Dosing With Diclofenac Potassium

For acute pain relief or treatment of painful menstrual periods, the usual dose of diclofenac potassium is 50 mg taken three times a day. For symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended diclofenac potassium dosage is 50 mg taken three or four times a day. It is recommended that people with osteoarthritis symptoms take a diclofenac potassium dose of 50 mg two or three times a day. If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or dosing with diclofenac potassium in general, talk with your healthcare provider, nurse, or pharmacist.

 

Dosing With Diclofenac Potassium: An Introduction

The dose of diclofenac potassium (Cataflam®) that your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your diclofenac potassium dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
Acute Pain Including Menstrual Pain
For acute pain relief or treatment of painful menstrual periods, the usual diclofenac potassium dose is 50 mg taken three times a day.
 
Osteoarthritis
For symptoms of osteoarthritis, the recommended diclofenac potassium dose is 50 mg taken two or three times a day.
 
Rheumatoid Arthritis
For rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, the recommended diclofenac potassium dose is 50 mg taken three or four times a day.
 

General Information on Dosing With Diclofenac Potassium

Some considerations for people taking diclofenac potassium include:
 
  • Your diclofenac potassium dosage should be taken with a glass of water. Taking it with milk or food may prevent stomach upset.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the diclofenac potassium tablets.
     
  • It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the chances of developing serious side effects.
     
  • Diclofenac potassium should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medicine in your blood.
     
  • For diclofenac potassium to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Diclofenac potassium will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider has prescribed.
     
  • It may take several weeks for diclofenac potassium may to begin working to its full potential.
     
  • If you do not take your diclofenac potassium as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Do not take a double dose at one time or take your dose with other NSAIDs. However, it is okay to take it with acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to diclofenac potassium or your diclofenac potassium dosage, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking diclofenac potassium without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;