Suggested Medicines
Diclofenac is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. It was first synthesized in 1973 by Ciba-Geigy (now Novartis) and introduced into clinical use in 1974. The Diclofenac drug was first approved in Switzerland and later approved in the US in 1988 under Voltaren.
A Brief On Diclofenac
Diclofenac is one of the most widely prescribed NSAIDs in the world. It is available in many countries under various brand names. It treats fever, inflammation, and pain caused by multiple conditions, such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, acute and chronic pain, and migraine.
Although it is widespread worldwide because of its effectiveness, as with every medicine, Diclofenac has had several serious side effects. As a result, some countries have restricted the use of Diclofenac, and it is now classified as a prescription-only medication in many countries.
How Does Diclofenac Work?
Diclofenac affects the production of certain body chemicals associated with inflammation and pain. Known as prostaglandins. Diclofenac for toothache is mostly prescribed by doctors. Diclofenac can relieve pain and reduce fever by reducing the levels of prostaglandins.
Usages Of Diclofenac
Diclofenac typically prescribe for On-Label use and maybe some time for Off-Label use, too,
Diclofenac can be prescribed on-label to reduce inflammation and pain; it treats aches, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain, toothache, ankylosing spondylitis, and sprains and strains in muscles and ligaments.
Sometimes your doctor may prescribe Diclofenac for off-label uses (Off-label uses refers to using medication for a purpose other than the FDA-approved indication). Your doctor may prescribe Off-label to treat corneal abrasion, fever, biliary colic, gout, migraine, myalgia, and post-episiotomy pain.
Forms And Strengths Of Diclofenac
Forms |
Strengths |
Tablet |
25mg, 50mg, 100mg |
Capsules |
18mg, 25mg, 35mg, 50mg |
Extended_release tablet |
75mg, 100mg |
Dosages Of Diclofenac
Acute Pain
- Adults or 12 years of age 25 mg*4 times a day
- Children's Dose as per the doctor consultation.
Osteoarthritis
- Adults: 35mg *3 Times a day
- Children dose as per the doctor's consultation.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Adult: 25mg*4 times a day
- Children dose as per the doctor's consultation.
For Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Adult: 50mg*3 times a day or 75mg *2 times a day
- Children dose as per the doctor's consultation.
Pain Or Menstrual Cramps
- Adult: 50mg *3 or 4 times a day
- Children dose as per the doctor's consultation.
For Migraines
- Adult: 50mg *1 time
- Children dose as per the doctor's consultation.
Precautions To Be Taken For Diclofenac
Diclofenac is a prescription medication that should only be taken with the proper precautions.
Here are some precautions for Diclofenac.
- Use Diclofenac precisely as your doctor prescribes, do not take more than the prescribed Dose, and do not use it for a prolonged duration.
- Avoid taking alcohol while using Diclofenac. Interaction of both may raise the risk of stomach bleeding and other gastrointestinal problems.
- Take Diclofenac with food or milk. It can decrease the risk of stomach upset.
- It is essential to Inform your doctor about your medical condition, such as asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney or liver disease.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you face side effects of Diclofenac, such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or black, tarry stools.
- Avoid using Diclofenac while pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it can harm the baby.
- Inform your doctor if you are using any medicine currently because using Diclofenac with other medications may cause side effects.
- Do not crush or chew the Diclofenac tablet.
- Store it out of the children's range and away from direct sunlight.
Side Effects Of Diclofenac
Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
Stomach pain | Chest pain |
Nausea | Difficult breathing |
Vomiting | Swelling of the throat, face, or tongue |
Diarrhea | Severe stomach pain or black, tarry stools |
Headache | Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) |
Interactions Of Diclofenac
Diclofenac may interact with other medications or substances. Which can affect the effectiveness of the drug and may cause serious health issues;
Here are some examples of the potential interaction
- Other NSAIDs: Taking Diclofenac with other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen, can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Blood thinners: Diclofenac with blood thinners such as warfarin and clopidogrel can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Antidepressants: Taking Diclofenac with certain antidepressants, such as SNRIs or SSRIs, may increase the risk of bleeding
- Diuretics: Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide can affects the effectiveness of Diclofenac
- ACE inhibitors: Using ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril or enalapril with Diclofenac may decrease the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors and may increase the risk of kidney disease.
- Lithium: Taking Lithium with Diclofenac may increase the risk of Lithium toxicity
- Methotrexate: taking Methotrexate with Diclofenac may increase the risk of Methotrexate side effects.
- Alcohol: Alcohol with Diclofenac may increase the risk of stomach bleeding and other gastrointestinal issues.
Can You Buy Diclofenac Online?
Yes, you can buy Diclofenac online, but a prescription from a certified doctor is mandatory to buy Diclofenac Online from a legal pharmacy.
Many online pharmacies and websites sell Diclofenac without a prescription, But these pharmacies and websites may be illegal and sell fake medicines, which may cause serious health issues. So buying Diclofenac from a certified pharmacy and websites with a proper prescription is essential.
There are many FDA-certified pharmacies where you can buy Diclofenac online without the risk of fake products.
Can You Buy Diclofenac Over the Counter?
No, Diclofenac is the prescription medication unavailable over the counter. A proper prescription from a certified doctor is mandatory to buy Diclofenac. However, in some countries, Diclofenac is sold over the counter without a prescription. We advise you to take proper medication from your healthcare provider and buy it from a certified pharmacy instead of buying fake medicine from an illegal pharmacy.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, Diclofenac is a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain and swelling (inflammation). Prescription is mandatory to buy Diclofenac online or offline; it's important to note that you should use this medication according to the medicine given by your doctor. Do not increase the dosage or the duration of the treatment. Remember following the prescription and precautions is essential while using any medication.