Diclofenac is a non-opioid analgesic medicine that is used to relieve pain, inflammation and fever. It belongs to the group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Diclofenac works by blocking the action of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which reduces the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals in the body that cause pain, swelling and inflammation.
Also read this post :- Muscle Pain (Myalgia): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Uses of Diclofenac
Doctors commonly prescribe Diclofenac for:
- Back pain
- Injury-related pain
- Abdominal pain
- Arthritis
- Post-operative pain
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Tendinitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Sprains and strains
- Toothache
- Urethral pain
- Joint pain and inflammation
How Diclofenac Works
Diclofenac reduces the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain and inflammation. By lowering these chemicals, it helps reduce:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Fever
Available Forms of Diclofenac
Diclofenac is available in different forms, including:
- Tablets
- Sustained Release (SR) Tablets
- Dispersible Tablets
- Enteric-Coated Tablets
- Injections
- Gels
- Creams
- Patches
Recommended Dosage
Adults
- 50 mg two to three times daily, as prescribed by a doctor.
Children (Above 2 Years)
- 1 mg per kg body weight, two to three times daily.
Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding dosage.
Side Effects of Diclofenac
Like all medicines, Diclofenac may cause some side effects.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Abdominal pain
- Stomach discomfort
- Indigestion
Serious side effects may include:
- Peptic ulcer
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Severe allergic reactions
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe stomach pain, black stools or signs of an allergic reaction.
Contraindications
Do not use Diclofenac if you have:
- Allergy to Diclofenac or NSAIDs
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Severe liver disease
- Severe kidney disease
- Serious heart disease
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Also read this post :- Paracetamol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions, and Overdose Management
Special Precautions
Use Diclofenac carefully in patients with:
- Acid peptic disease
- History of stomach ulcers
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Liver disorders
- Kidney disorders
Use this medicine only when necessary and under medical supervision.
Drug Interactions
Diclofenac may interact with several medicines, including:
Methotrexate
May increase methotrexate toxicity.
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)
May increase the risk of bleeding.
Digoxin
May increase blood levels of digoxin.
Lithium
May increase lithium levels in the blood.
Diuretics
May reduce the effectiveness of diuretic medicines.
Always inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Diclofenac is generally not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
Use in Children and Elderly Patients
Children
Use only in recommended doses under medical supervision.
Elderly Patients
Lower doses may be required because older adults have a higher risk of side effects.
Popular Diclofenac Brands Available in India
Some commonly available Diclofenac brands include:
- Agile Inj
- Agile-SR
- Defenac
- Dicloact
- Diclomol
- Diclonac
- Dicloran
- Fensaide
- Jonac
- Osteoflam
- Oxalgin
- Powerflam
- Relaxyl
- Runac
- Tromax
- Volini
- Voltaflam
- Voltaren Emul Gel
- Vovenac
- Voveran
- Zobid
Diclofenac Potassium Brands
- Agile-K
- Delta-K
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Diclofenac is a powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medicine.
Yes, doctors commonly prescribe Diclofenac for tooth pain and dental inflammation.
It is usually better to take Diclofenac after food to reduce stomach irritation.
Long-term use should only be under medical supervision because it may increase the risk of stomach, heart, liver and kidney problems.
Yes. It is commonly used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions.
Conclusion
Diclofenac is an effective medicine for relieving pain, inflammation and fever. It is widely used for conditions such as arthritis, back pain, sprains, injuries and post-operative pain. While it provides excellent pain relief, it should be used carefully because it may cause stomach, liver, kidney or heart-related side effects. Always use Diclofenac according to your doctor’s instructions and avoid self-medication for prolonged periods.
Also read this post :- Arnica Montana in Homeopathy: Uses, Symptoms & Benefits
Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.
