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Diclofenac

Information about Diclofenac

Diclofenac Uses

Diclofenac is used for pain relief. It relieves pain in conditions like headache, mild migraine, muscle pain, dental pain, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, or painful menses.

How Diclofenac works

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation (redness and swelling).

Common side effects of Diclofenac

Nausea, Headache, Dizziness, Vomiting, Flatulence, Constipation, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Dyspepsia, Gastrointestinal bleeding, Gastrointestinal ulcer, Rash, Application site irritation, Injection site pain

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MBA, MD Pharmacology

Last updated

28 Jun 2022 | 08:36 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Diclofenac

VoveranDr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd

₹4 to ₹24112 variant(s)

OxalginZydus Cadila

₹11 to ₹2853 variant(s)

DilonaMapra Laboratories Pvt Ltd

₹5 to ₹1435 variant(s)

DiclotalBlue Cross Laboratories Ltd

₹5 to ₹647 variant(s)

Diclotal AQBlue Cross Laboratories Ltd

₹231 variant(s)

GudgesicMankind Pharma Ltd

₹32 to ₹1503 variant(s)

Dynatroy AQTroikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹301 variant(s)

Esgipyrin DSAbbottt

₹51 variant(s)

Diclogesic RRTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹561 variant(s)

VivianLincoln Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹9 to ₹1585 variant(s)

Expert advice for Diclofenac

You have been prescribed Diclofenac to relieve pain and inflammation.
Take it with food or milk to prevent upset stomach.
Take it as per the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Long term use may lead to serious complications such as stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
It may cause dizziness, drowsiness or visual disturbances. Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration.
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Diclofenac as it can cause excessive drowsiness and increase your risk of stomach problems.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or stroke.
Your doctor may regularly monitor your kidney function, liver function and levels of blood components, if you are taking this medicine for long-term treatment.

Frequently asked questions for Diclofenac

Diclofenac

Q. Is Diclofenac a good painkiller?

Diclofenac is effective in relieving pain and inflammation. It is used for various sorts of pain such as sprains, strains and other injuries. It is also helpful in various types of arthritis, gout, pain and inflammation following surgery.

Q. Is Diclofenac a narcotic?

No, Diclofenac is not a narcotic. It belongs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) group of medicines.

Q. Does Diclofenac get you high?

No, Diclofenac does not get you high. It does not have an abuse potential (drug-seeking behavior) and does not cause physical or psychological dependence. However, if you do not feel well, consult your doctor.

Q. Can Diclofenac damage your kidneys?

Long-term use and high doses of Diclofenac may cause renal problems such as protein or blood in urine and painful urination. Patients who are at maximum risk of developing kidney problems include people who are dehydrated, have heart failure, impaired kidney function, hypertension, elderly, who are on medicines which cause excess urination (diuretics), or medicines which have significant impact on kidney function. Hence, for such patients kidney function monitoring is recommended.

Q. Does Diclofenac make you drowsy?

Diclofenac can cause drowsiness and also dizziness, fatigue (tiredness) and visual disturbances. However, it is not very common and may not affect everyone. If you experience these symptoms avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

Q. What is the most important information I need to know about Diclofenac?

It is important to know that Diclofenac may increase your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. The risk is more if you take higher doses and have been using the medicine for a longer time. Also, taking Diclofenac may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in your stomach and intestine. These problems may happen without warning symptoms at any time during treatment and may even cause death. Therefore, if you encounter any such problems, consult your doctor immediately.

Q. Can Diclofenac be taken during pregnancy?

You should not take Diclofenac during the last 3 months of pregnancy as it may cause harmful effects on your baby. Use of Diclofenac can also lead to reduced labor (premature delivery). Hence, it is advised to avoid using Diclofenac during the first 6 months of pregnancy also. In some cases, Diclofenac may be prescribed in pregnant women only if the benefits outweigh the risks involved with its use in pregnant women. If not sure, consult your doctor regarding its use.