Last Updated: 12/23/2024
Diclofenac sodium
Drug Name(s): Voltaren, Voltaren-XR
Class: NSAIDs
Used to treat mild to moderate pain, or signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Dosage
Form(s): tablet, extended-release tablet
Voltaren XR: 100 mg once a day
Voltaren:
- For OA: 100-150 mg/day in two or three doses
- For RA: 150-200 mg/day in two to four doses
- For AS: 100-125 mg/day, in four doses with an extra 25-mg dose at bedtime if necessary
Special Instructions
Do not take with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Take at the same time every day.
Take with food or an antacid.
Potential Side Effects
Abdominal cramps, pain or discomfort; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gastrointestinal bleeding; headache; heartburn; high blood pressure; nausea or vomiting; peptic ulcer; swelling of feet; rash; ringing in the ears
Be Aware
- Liver enzymes should be checked within 4 to 8 weeks of starting diclofenac.
- Before taking any type of NSAID, tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or take blood thinners (including warfarin), ACE inhibitors, lithium or furosemide. Also report any sensitivity or allergy to aspirin or similar drugs.
- All non-aspirin NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious blood clots, heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk increases with dose and duration of use. Patients who have or who are at risk for cardiovascular disease are at greater risk for these complications.
- NSAIDs increase the risk of serious gastroinestinal side effects, including bleeding, ulceration, and gastric or intestinal perforation, which can be fatal.
- Do not take NSAIDs late in pregnancy.
The Arthritis Foundation’s Drug Guide is meant for education — not self-medicating. The Arthritis Foundation does not endorse any products mentioned in this guide. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date, we make no representations or warranties about the completeness of the information provided.
