Diclofenac sodium tablets for pain relief in the UK

Diclofenac is the name of the drug, and when it’s referred to as Diclofenac Sodium, it means it's in a sodium salt form, which is the common way it's formulated in medications. The sodium salt form helps with absorption and effectiveness.

Diclofenac is a generic drug (Non-branded medication) and comes in two salt versions called Diclofenac potassium and Diclofenac sodium. It is also available in the form of:

• Enteric-coated tablet
• Capsule
• Extended-release tablet
• Tablet
• Powder for solution
• Liquid filled capsule 

Diclofenac 25mg tablets (available over-the-counter) and Diclofenac 50mg tablets (prescription-only) are FDA-approved medications used to treat mild to moderate pain.

It is used to manage symptoms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as gout and ankylosing spondylitis, which is inflammation of the spine.

Additionally, the Cataflam brand of diclofenac is specifically used to relieve menstrual cramps.

It also available in other forms. Diclofenac powder (marketed as Cambia) is used to treat migraine or headache attacks, but it does not prevent future headaches or reduce their frequency.

Diclofenac sodium is also available in the form of plasters and gels to alleviate joint pain. In medical settings, particularly in hospitals, it can be administered as eye drops or injections.

High-strength Diclofenac gel, which contains 3% Diclofenac, is specifically used to treat actinic keratoses. Actinic keratoses are dry, scaly patches on the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun.

Diclofenac potassium tablet

Diclofenac Potassium is one of the salt forms of diclofenac, similar to Diclofenac Sodium. It is used to treat pain and inflammation, just like Diclofenac Sodium, but it may be absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly.

This faster absorption can make Diclofenac Potassium particularly useful for fast relief of acute pain conditions.

Diclofenac Potassium is typically available in immediate-release tablet form, which provides quicker pain relief compared to extended-release formulations. It is used for conditions such as:

• Acute pain: Fast relief for sudden onset pain.
• Period pain: Provides rapid relief from menstrual pain.
• Migraine: Can be used to alleviate migraine attacks.

Like other forms of diclofenac, Diclofenac Potassium is effective for treating conditions involving pain and inflammation, but its quicker action can be beneficial for managing more immediate pain.

Diclofenac Uses: what are the benefits of using Diclofenac?

Most Common Uses of Diclofenac sodium tablets

• Pain relief: For mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, and muscle aches.
• Arthritis: Helps manage symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, including inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.
• Period Pains: Can alleviate pain associated with menstrual cramps.

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly prescribed to relieve various pain conditions. It effectively reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation, making it useful for managing several types of ailments. Diclofenac tablets are used to treat:

• Mild to moderate pain (headaches, toothaches, muscle aches)
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Joint stiffness
• Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis affecting the spine)
• Menstrual cramps (Dysmenorrhea)
• Migraine headaches
• Back pain
• Gout
• Toothache
• Strains and sprains in ligaments or muscles

However, you must consult your doctor before taking Diclofenac and take it according to your doctor’s recommendation.

How Do Diclofenac Pills Help with Pain? Mechanism of Action of Diclofenac

Diclofenac sodium tablet is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that possesses antipyretic effects and analgesic properties.

It works by blocking the production of substances called prostaglandins. These substances are involved in causing inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin levels, diclofenac helps to alleviate these symptoms.

Author

How to Take Diclofenac?/How to Use Diclofenac UK?

You must take Diclofenac according to your doctor's or pharmacist’s recommendations. To take different forms of Diclofenac, follow the below-mentioned steps:

Tablets and Capsules

Swallow a whole table or capsule with a glass of water after a meal or snack. You can also take it with food, antacid, or milk to avoid stomach irritation. 

Note: do not chew, break, or crush your Diclofenac capsules or tablets. 

Suppositories 

If you want to take Diclofenac suppositories, take it in such a way that:

• Wash your hands and clean your anus with water and mild soap. Let it dry.
• Unwrap your suppository and gently push it into your anus area with the pointed end first. It must go 3 cm or 1 inch into your anus.
• Lie or sit for 15 minutes so that the suppository melts inside your anus.
• After this, wash your hands again.

Diclofenac Gel

For the administration of Diclofenac gel:

• Gently squeeze the gel tube and get a small amount of gel.
• Apply gel on the swollen or painful skin area, and rub it slowly.
• You will get a cooling sensation.
• After application, wash your hands properly.
• Diclofenac Patches and Plasters.

If you want to use Diclofenac plasters or patches, use them in such a way that:

• Stick a Diclofenac patch or plaster on your affected area by applying gentle pressure with the palm of your hand. 
• Use it two times a day.
• Before putting on the new one, moisten the area with some water, remove the old one, and wash the affected area to avoid skin irritation or rash.

Who Can Take Diclofenac Sodium tablets?

Diclofenac is a versatile NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) used for pain relief and reducing inflammation. It is generally prescribed for:

Adults: Suitable for various conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and migraines.

For full instructions, please refer to the Diclofenac patient leaflet.

Dosage

Diclofenac Dosage: What Is the Strongest Strength of Diclofenac?

Diclofenac tablets are available in two forms:

• Extended-release (ER) tablets with a strength of 100 mg.
• Delayed-release (DR) tablets with strengths of 25, 50, and 75 mg.

You can use Diclofenac gel 2-4 times a day depending on its strength. If you are using it two times a day, apply it once in the morning and once in the evening. If you are applying gel 3-4 times a day, use it after every 4 hours.

Diclofenac is also available in the form of gel, plasters, and patches. Their recommended dose is:

However, never use Diclofenac gel more than 4 times a day.

If you are using Diclofenac patches or plasters, never use more than two plasters or patches a day, and always treat one painful area at a time to avoid any side effects. 

Besides these forms and strengths, the exact dosage of Diclofenac depends on your age, the severity and type of the condition you want to treat, other health conditions, and the form of Diclofenac you are taking. So always take Diclofenac according to your doctor’s advice.

Warnings

Who Cannot Take Diclofenac?/What Is Diclofenac Bad for? 

So, who shouldn't take diclofenac sodium tablets? Diclofenac is not suitable for you if you:

• Have an allergy to Diclofenac, aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, other NSAIDs, or any other drugs.
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be
• Have blood clotting disorder, lupus, high blood pressure (hypertension), kidney problems, liver disease, heart disease, or stomach ulcers.
• Get side effects after taking NSAIDs such as asthma, runny nose, wheezing, rash, or swelling on the skin (angioedema).
• Smoke or have anemia, ulcerative colitis, edema (fluid retention), dehydration, blood disorder (porphyria), or Crohn’s disease.

Diclofenac Side Effects

Diclofenac causes some common and serious side effects. If you get any of the unwanted effects, consult your doctor immediately. Let’s have a look at these side effects!

Common Side Effects

Some side effects of Diclofenac tablets, capsules, or suppositories happen in 1 in 100 people. They include:

• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Stomach ulcers
• Blurred vision 
• Weight loss
• Mild rash
• Loss of appetite

Overuse of Diclofenac plasters or gel may cause:

• Itchiness, dryness, or irritation (eczema)
• Inflammation (dermatitis)
• Skin rash
• increase sensitivity to sunlight than normal

These side effects are mild and can settle with time. If these side effects become worse, talk to your doctor. 

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects of Diclofenac happen in 1 in 1000 people. They include:

• Hearing changes or ringing in the ears
• High blood pressure
• Mental or mood changes
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Signs of kidney problems, including bloody/pinky urine or change in the amount of urine
• Liver disease
• Symptoms of heart failure, including tiredness, sudden weight gain, or swelling of ankles/feet
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Difficult breathing
• Runny nose
• Symptoms of asthma
• Skin rash, itching, or blistering
• Bloody stool 
• Cloudy, bloody, or painful urination 
  Bloody vomiting
• Heartburn or fast heart rate
• Weakness on one side of your body

If you experience any of these effects, seek emergency help.

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