Diclofenac: what it is, contraindications and side effects

You may be used to taking medicines such as diclofenac. But do you know what it is? It is important to remember that when we talk about medicines, you should never take them unless your doctor has prescribed them for you. There are contraindications and precautions in the case of diclofenac interacting with other medicines.

That is why we explain what diclofenac is, its uses, precautions and side effects.

What is it?

Diclofenac is an active ingredient that belongs to the group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This group also includes ibuprofen and naproxen. It is indicated for oral and intramuscular use in treatments for pain, inflammation and fever.

What is diclofenac used for?

There are different properties this medicine can provide:

• Anti-inflammatory. Reduces inflammation
• Analgesic, relieving pain
• Antipyretic. It can help reduce fever symptoms.

It is indicated in treatments such as:

• Chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
• Extra-articular rheumatism.
• Acute gout attack.
• Dysmenorrhoea (Menstrual pain).
• Inflammation and swelling caused by knocks, sports injuries or wounds.
• Eye inflammation and for chronic non-infectious conjunctivitis.

Contraindications of diclofenac

The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS)recommends:

• Do not use this medicine in patients with severe cardiovascular disease such as heart failure (New York Heart Association classification II-IV, NYHA), ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease or cerebrovascular disease.
• If the patient has cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking, it should be used with caution after carefully considering the balance between the expected benefits and each patient's individual risk.

In some cases, it is contraindicated, such as hypersensitivity to diclofenac, in patients hypersensitive to other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, clotting disorders, cardiovascular disease, a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcer, during the administration of coumarin anticoagulants, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Forms of the medicine

At the pharmacy you can find this active ingredient in different forms:

• Oral use, in the form of capsules and tablets.
• Rectal use, in the form of suppositories.
• Topical use, such as gels and adhesive plasters.
• Ophthalmic use, such as eye drops.
• Parenteral use, such as intramuscular injections.

Side effects of diclofenac

Please note that some of the side effects mentioned only occur at the application site, as is the case with topical routes of administration:

• Itchy skin
• Skin rash
• Dry skin
• Localised peeling
• Redness of the skin
• Tingling sensation in the skin
• Headache
• Indigestion (upset stomach)
• Flu-like symptoms
• Acne

These are some of the most common side effects, but others may occur. Read the medicine leaflet to find out in detail all the possible adverse effects of diclofenac.

Your pharmacist's advice

Take it during or after eating, with a large glass of water, to avoid gastrointestinal irritation. If you have any questions, remember that we are here to help with any query. We will advise you on how to use diclofenac and on any other questions you may have. 

Bibliography:

1.Bonet, R. (2004, 1 noviembre).Pain and analgesia | Offarm Journal.