What is Diclofenac Sodium: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow all the healthcare provider’s instructions when taking this medicine.

If you are using nonprescription diclofenac sodium gel, follow the instructions on the package.

How to administer OTC diclofenac sodium topical gel:

• Nonprescription diclofenac sodium gel is for osteoarthritis pain only. Do not use it for any other muscle or joint problem.

• Use only on the skin. Do not get diclofenac sodium gel in the eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Do not use the gel on more than two body areas at a time.

• Measure each dose using the dose card included with the medicine.

• Apply each dose to clean dry skin. Do not put diclofenac sodium gel on skin with a wound, cut, sore, or infection.

• Do not apply the gel to any skin that has been covered with another product.

• Wash your hands when you’re done.

• Do not put a bandage over the skin or apply a heating pad.

• Use up to four times per day.

• Do not use for longer than 21 days.

• Store diclofenac sodium gel at room temperature protected from moisture in its original container. Make sure to store the dose card in the package, too.

How to administer prescription diclofenac sodium topical gel:

• Prescription diclofenac sodium 3% gel is for actinic keratosis only. Do not use it for any other purpose.

• Use only on the lesions. Do not get diclofenac sodium gel in the eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Apply a pea-sized amount of gel to cover the lesion twice per day.

• Wash your hands when you’re done.

• Store diclofenac sodium 3% gel at room temperature protected from heat.

How to administer diclofenac sodium topical solution:

• Diclofenac topical solution is for relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee only. Do not use it for any other purpose unless instructed to by a doctor.

• Diclofenac topical solution is for the skin only. Do not let any get in the eyes, mouth, or nose.

• Read the instructions. Some products indicate doses by pumps and others by drops.

• Apply this medicine to clean, dry skin only. Do not apply it to open wounds or infected skin.

• Diclofenac sodium solution pumps must be primed before the first use by fully pressing down the pump four times.

• When using a pump (2% topical solution), place each dose on the palm of the hand and apply it to the affected area. 

• When using a dropper (1.5% topical solution), place 10 drops on the knee or the palm of your hand and spread the dose evenly on the front, sides, and back of the knee. Then, apply and spread 10 more drops three more times for a total dose of 40 drops.

• Apply a dose twice daily (2% solution) or four times daily (1.5% solution).

• Wash your hands with soap and water when finished.

• Let the area dry before putting on clothes, sunscreen, or other products on or over the knee. Avoid skin-to-skin contact until the area is dry.

• Do not shower or bathe the knee for at least 30 minutes after applying a dose. 

• Do not apply heat to the area. 

• Avoid exposing the knee to sunlight or sunlamps.

• Store diclofenac sodium topical solution at room temperature.

How to take diclofenac sodium tablets:

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, break, crush, or chew the tablet.

• Store diclofenac sodium tablets at room temperature, protected from moisture in a closed container.

How to administer diclofenac sodium eye drops:

• Diclofenac ophthalmic solution is for use in the eyes only. Do not swallow it or apply it to the skin.

• Doses are administered four times per day.

• Wash your hands before applying a dose.

• Shake the bottle before applying a dose. 

• Do not allow the tip of the bottle to touch your skin, eye, or other surfaces.

• Tilt your head back.

• Pull down the lower lid to form a pocket.

• With the other hand, position the tip of the bottle near but not touching the eye.

• Squeeze one drop into the pocket between the eye and the lower eyelid.

• Close the eye for a short time.

• Replace and secure the cap.

• Do not dose the eye with any other medication for at least five minutes.

• Wash your hands.

• Store diclofenac sodium eye drops at room temperature protected from light in its original tightly closed bottle.

For nonprescription diclofenac, apply a missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not apply more than four doses per day.

For prescription diclofenac, take a missed dose when remembered unless it’s almost time for the next dose. If so, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled.

Do not take extra diclofenac to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use diclofenac if you have had an allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, or other NSAID.

Oral and topical prescription diclofenac should not be used immediately before or after coronary bypass graft surgery.

Tell any doctor, dentist, or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

For prescription diclofenac, the prescriber may need to perform regular checkups and lab tests to monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Before using over-the-counter diclofenac gel, talk to a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, get medical advice first if you have:

Stomach problems

High blood pressure

Heart disease

Liver cirrhosis

Asthma

A history of stroke

Any other medical condition

Stop using over-the-counter diclofenac sodium and talk to a healthcare provider if:

The pain worsens or doesn’t improve after 21 days

Any new symptoms are experienced

The skin gets red, painful, or irritated

You experience symptoms of stomach bleeding, heart attack, or stroke

People younger than the age of 18 should not use OTC diclofenac gel.

For prescription diclofenac sodium, tell the healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Healthcare providers will not use NSAIDs in women in the later stages of pregnancy.

The prescriber should also know if you have:

Heart problems

A recent heart attack

Heart failure

A history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Asthma

High blood pressure

Fluid retention 

Bleeding problems

Diclofenac can cause serious problems, including: 

• Higher risk of blood clots, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke

• Stomach ulcers

• Stomach bleeding

• Perforation 

• Liver injury

• Kidney damage

• High blood pressure

• Edema

• High potassium

• Anemia

• Severe allergic or drug reactions

Topical diclofenac sodium may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen or protective clothing over the affected skin, and do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

If you are using any other drug, do not use OTC diclofenac sodium gel until a doctor says it’s okay.

For prescription diclofenac, tell the prescriber about all the drugs and supplements you take, particularly:

• Other NSAIDs

• Blood thinners

• Blood pressure medications 

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• Corticosteroids

• Lithium, digoxin, pemetrexed, methotrexate, and cyclosporine

Tell other healthcare professionals you are using diclofenac before they prescribe new medications.

Do not drink alcohol when using oral or topical diclofenac.

Do not use aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen along with diclofenac.