diclofenac diethylammonium at a glance
Medicine class
Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Usual role
Local relief of pain and inflammation from minor injuries, soft-tissue rheumatism and non-serious arthritis
Administration
For use on intact skin only; gently rub into the affected area
Age restriction
The selected product must not be used in children under 14 years
What is diclofenac diethylammonium used for?
The selected product is licensed for local symptomatic relief of:
Pain and inflammation after sprains, strains, bruises or other minor injuries involving tendons, ligaments, muscles or joints
Localised soft-tissue rheumatic pain
Pain from non-serious arthritic conditions
How does diclofenac diethylammonium work?
Diclofenac reduces prostaglandin production by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase activity, helping to lessen pain, inflammation and swelling. Applied topically, it concentrates more in underlying inflamed tissues than in the bloodstream.
diclofenac diethylammonium preparations and strengths
Gel
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 1.16%, 2.32%
How to take diclofenac diethylammonium
Apply only to intact skin over the affected area and rub in gently. Wipe away excess gel with a paper towel, put the towel in household waste and wash your hands unless they are being treated. Avoid the eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, wounds and diseased skin. Let the gel dry before using a breathable bandage; do not use an airtight dressing. Keep treated fabrics away from flames and smoking materials because they can burn more easily.
Stop using the product if a rash develops.
Avoid excessive sunlight on treated skin.
Do not allow anyone to swallow the gel.
diclofenac diethylammonium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Skin rash or redness
- Itching
- Eczema or contact dermatitis
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Breathing difficulty, wheezing or an asthma reaction
- Blistering or severe skin reaction
- Marked sensitivity of treated skin to sunlight
diclofenac diethylammonium in pregnancy
Diclofenac is not usually recommended during pregnancy. The selected gel is contraindicated during the third trimester; earlier use requires a clinician to consider it clearly necessary. Seek advice if pregnant, possibly pregnant or trying to conceive.
diclofenac diethylammonium while breastfeeding
Topical diclofenac can generally be used during breastfeeding when clinically appropriate, but the selected product advises healthcare-professional guidance. Do not apply it to the breasts or where the baby could touch treated skin, and wash your hands before handling the baby.
diclofenac diethylammonium interactions
Systemic absorption from correctly applied topical diclofenac is low, so interactions are considered unlikely. Check with a pharmacist or prescriber if using other medicines, particularly NSAIDs.
Oral or other systemic NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin for pain and oral diclofenac
Combining NSAIDs may increase systemic adverse effects, so concurrent use requires caution and professional advice.
Common questions about diclofenac diethylammonium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is diclofenac diethylammonium gel used for?
It provides local relief from pain and inflammation associated with minor soft-tissue injuries, localised rheumatic pain and non-serious arthritis.
Is diclofenac diethylammonium the same as diclofenac sodium?
They are different salt forms of diclofenac. In this gel, diclofenac diethylammonium content is expressed as an equivalent amount of diclofenac sodium.
Can it be used on broken skin?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.