Diclofenac
Sign in to saveDiclofenac, sold under the brand name Voltaren among others, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammatory diseases such as gout. It can be taken orally (swallowed by mouth), inserted rectally as a suppository, injected intramuscularly, injected intravenously, applied to the skin topically, or through eye drops. Improvements in pain last up to eight hours. It is also available as the fixed-dose combination diclofenac/misoprostol (Arthrotec) to help protect the stomach; however, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole are typically first-line since they
AI overview
Diclofenac is a common pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medication available in many forms—from pills and injections to creams and eye drops—that typically provides relief for up to eight hours. It matters because it's widely used to treat various painful conditions like gout and arthritis, though it can be combined with other drugs or stomach-protective medications to reduce potential side effects.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
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Article
16 sectionsContents
- Medical uses
- Contraindications
- Adverse effects
- Heart
- Gastrointestinal
- Liver
- Kidney
- Mental health
- Pharmacology
- History
- Formulations and brand names
- {{anchor|Ecological problems}}Ecological effects
- Veterinary use
- Notes
- References
- External links
Diclofenac, sold under the brand name Voltaren among others, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammatory diseases such as gout. It can be taken orally (swallowed by mouth), inserted rectally as a suppository, injected intramuscularly, injected intravenously, applied to the skin topically, or through eye drops. Improvements in pain last up to eight hours. It is also available as the fixed-dose combination diclofenac/misoprostol (Arthrotec) to help protect the stomach; however, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole are typically first-line since they are at least as effective as misoprostol, but with better tolerability.
Common side effects include abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, dizziness, headache, and swelling. Serious side effects may include heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and stomach ulceration. Use is not recommended in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is likely safe during breastfeeding. Diclofenac is believed to work by decreasing the production of prostaglandins, like other drugs in this class.