See the DrugPatentWatch profile for diclofenac
What side effects can diclofenac sodium cause?
Diclofenac sodium (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID) can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious. Commonly reported effects include stomach and digestive problems such as indigestion, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It can also cause dizziness or headache in some people.
What are the serious side effects people should watch for?
NSAIDs, including diclofenac, carry known risks that can be serious. Seek urgent medical care if you develop signs of:
- Stomach or intestinal bleeding, such as vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, black or bloody stools, or severe abdominal pain.
- Serious allergic reactions, including swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, hives, or widespread rash.
- Liver injury, such as yellowing of the skin/eyes (jaundice), dark urine, severe fatigue, or persistent nausea.
- Kidney problems, such as reduced urination, swelling in the legs/feet, or sudden weight gain.
- Heart and circulation risks, including chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness on one side of the body.
- High blood pressure or fluid retention, which may show up as swelling or rapid weight gain.
How do side effects differ by the form (tablet vs gel vs eye drops)?
Diclofenac can be used in different formulations, and side effects can vary:
- Oral forms (tablets/capsules/powders) generally have more systemic risks (stomach bleeding, kidney effects, cardiovascular risk) because more of the drug reaches the bloodstream.
- Topical forms (gel/patch) typically cause fewer whole-body side effects, but can still cause skin reactions where used (rash, itching, irritation). Systemic NSAID risks can still occur, especially with higher use or if used over large areas for long periods.
- Eye drops/ophthalmic diclofenac may cause eye-related irritation or other local symptoms, depending on the product and how it’s used.
Who is more at risk for diclofenac side effects?
Risk for NSAID-related adverse effects is higher in people with certain conditions, including:
- A history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Kidney disease, dehydration, or older age
- Heart disease, prior stroke, or risk factors for cardiovascular events
- Liver disease
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Asthma or known NSAID sensitivity/allergy
Your overall risk also depends on dose, how long you take diclofenac, and whether you take it alongside other medications.
What drug interactions raise the risk of side effects?
Combining diclofenac with certain drugs can increase the chance of bleeding, kidney injury, or other harms, including:
- Other NSAIDs (increases GI and kidney risks)
- Blood thinners (raises bleeding risk)
- Steroids (raises GI bleeding risk)
- Some antidepressants (particularly SSRIs/SNRIs) can increase bleeding risk
- Certain blood pressure or heart medications can interact and worsen kidney function or reduce effect
- Diuretics can increase kidney risk when combined with NSAIDs
- Lithium or methotrexate can become more toxic when levels rise with NSAID use
When should you stop diclofenac and get help?
Stop and get urgent medical care if you have symptoms suggestive of:
- GI bleeding (vomiting blood, black stools)
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling, breathing trouble, widespread rash)
- Signs of liver injury (yellow skin/eyes, dark urine)
- Signs of kidney trouble (major change in urination, significant swelling)
For non-urgent side effects, contact a clinician promptly—especially if symptoms are persistent or worsening.
What alternatives might reduce risk?
Depending on why you’re using diclofenac (pain, arthritis, inflammation), alternatives can include other pain-control options or anti-inflammatory strategies that may be safer for certain people. The best choice depends on your medical history (ulcer risk, kidney function, heart disease, and other meds).
Sources are not provided with your question, and I don’t have specific diclofenac label text here to cite. If you tell me your diclofenac form (oral tablets, gel, or eye drops) and dose, I can tailor the side-effect risks and what to watch for more precisely.