What it's for (Indications)
- Management of pain and inflammation, including muscular and skeletal disorder pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthrosis, ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis affecting joints of the spine), acute gout (a complex form of arthritis), and chronic juvenile arthritis (arthritis in children).
Dosage Information
| Type | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Standard | Dosage should adhere to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals. For diclofenac sodium topical solution, the recommended dose is 2 pump actuations (40 mg) applied to each painful knee, twice daily. Apply the solution to clean, dry skin, spreading it evenly around the front, back, and sides of the knee. Hands should be washed completely after administering the product. Wait until the treated area is completely dry before covering with clothing, applying sunscreen, insect repellent, cosmetics, topical medications, or other substances, and avoid skin-to-skin contact between other people and the treated knee(s) until dry. Do not get diclofenac sodium topical solution in the eyes, nose, or mouth. |
Safety & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- Common side effects may include stomach upset, gastric pain, headache, edema (swelling), skin allergy, and pain at the injection site (for injectable forms).
- For topical solutions, application site reactions are common.
Serious Warnings
- Black Box Warning: WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use. Diclofenac sodium topical solution 2% is contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery due to the risk of serious adverse events.
- Caution is advised when using diclofenac due to the risk of serious adverse events.
- This includes gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation; hepatotoxicity (liver problems); hypertension; heart failure; renal toxicity (kidney problems) and hyperkalemia; serious skin reactions; anaphylactic reactions; and hematologic (blood) abnormalities.
- Special precautions are required for patients with a history of gastric lesions, renal, hepatic, or cardiac insufficiency.
- Pregnant individuals should consult a doctor before use.
- Research suggests this medicine is not safe for use during breastfeeding, and medical consultation is advised.
- Patients should avoid alcohol consumption and exercise caution when driving, as diclofenac may impair driving ability.
- Elderly patients and those on long-term therapy require regular monitoring of liver function tests and blood counts.
- For topical formulations, apply to clean, dry skin, wash hands completely after application, avoid contact with eyes, nose, or mouth, and ensure the treated area is completely dry before covering with clothing, applying other substances, or allowing skin-to-skin contact.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action)
Diclofenac possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Its mechanism of action, like other NSAIDs, involves the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which leads to a decrease in prostaglandin synthesis in peripheral tissues. Prostaglandins are known to sensitize afferent nerves and mediate inflammation.
Commercial Brands (Alternatives)
No other brands found for this formula.