Indications
- Enteric-coated tablet form of diclofenac is used to reduce pain, swelling (inflammation), and joint stiffness from arthritis.
- Reducing these symptoms helps you do more of your normal daily activities.
- Diclofenac is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
- It works by blocking your body’s production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation.
- This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.
- Ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain.
Dosage and administration
- Before starting diclofenac, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist.
- Each time you get a refill, go through the Medication Guide again.
- If you have any queries, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- As per your doctor’s instructions, take this medication orally, usually 2-4 times daily.
- Consume the medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters), unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
- After taking the medication, do not lie down for at least 10 minutes.
- If you experience stomach upset while on this medication, consume it with food, milk, or an antacid. This may slow absorption and delay pain relief.
- Swallow the tablets in their entirety. Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablets to prevent increased stomach upset.
- Different brands and forms of diclofenac are available. Don’t switch forms until your doctor instructs you to do so, as different forms do not have the same effects at equal strengths.
- The dosage depends on your medical condition, how you respond to treatment, and any other medications you’re taking.
- To minimize the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Don’t increase your dose, take this drug more often, or for longer than prescribed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist.
- For conditions like arthritis, it might take up to 2 weeks of regular intake to experience the full benefit.
- If your condition worsens, inform your doctor immediately.
Side effects
- Side effects of this medication may include upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medication is prescribed because the doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. Most people do not experience severe side effects.
- The medication may increase your blood pressure. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and report high results to your doctor.
- Report serious side effects to your doctor immediately. These include hearing changes (like ringing in the ears), mood changes, easy bleeding/bruising, difficulty or pain while swallowing, and symptoms of heart failure (like swollen ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, sudden weight gain).
- Seek immediate medical help if you experience very serious side effects. These include signs of kidney problems (change in urine amount, pink or bloody urine), or an unexplained stiff neck.
- Diclofenac can occasionally cause serious (potentially fatal) liver disease. Seek immediate medical help if you have symptoms of liver damage, including persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, and dark urine.
- Severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare, but if you notice symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing, seek immediate medical help.
- If you have questions about this drug, consult a nearby physician.
- This list does not cover all possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed here, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking diclofenac, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies, especially to aspirin, other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, or any other substances.
- This medication may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other issues. Discuss this with your pharmacist for more details.
- Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication, particularly if you have asthma, blood disorders, nasal polyps, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, stroke, swelling, or stomach/intestinal/esophagus problems.
- Kidney problems can sometimes occur with the use of NSAID medications, including diclofenac. These are more likely if you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you take certain medications.
- To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor and inform them if you have pink/bloody urine or any unusual change in the amount of urine.
- This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid driving, using machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages and discuss with your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
- This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. The risk may increase with daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine. Limit alcohol and quit smoking.
- This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Inform your doctor if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
- Before undergoing surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
- Older adults may be at greater risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, and stroke while using this drug.
- Women of childbearing age should discuss the benefits and risks with their doctor before using this medication. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This medication may harm an unborn baby and cause problems with normal labor/delivery. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy from 20 weeks until delivery.
- This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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