What Is Diclofenac Potassium Used For?

Many people wonder, "What is diclofenac potassium used for?" Diclofenac potassium is used for reducing pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness associated with several conditions. Some specific uses of the medicine include relieving arthritis symptoms; treating painful menstrual periods; and treating migraines. Diclofenac potassium is also sometimes used off-label for relieving symptoms of gout, fibromyalgia, and systemic lupus erythematosus, among other conditions. Diclofenac potassium has not been approved for use in children.

Diclofenac Potassium (Cataflam)

What Is Diclofenac Potassium Used For? -- An Overview

Diclofenac potassium (Cambia^™, Cataflam^®, Zipsor^™) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to pain, inflammation, swelling, or stiffness.

Specific diclofenac potassium uses include:

Treating mild to moderate pain
Treating osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Treating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Treating painful menstrual periods.
Treating migraine headaches.

Diclofenac potassium is not a cure for the types of arthritis mentioned above, nor does it slow the progression of the disease.

Cataflam is approved to treat mild to moderate pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and painful menstrual periods. Zipsor is approved just for mild to moderate pain. Cambia is approved just for migraines.

How Does Diclofenac Potassium Work?

Diclofenac potassium and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) work by inhibiting the production of certain inflammatory substances in the body known as prostaglandins. By blocking the production of prostaglandins, diclofenac potassium is useful at reducing pain related to bone, muscle, or tendon injury or inflammation and alleviating pain and joint swelling associated with different forms of arthritis and other conditions.

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