What Is Diclofenac Sodium?
Diclofenac sodium (
Voltaren®, Voltaren
®-XR) belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs). It is used to reduce pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness caused by several
types of arthritis.
This article does not apply to diclofenac sodium gel (Voltaren
® Gel and
Solaraze®) or diclofenac sodium eye drops (
Voltaren Ophthalmic®).
As with any medicine, diclofenac sodium may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects with diclofenac sodium include:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using
NSAIDs, including
diclofenac sodium, may be at higher risk for
heart attack or
stroke than those who do not take NSAIDs. This warning does not apply to those who take aspirin, however. This risk may be higher in people who have been taking NSAIDs for a long time. These events can occur without warning and can lead to death. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following:
You should also talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking diclofenac sodium if you have:
- Asthma
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Bleeding problems (or if you are taking medicine that decreases the blood's ability to clot)
- Diabetes
- Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of either condition
- Any allergies to medicines, including aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Let your healthcare provider know if you:
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What Is Diclofenac Sodium Used For?
Uses of the medication include the relief of:
Diclofenac sodium belongs to a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs). Like other NSAIDs, it works by blocking a specific enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX), blocking the production of various inflammatory substances in the body.
By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, diclofenac sodium is useful at reducing pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of
arthritis and other diseases.
When and How Do I Take Diclofenac Sodium?
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- It comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth.
- It is usually recommended to take NSAIDs (like diclofenac sodium) with food to help prevent stomach upset. However, food may cause this medication to work more slowly.
- Diclofenac sodium should be swallowed whole. They should not be chewed, crushed, or broken in half.
- It may take several weeks for the full effects of diclofenac sodium to be felt.
- 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 serious side effects.
- Diclofenac sodium should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of medication in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed.
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular diclofenac sodium product
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Drug Interactions With Diclofenac Sodium
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much diclofenac sodium may have overdose symptoms that could include but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Excessive sleepiness.
If you happen to overdose on diclofenac sodium, seek immediate medical attention
(see Diclofenac Overdose).
The medication should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. As always, keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your diclofenac sodium 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. Never take a double dose.
Generic Diclofenac Sodium
Brand-name
Voltaren and
Voltaren-XR are marketed and distributed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Strengths of Diclofenac Sodium
- Diclofenac sodium 25 mg
- Diclofenac sodium 50 mg
- Diclofenac sodium 75 mg
- Diclofenac sodium extended-release 100 mg.
