness in neck or abnormal jaw movements or convulsions
• immediate skin reactions like itchiness, redness, running nose, swelling on face and tongue,blistering and peeling of skin

Less serious side effects are:

• Headache , dizziness or weakness
• itching sensation that is temporary
• constipation,diarrhoea and stomach pains
• vision problems
• ringing in ears