What is Diclofenac Sodium: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Diclofenac Sodium overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Klofensaid II, Lorvatus, DST Plus Pak, Voltaren Gel, Inflamma-K, Xrylix, Solaraze, Solaravix, Pennsaid, Diclozor, Klofensaid II, Lexixryl, Diclo Gel, Diclofono, Lexixryl

Generic Names:

  • Diclofenac Sodium

Uses:

  • Treats actinic keratoses. Also treats pain and swelling caused by arthritis. This is an NSAID.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory

Forms:

  • Gel/Jelly, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What form(s) does Diclofenac Sodium come in

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Liquid

What are common Diclofenac Sodium doses?

  • Tube 100GM of 1%

  • Tube 100GM of 3%

  • Tablet Delayed Release 25MG

  • Tablet Delayed Release 50MG

  • Tablet Delayed Release 75MG

  • Bottle 1.2000000476837158GM of

  • Bottle 4.9000000953674316GM of

  • Bottle 25GM of

  • Bottle 100GM of

  • Bottle 2.5ML of 0.1%

  • Bottle 5ML of 0.1%

  • Bottle 150ML of 1.5%

  • Jar 1GM of

  • Jar 25GM of

  • Jar 100GM of

Common Diclofenac Sodium prescriptions

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    150ml of 1.5% bottle

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    2.5ml of 0.1% bottle

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    5ml of 0.1% bottle

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    112gm of 2% pump btl

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    25mg tablet delayed release

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    50mg tablet delayed release

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    75mg tablet delayed release

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    100gm of 1% tube

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    100gm of 3% tube

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    50gm of 1% tube

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    100gm of 1% tube of gel

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    100gm of 3% tube of gel

  • Diclofenac Sodium
    150gm of 1% tube of gel

How to take Diclofenac Sodium

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Do not use external heat or bandages on the treated skin or joint.

  • Do not shower, bathe, or wash the affected area for at least 30 minutes after you apply Pennsaid® or Solaraze® or 1 hour after you apply Voltaren®.

  • Wait until the medicine dries before you cover the treated skin with gloves or clothing. Do not let the treated skin touch any other person's skin until the medicine is completely dry.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Use your medicine as directed. There are several brands of this medicine. Make sure you understand how to use the brand you have been prescribed. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

  • The diclofenac 1% gel comes with a dosing card to measure the correct dose. If you do not receive or misplace your dosing card, call your pharmacist to ask for a new one.

  • Voltaren® gel: Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Do not shower, bathe, or wash the affected area for at least 30 minutes after you apply Pennsaid® or Solaraze® or 1 hour after you apply Voltaren®.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Voltaren® gel: Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Do not use external heat or bandages on the treated skin or joint.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • The diclofenac 1% gel comes with a dosing card to measure the correct dose. If you do not receive or misplace your dosing card, call your pharmacist to ask for a new one.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Wait until the medicine dries before you cover the treated skin with gloves or clothing. Do not let the treated skin touch any other person's skin until the medicine is completely dry.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Use your medicine as directed. There are several brands of this medicine. Make sure you understand how to use the brand you have been prescribed. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Diclofenac Sodium contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin or another NSAID medication.

Diclofenac Sodium warnings

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg, sudden or severe headache, or problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Higher risk of blood clot, heart attack, heart failure, or strokeBleeding in your stomach or intestinesLiver problemsKidney problems and high potassium levelsSerious skin reactions

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bleeding problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, other heart or blood vessel problems, a recent heart attack, or a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not safe to use this medicine during the later part of pregnancy.

Diclofenac Sodium interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin. You may use sunscreen, insect repellant, lotion, or other topical medicines after using Pennsaid®. However, wait until the medicine is completely dry before you apply anything else.

  • Do not use any other NSAID unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, diflunisal, ibuprofen, naproxen, or salsalate.

  • Some medicines can affect how diclofenac works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Acetaminophen, cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, pemetrexedBlood pressure medicineBlood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat depressionSteroids (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

Diclofenac Sodium side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, faintness

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Bloody or black, tarry stools, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg, sudden or severe headache, or problems with vision, speech, or walking

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry, flaky, or scaly skin

  • Mild skin rash, itching, or redness

  • Mild headache