Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Precautions

Diclofenaco is the Spanish word for Diclofenac. You may come across the spelling while on vacation. The capsules (Zipsor, Zorvolex) and tablets (Cataflam) can be used to relieve mild to moderate pain.

Diclofenac comes in different forms, extended-release tablets (Voltaren XR), tablets (Cataflam), and delayed-release tablets (available generically).

They are commonly used for relieving pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness due to osteoarthritis (arthritis that causes collapse of the joint lining) and rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis that causes swelling of the joint lining).

These tablets also treat ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis that affects the spine.

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) Uses

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) is a class of drugs known as NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body’s production of substances that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) is available in tablets or capsules (hard gelatin capsules) to be taken orally. Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) can be found in different forms and used for different types of pain, such as:

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) extended-release tablets (Voltaren XR) – Commonly used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Tablets (Cataflam) – Commonly used for menstrual cramps.

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) extended-release tablets (Voltaren XR) – Commonly used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) powder solution (Cambia) – Commonly used for migraines.

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) Dosage

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) liquid-filled capsules: can be taken up to four times a day

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) hard gelatin capsules: can be taken three times a day on an empty stomach.

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) extended-release tablets: can be taken one-two times per day, depending on the severity of pain.

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) tablets or diclofenaco delayed-release tablets: can be taken 2-4 times a day.

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) solution: should be mixed with water and taken once a day before food.

Follow the instructions on your prescription label and ask your doctor or pharmacist which parts you don’t understand.

Do not take more or less diclofenaco (Diclofenac) than what you are prescribed by your doctor. You should also take it at the same time if prescribed daily.

Talk to your doctor about how you feel about your treatment with diclofenaco (Diclofenac). Your doctor may adjust the dose of your medication or treatment depending on your reaction to the medication.

Take Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) if recommended by your doctor, and do not switch to another Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) product unless your doctor says you should. The new product can release the medication at a different rate.

If you take the powder solution, you must mix the powder with water before taking it. Place 2 – 4 tablespoons (1 – 2 oz; 30 – 60 ml) of water in a cup. Mix the powder in the cup and drink straight away. Throw away the packet to keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) Dosage For Children

Most adults can safely take diclofenaco (Diclofenac). Some children are also prescribed it treat joint problems, inflammation, and mild to moderate pain. Below are the dosage guidelines for children using Diclofenaco (Diclofenac):

Diclofenaco tablets (25mg, 50mg): can be taken up to three times a day, ideally 4 hours apart.

Dispersible tablets (10mg (special order), 50mg): to be dissolved in water or juice. Your doctor will tell you the dosage needed.

Suppositories (12.5mg, 25mg, or 50mg): can be given twice a day, ideally 10-12 hours apart.

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) Side Effects

The most common side effects of diclofenaco (Diclofenac) (tablet, capsule, or suppository) are rare and occur in one in 100 people.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you or your child experience these side effects and if they are severe or do not go away:

Side Effects:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• stomach pain
• loss of appetite
• mild rash
• ringing in the ears

In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to diclofenaco (Diclofenac) may occur. This is recognized by shortness of breath or difficulty breathing and swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, lips, throat, arms, or hands.

Call emergency services immediately if you or your child experience these symptoms. Severe side effects are rare and occur in less than one in 1,000 people.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY OR CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD EXPERIENCE THE FOLLOWING SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS:

• blood in the vomit or black poo is a sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
• severe indigestion (heartburn, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea): this may be the sign of ulcers or inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
• yellowing in skin or eyes: this is a sign of liver problems.

Other side effects needing medical attention include:

• unexplained weight gain
• swelling of the abdomen, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• excessive tiredness
• lack of energy
• itching
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• flu-like symptoms
• fever
• blisters
• rash
• hives
• hoarseness
• pale skin
• fast heartbeat
• cloudy, dark, or blood in urine
• back pain
• difficulty or pain when urinating

Diclofenaco (Diclofenac) Precautions

The decision of whether a medicine should be taken and the risks of its use should be weighed against the benefits. This is a decision that you and your doctor should make together.

Tell your doctor if you have an unusual allergic reaction to this or any other medication. Tell your doctor if you have other allergies, such as food dyes, preservatives, or animal derivatives.

For non-prescription products, always read the label on the ingredients packaging.

No appropriate studies have been conducted to date that has not demonstrated an association between age and the effects of diclofenaco (Diclofenac) in pediatric patients. Safety and efficacy have not been determined.

A corresponding study did not show any pediatric problems that would limit the usefulness of Zipsor capsules in children 12-17 years old.

No suitable studies are being carried out that have not yet shown any geriatric-specific problems that could limit the drug’s usefulness in the elderly. Safety and efficacy have not yet been determined.

Older patients are more likely to have age-related kidney or stomach problems which require prudence in patients taking diclofenaco (Diclofenac).

Appropriate studies on women have shown that infants are at risk for the use of diclofenaco (Diclofenac) during breastfeeding and pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking diclofenaco (Diclofenac) while pregnant.