A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) with antipyretic and analgesic actions. It is primarily available as the sodium salt. This medicine works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
Diclofenac is used to treat mild to moderate pain, or signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Voltaren is also indicated for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.
For the acute and chronic treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Diclofenac is an acetic acid nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Diclofenac is used to treat pain, dysmenorrhea, ocular inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and actinic keratosis
The antiinflammatory effects of diclofenac are believed to be due to inhibition of both leukocyte migration and the enzyme cylooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), leading to the peripheral inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. As prostaglandins sensitize pain receptors, inhibition of their synthesis is responsible for the analgesic effects of diclofenac.
Antipyretic effects may be due to action on the hypothalamus, resulting in peripheral dilation, increased cutaneous blood flow, and subsequent heat dissipation.
Metabolism: Hepatic
Absorption: Completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Route of elimination: Diclofenac is eliminated through metabolism and subsequent urinary and biliary excretion of the glucuronide and the sulfate conjugates of the metabolites. Little or no free unchanged diclofenac is excreted in the urine. Approximately 65% of the dose is excreted in the urine and approximately 35% in the bile as conjugates of unchanged diclofenac plus metabolites.
Half life: 2 hours
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.Some medical conditions may interact with Diclofenac.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.
Common diclofenac side effects may include: indigestion, gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, stuffy nose, itching, increased sweating, increased blood pressure or swelling or pain in your arms or legs.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.
