This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Voltaren Consumer Information
VOLTAREN
Generic Name: diclofenac (dye KLO fen ak)
Brand Names: Cataflam, Voltaren, Voltaren-XR
What is the most important information I should know about diclofenac?
- Take diclofenac with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
- Do not crush, chew, or break diclofenac tablets. Swallow them whole.
- Remain upright (sitting or standing) for 15 to 30 minutes after each dose to prevent irritation of your esophagus (throat).
- Watch for bloody, black, or tarry stools or blood in your vomit. These symptoms could indicate damage to your stomach.
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, diclofenac may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
What is diclofenac?
- Diclofenac is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Diclofenac works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
- Diclofenac is used to reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness caused by many conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, abdominal cramps associated with menstruation, and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Diclofenac may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take diclofenac?
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
- have an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAIDs,
- have an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach,
- drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day,
- have liver or kidney disease,
- have a coagulation (bleeding) disorder,
- have congestive heart failure,
- have fluid retention,
- have heart disease, or
- have high blood pressure.
- You may not be able to take diclofenac, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Diclofenac is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to cause harm to an unborn baby. Diclofenac must not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because a similar drug is known to affect the baby's heart. Do not take diclofenac without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Diclofenac passes into breast milk. Do not take diclofenac without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take diclofenac?
- Take diclofenac exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take diclofenac with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
- Do not crush, break, or chew diclofenac tablets. Swallow them whole.
- To prevent irritation of your esophagus (throat), do not lie down for 15 to 30 minutes after taking diclofenac.
- Store diclofenac at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours have passed since the missed dose, skip it and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a diclofenac overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, seizures, sweating, numbness or tingling, little or no urine production, and slow breathing.
What should I avoid while taking diclofenac?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Diclofenac may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, diclofenac may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.