diclofenac potassium at a glance
Medicine class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Form
Prescription-only, immediate-release coated oral tablet.
Taking the tablet
Swallow whole with fluid, preferably with or after food.
Important check
Avoid another NSAID unless specifically directed by a prescriber.
What is diclofenac potassium used for?
This tablet is licensed for short-term control of pain and inflammation in:
Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Low back pain
Migraine attacks
Acute gout and pyrophosphate arthropathy
Sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis and periarthritis
Pain and inflammation after orthopaedic, dental or other minor surgery
How does diclofenac potassium work?
Diclofenac inhibits enzymes involved in producing prostaglandins, signalling substances that contribute to inflammation, pain and fever.
diclofenac potassium preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg
How to take diclofenac potassium
Follow the prescription label and supplied leaflet. Swallow the tablet whole with fluid, preferably with or after food; do not crush, break or chew it.
Check cold, flu and pain products for aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or another NSAID.
Do not drive or operate machinery if you develop dizziness, drowsiness or visual disturbance.
The tablet contains sucrose, which may matter in certain inherited sugar-intolerance disorders.
diclofenac potassium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Feeling or being sick
- Diarrhoea, indigestion, stomach pain or wind
- Loss of appetite
- Headache, dizziness or vertigo
- Skin rash
- Raised liver enzymes
Get urgent medical advice
- Stomach or intestinal bleeding, ulceration or perforation
- Severe allergic reaction, facial swelling or bronchospasm
- Heart attack, stroke or worsening heart failure
- Serious blistering or peeling skin reaction
- Liver inflammation or failure, possibly causing jaundice
- Acute kidney injury, including reduced urine or significant swelling
diclofenac potassium in pregnancy
Diclofenac is not usually advised during pregnancy unless a doctor considers it necessary. Exposure from week 20 can reduce amniotic fluid or constrict the fetal ductus arteriosus and may require specialist monitoring. This product is contraindicated in the third trimester. Tell a doctor or midwife promptly about unsupervised use after week 20.
diclofenac potassium while breastfeeding
The product information advises against use during breastfeeding. UK specialist guidance considers diclofenac compatible when clinically appropriate because milk transfer is negligible and accumulation is unlikely. This applies to healthy, full-term infants; watch for vomiting or diarrhoea and seek specialist advice for a premature or unwell infant.
diclofenac potassium interactions
Ask a prescriber or pharmacist to review other medicines, particularly:
Other systemic NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin used for pain
Combining NSAIDs increases gastrointestinal and other adverse effects and should generally be avoided.
Warfarin, antiplatelets, corticosteroids or SSRIs
These combinations can increase bleeding, particularly from the stomach or intestine.
ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and diuretics
Diclofenac may reduce blood-pressure control and increase kidney injury risk.
Common questions about diclofenac potassium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be taken with ibuprofen or naproxen?
Not unless a clinician specifically directs it. Combining NSAIDs increases stomach bleeding and other adverse effects.
Can it be taken with paracetamol?
It can generally be used with paracetamol, but check product labels for duplicate ingredients and follow prescribed directions.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.