Diclofenac
About
Diclofenac belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with migraine, muscle pain, dental pain, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gout, strain, and sprain. Pain is an unpleasant sensation and emotional experience associated with tissue damage.
Diclofenac contains Diclofenac which works by blocking the effect of an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) that produces prostaglandins responsible for the sense of pain and inflammation. Thereby, Diclofenac provides relief from pain and inflammation.
Diclofenac should be taken as prescribed. This medicine may cause certain side effects such as stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, loss of appetite, headache, and dizziness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Diclofenac should be avoided if allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have stomach ulcers, gastric bleeding, severe heart failure, high blood pressure and liver or kidney disease before taking Diclofenac. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Diclofenac may cause dizziness; therefore, drive only if you are alert. Avoid alcohol consumption as it may cause increased dizziness and stomach irritation. Diclofenac is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age as the safety is not established.
Uses of Diclofenac
Medicinal Benefits
Diclofenac belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Diclofenac relieves mild to moderate pain, swelling and joint stiffness caused due to arthritis. It is also helpful in the conditions of acute migraine, muscle pain, dental pain, gout, sprain, and strain. Diclofenac works by blocking the effect of an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) that produces prostaglandins responsible for the sense of pain and inflammation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Diclofenac
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Avoid taking Diclofenac if you are allergic to any of its components. Avoid taking Diclofenac if you have recently had heart bypass surgery as it may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Be cautious as Diclofenac may also increase the risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding. Inform your doctor if you have stomach ulcers, gastric bleeding, severe heart failure, high blood pressure and liver or kidney disease. If you have/had a severe allergy to painkillers and have conditions like asthma, rhinitis, angioedema (swelling under the skin) or skin rashes, do not take Diclofenac. Diclofenac not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Diclofenac may interact with painkillers (nimesulide, oxyphenbutazone, metamizole), anti-blood clotting agents (warfarin), blood pressure-lowering agents (hydrochlorothiazide) and medicines for mania (lithium). Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a peptic ulcer, gastric bleeding, severe heart failure, diarrhoea and high blood pressure.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Diclofenac to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeDiclofenac is not recommended during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe an alternative medicine after overweighing the benefits over the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is not enough evidence to establish the safety of Diclofenac in nursing mothers. So, it is advisable to take Diclofenac only if prescribed by your doctor.
Driving
cautionDiclofenac may cause dizziness. So avoid driving or drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf u have or had a history of any liver-related diseases, please consult the doctor before taking Diclofenac.
Kidney
cautionIf you have or had a history of kidney-related diseases, please consult the doctor before taking Diclofenac.
Children
unsafeDiclofenac not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include turmeric and fish oils as they help in reducing inflammation.
- Please do not go for heavy exercise as it may increase joint pain in arthritis. Instead, you can do stretching, low impact aerobic exercises like walking on a treadmill, bike riding and swimming. You can also strengthen your muscle strength by lifting light weights.
- Include fish like salmon, trout, tuna and sardines. These fishes are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids that ramp up inflammation.
- Your sitting posture is important, especially when you have pain and inflammation conditions. Try to sit as little as possible and only for a short time (10-15 min). Use back support like a rolled-up towel at the back of the curve to minimise pain. Keep your knees and hips at a right angle. Besides this, you can use a footrest if required.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle coupled with a diet containing high proteins is the mainstay in the management of arthritic conditions.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain: It is an unpleasant sensation and emotional experience associated with tissue damage. Pain can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Perception of pain can differ from person to person, from tolerable to non-tolerable.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting various joints (hands and feet). In this condition, the body's immune system attacks its own tissue (including joints).
Ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare type of arthritis that affects the spine and larger joints, causing extreme pain and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis: It is a joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering called cartilage. Due to the absence of this protective covering, the joints rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, inflammation and tenderness.
FAQs
Diclofenac works by blocking the effect of an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) that produces prostaglandins responsible for the sense of pain and inflammation. Thereby, provides relief from pain and inflammation.
Diclofenac can be stopped if it is advised for short-term pain relief. In case, Diclofenac has been prescribed for long-term usage, it is advised to continue as advised by your doctor.
Diclofenac may cause dizziness in some patients. Drive only if you are alert after taking Diclofenac and omit driving if you feel dizzy.
No, Diclofenac is not indicated for stomach pain. If you have symptoms of stomach pain, contact your doctor.
