Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) medicine that reduces swelling (inflammation) and pain.
It's used to treat aches and pains, as well as problems with joints, muscles and bones. This includes arthritis, sprains, back pain, migraines or after dental surgery.
There are different types of diclofenac. It comes as:
- tablets and capsules, including slow-release tablets and capsules, that are prescription only
- suppositories that are prescription only
- gel, patches and plasters for joint pain that you can buy from pharmacies
- injection or as eyedrops that are usually given in hospital
- a high strength gel used to treat dry, scaly patches of skin caused by sun damage (actinic keratoses) – this treatment is usually started after assessment by a dermatologist and is not covered here
Key facts
- Diclofenac tablets and capsules take 20 to 30 minutes to work. Suppositories take a few hours to work and gel, plasters and patches can take up to 1 to 2 days.
- It's best to take the lowest dose of diclofenac for the shortest time to control your symptoms. Taking diclofenac long term, or in high doses, can cause damage to the stomach such as an ulcer.
- Take diclofenac tablets or capsules with a meal or snack, or just after eating.
- Common side effects are stomach pain, feeling or being sick and rashes.
- Diclofenac gel and plasters can be used twice a day to target pain in a particular area of your body.