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Generic

Diclofenac Sodium

192 brands available in the market

At a glance

Diclofenac Sodium is an NSAID used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout, dysmenorrhea, and pain.

Description

Diclofenac Sodium is a potent NSAID with anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. It inhibits cyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, which plays a major role in inflammation, pain and fever.

Indications
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Acute gout
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Post-traumatic and post-operative pain
  • Renal and biliary colic
Therapeutic class

Drugs for Osteoarthritis, Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Pharmacological class

NSAID

Pharmacology

Diclofenac Sodium is a potent NSAID with anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. It inhibits cyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandin synthesis.

Mechanism of action

Diclofenac Sodium inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, which decreases pain, inflammation, and fever.

Dosage

Adult (Oral - FC Tablet): 75-150 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses.
Adult (SR Tablet): 1 tablet daily (may increase to 150 mg/day if needed).
Adult (Dispersible Tablet): 2-3 tablets/day (max 150 mg/day).
Adult (Injection): 1 ampoule daily (2 ampoules/day in severe cases).
Adult (Suppository): 50 mg 2-3 times daily (max 150 mg/day).
Children: 1-3 mg/kg/day in divided doses.
Elderly: Lowest effective dose.

Administration

Take with food or immediately after meals. Swallow the tablet whole, do not chew, crush or break. Injection and suppository are administered by healthcare professionals.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Diclofenac Sodium, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.

Side effects

Common: GI discomfort, epigastric pain, eructation, nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness.
Occasional: Skin rash, peripheral edema, serum transaminase abnormalities.
Rare: Peptic ulcer, haematemesis, melena, blood dyscrasia, anaphylactoid reactions.

Precautions & warnings

History of GI ulceration, haematemesis, melena, ulcerative colitis, asthma, Crohn's disease, bleeding diathesis, severe hepatic/cardiac/renal insufficiency, hypertension. Monitor LFTs. May trigger attacks in hepatic porphyria.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity; active or suspected peptic ulcer or GI bleeding; aspirin or other NSAID-induced asthma, urticaria or acute rhinitis.

Drug interactions

Lithium, Digoxin: Increased plasma concentrations.
Anticoagulants (warfarin): Increased risk of hemorrhage.
Antidiabetic agents: No effect on clinical effect.
Cyclosporin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
Methotrexate: Risk of serious toxicity (within 24 hours).
Quinolone antibiotics: Convulsions may occur.
Other NSAIDs and steroids: Increased frequency of unwanted effects.

Food interactions

Take with food.

Use in pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C. Avoid use of NSAIDs starting at 30 weeks of gestation; use in first trimester is inconclusive.

Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.

Use in lactation

Diclofenac is excreted in breast milk in small quantities; no undesirable effects on the infant are expected.

Pediatric use

Children: 1-3 mg/kg/day (not recommended for other indications except juvenile rheumatoid arthritis).

Geriatric use

Elderly and debilitated patients should use the lowest effective dose.

Renal / hepatic impairment

Caution in renal impairment; dose adjustment may be needed.

Overdose effects

Treatment of overdose is symptomatic.

Storage conditions

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light below 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.

Chemical structure

Diclofenac Sodium

Common questions

What is Diclofenac Sodium used for?
It is used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout, dysmenorrhea, and pain.
What is the dosage?
75-150 mg/day in 2-3 divided doses; injection: 1 ampoule daily; children: 1-3 mg/kg/day.
What are the common side effects?
GI discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, headache, rash, and rare cases of peptic ulcer and bleeding.
Who should not use it?
Patients with peptic ulcer, GI bleeding, aspirin-induced asthma, and hypersensitivity.
Can it be used during pregnancy?
Pregnancy Category C; avoid after 30 weeks of gestation.
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.