How Diclofenac works

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by suppressing the production of chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that cause inflammation (redness and swelling), fever and pain.

Side Effects

Abdominal pain, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Epigastric pain, Flatulence, Nausea, Vomiting, Indigestion

Usage

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can Diclofenac be used along with warfarin?

No. Using Diclofenac together with warfarin can increase the risk of serious bleeding from the stomach (Higher than users of either drug alone). Inform your doctor before starting these medications.

Q. Is Diclofenac a painkiller?

Yes. Diclofenac is a pain killer. In fact, it belongs to the class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is commonly used for the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and spondylitis.

Q. Is Diclofenac a narcotic?

No, Diclofenac is not a narcotic. Narcotics are drugs with sleep inducing properties, usual derivatives of Opium like Heroin and Morphine.

Q. Can I use Diclofenac along with vitamins?

Yes, Diclofenac can be taken with vitamins. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.

Q. Can Diclofenac be used for the treatment of hepatitis?

No, Diclofenac is not approved for the treatment of hepatitis. Hepatitis is a condition where the liver is inflamed. Diclofenac can, in fact, cause harm to the liver as a side effect.

Q. Can Diclofenac be used after C-section?

Yes, Diclofenac is a pain killer. C-section is the short name for Cesarean Section which is an operative procedure to deliver the baby through the mother's abdomen and uterus. Diclofenac can be used to treat the pain that may occur after the operation.

Q. Can I take Diclofenac along with misoprostol?

Yes. It can be taken together. Misoprostol protects the stomach from irritating gastric effects of Diclofenac. The combination of medication is used to treat arthritis in patients at high risk of getting stomach/intestinal ulcers and complications from the ulcers (such as bleeding).

Q. Can I take Diclofenac while I am on thyroxine?

Yes, Diclofenac can be taken with thyroxine. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.

Q. Why Diclofenac should be stopped before surgery?

Since Diclofenac has been shown to have blood thinning effects, it can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is stopped before surgery to prevent excessive loss of blood.

Q. What are the contraindications for Diclofenac?

Diclofenac should not be used if there is an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to it, or other pain killers, active ulcer in the stomach, bleeding from the stomach, history of severe heart failure, liver failure, kidney failure and or heart attack.

Q. Can Diclofenac affect the chance of conceiving?

Yes. Diclofenac can sometime cause reversible infertility. Diclofenac by its mechanism of action, may delay or prevent rupture of ovarian follicles, which has been associated with reversible infertility in some women. Consult your doctor before starting this medication.

Q. Why does Diclofenac cause an ulcer?

Diclofenac can cause damage to the lining cells of the stomach by several mechanisms, including the irritant effect on the cells, breaking of the protective barrier properties of lining cells, suppression of prostaglandin production of the stomach, reduction of stomach mucosal blood flow and interference with the repair of superficial injury of the stomach lining.

Q. Why is Diclofenac contraindicated in asthma?

Some patients with asthma are hypersensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like aspirin which can lead to acute attacks of asthma. Consult your doctor before starting this medication.

Q. Is Diclofenac good for back pain?

Yes, Diclofenac has been found to be effective to reduce back pain. Diclofenac is a pain killer that belongs to the NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory) class. Other NSAIDs have also been found to be useful in back pain eg. Ibuprofen and Naproxen.

Q. Can I use Diclofenac during my fever treatment?

Yes, Diclofenac can reduce fever. However, commonly used to reduce the pain, particularly that which is seen with Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing spondylitis.

Q. Can I use Diclofenac to treat a sore throat?

Sore throat is mostly caused by bacteria so antibiotics are given to treat a sore throat whereas Diclofenac is a pain killer so it can be given in cases of throat pain associated with it but only under the prescription of a doctor.

Q. Can I use Diclofenac to treat urinary tract infections (UTI)?

Diclofenac can be used to treat the pain associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) but for complete treatment, a course of antibiotics will be required.

Q. Can Diclofenac cause sedation?

Diclofenac is not known to cause sedation. There have been rare, an isolated case report of sedation with the drug.

Q. Can I take Diclofenac for kidney stones?

Yes,Diclofenac can be used to relieve the pain due to kidney stones. However, there is also a risk of kidney damage with Diclofenac as its side effect. It is advised not to take Diclofenac for a prolonged time for this condition without adequate monitoring.

Q. Can I use Diclofenac for the treatment of arthritis?

Yes, Diclofenac is commonly used for the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondylitis.It belongs to the class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). .

Q. Can I use Diclofenac with diuretics?

No, Diclofenac should not be used with diuretics. Diclofenac reduces the natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides diuretics in some patients. This response has been attributed to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis.

Q. Can I use Diclofenac with mifepristone?

These drugs should not be used together as the effect of mifepristone may be lowered by Diclofenac. Mifepristone is used for medical abortion.

Q. Can I use Diclofenac with lithium?

No.These drugs should not be used together as Diclofenac increases the blood levels of lithium which may further increase the side effects.