{"id":55551,"date":"2022-12-01T11:10:33","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T16:10:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=55551"},"modified":"2024-10-25T11:01:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T15:01:29","slug":"what-is-diclofenac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-is-diclofenac\/","title":{"rendered":"What is diclofenac and what is it used for?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Diclofenac is a prescription drug that is classified as part of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class of medications. It can be used to treat mild to moderate pain, symptoms of <\/span>osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/a>, and other conditions such as menstrual cramps and acute migraine attacks. <\/span><\/p>\n

Diclofenac is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is available by prescription only, although topical diclofenac is now available both by prescription and over-0the-counter. Common brand names of diclofenac include Voltaren, Voltaren-XR, Cataflam, Flector, Zipsor, Zorvolex, and Cambia. Diclofenac is available in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, powder for solution, and topical. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is diclofenac, and what is it used for?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Diclofenac is a <\/span>nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug<\/span><\/a> (NSAID). Used to treat mild to moderate pain from arthritis and other conditions, it is not a controlled substance or narcotic. It is available in various formulations and in brand and generic forms, as outlined below. Most forms of diclofenac are available by prescription only. However, topical diclofenac is now available over the counter as well as by prescription.<\/span><\/p>\n

For reference, there are various forms of this medication. Forms of diclofenac that are available by prescription include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Brand name (generic\/active ingredient)<\/b><\/td>\nForm<\/b><\/td>\nIndications<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arthrotec<\/span><\/a> (diclofenac\/misoprostol)<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablets <\/span><\/td>\nOsteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (and includes misoprostol to protect the stomach)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cambia<\/span><\/a> (diclofenac powder)<\/span><\/td>\nPowder for oral solution<\/span><\/td>\nAcute migraine headache<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cataflam<\/span><\/a> (diclofenac potassium tablets)<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablets <\/span><\/td>\nOsteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain, mild to moderate pain<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diclofenac sodium gel<\/span><\/td>\nTopical gel <\/span><\/td>\nJoint pain<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Flector<\/span><\/a> (diclofenac)<\/span><\/td>\nTransdermal patch<\/span><\/td>\nAcute pain<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pennsaid<\/span><\/a> (diclofenac)<\/span><\/td>\nTopical solution<\/span><\/td>\nKnee osteoarthritis<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Solaraze (diclofenac)<\/span><\/td>\nTopical gel <\/span><\/td>\nActinic keratosis<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Voltaren<\/span><\/a> (diclofenac sodium)<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablets, extended-release tablets <\/span><\/td>\nOsteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Voltaren (diclofenac)<\/span><\/td>\nEye drops <\/span><\/td>\nInflammation after cataract surgery; also is used before and after corneal refractive surgery<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zipsor (diclofenac)<\/span><\/td>\nOral capsules<\/span><\/td>\nMild to moderate pain<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zorvolex<\/span><\/a> (diclofenac)<\/span><\/td>\nOral capsules <\/span><\/td>\nMild to moderate pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Diclofenac is also available over-the-counter as a topical medication. It is used to treat joint pain. Some examples of these OTC medicines include Voltaren Arthritis Pain, Aspercreme Arthritis Pain, Dr. Scholl’s Arthritis Pain Reliever, and Salonpas Arthritis Pain Relief Gel. <\/span><\/p>\n

How does diclofenac work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

As an NSAID, diclofenac can help with pain and inflammation, and even has fever-lowering activity. The way diclofenac works is not completely understood, but it is thought to work by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) from making prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause pain, inflammation, and fever. By decreasing the body’s production of prostaglandins, symptoms of pain, inflammation, and fever can improve.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to take diclofenac<\/span><\/h2>\n

Different formulations of diclofenac may have different uses. When you get your prescription, carefully read the medication label and any patient information leaflets and\/or medication guides you receive. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. Take or use diclofenac exactly as prescribed. Do not take more medication than your doctor prescribes. Your doctor will tell you how many times a day and when to take diclofenac, depending on the formulation. <\/span><\/p>\n