Diclofenac sodium is a prescription NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation by blocking prostaglandin production.
Common uses
- Pain and inflammation from arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
- Acute pain (e.g., dental pain, postoperative pain)
- Some other inflammatory conditions as directed by a clinician
Typical forms (these can vary by country and exact product)
- Oral tablets (e.g., 50 mg tablets)
- Injectable formulations (for short-term clinical use)
- Topical products and other diclofenac formulations (different salts like diclofenac potassium for some products)
General dosing (very approximate; your exact dose depends on the product and condition)
- For arthritis: often 50 mg 2–3 times daily or 75 mg twice daily, with a maximum around 150 mg per day
- For short-term pain: 50 mg every 8–12 hours as needed for a brief period (often not more than a few days)
- Always follow the prescribing label or your clinician’s instructions
Important safety and precautions
- Common side effects: upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, headache
- More serious risks: GI ulcers/bleeding, kidney problems, high blood pressure or heart-related events, liver effects, allergic reactions
- Contraindications/avoid if you have: active or recent GI ulcers/bleeding, severe kidney or liver disease, certain heart conditions, NSAID allergy, or during late pregnancy (third trimester)
- Important interactions: with other NSAIDs or aspirin (increases risk of GI bleeding and kidney problems), anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), certain blood pressure meds (ACE inhibitors/diuretics), alcohol
- Special populations: caution in the elderly, those with kidney disease, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult a clinician)
If you want, I can tailor this to your exact product and country, or give you dosing, side effects, and interactions for your specific diclofenac sodium formulation (tablet, injection, topical, etc.). What country is this prescribed in, and which diclofenac product are you asking about (the formulation you have or were told about)?