How and when to take or use diclofenac - Brand names: Voltarol, Dicloflex, Diclomax, Econac, Motifene

Always follow the advice of a pharmacist or doctor, and the instructions that come with your medicine.

Dosage and strength

Diclofenac comes as tablets, capsules, suppositories, gel, plasters and patches. Your dose will depend on how you take or use it.

If you take tablets or capsules, the usual dose is 75mg to a maximum of 150mg a day. Follow the directions on the packet or use as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

If your doctor prescribes diclofenac for your child, they'll use your child's weight to work out the right dose for them.

How to take or use diclofenac

Taking tablets and capsules

Swallow diclofenac tablets or capsules with a drink of milk. If you need to take them with water, take them after a meal or snack. Taking them with milk or food means they'll be less likely to upset or irritate your stomach.

You'll usually take diclofenac tablets or capsules 2 to 3 times a day.

If you have pain all the time, your doctor may recommend slow-release diclofenac tablets or capsules. These release the medicine into your body more slowly. If you're taking slow-release tablets or capsules twice a day, leave a gap of 10 to 12 hours between your doses.

Swallow tablets and capsules whole, do not crush, break or chew them.

Using suppositories

Suppositories are medicine that you push gently into your bottom (anus).

1. Go to the toilet beforehand if you need to.
2. Wash your hands before and after using the medicine. Also clean around your anus with mild soap and water, rinse and pat dry.
3. Unwrap the suppository.
4. Gently push the suppository (pointed end first) into your anus as far as possible.
5. Sit or lie still for about 15 minutes. The suppository will melt inside your anus. This is normal.

You'll usually do this 1, 2 or 3 times a day, depending on the strength of your medicine.

Using gel

1. Gently squeeze the tube, or press firmly and evenly on the nozzle of the dispenser, to get a small amount of gel.
2. Put the gel on the painful or swollen area and slowly rub it in. It may feel cool on your skin. Wash your hands afterwards.

You'll usually use the gel 2 to 4 times a day, depending on how strong it is. Check the packaging for more information or speak to your pharmacist.

If you're using the gel twice a day, use it once in the morning and once in the evening. If you're using it 3 or 4 times a day, wait at least 4 hours before putting on any more.

The amount of gel you need depends on the size of the area you want to treat. You'll usually use an amount about the size of a cherry or walnut (2 to 4 grams).

Do not use diclofenac gel more than 4 times in any 24-hour period.

Using plasters and patches

1. Stick the diclofenac plaster or patch over the painful area.
2. Apply gentle pressure with the palm of your hand until it's completely stuck to your skin.
3. When you want to take the plaster or patch off, it helps to moisten it with some water first. Once you have taken it off, wash the affected skin and rub it gently in circular movements to remove any leftover glue.

If you're using plasters or patches, only treat 1 painful area at a time.

When you need to use another, take the old patch or plaster off before you put the new one on.

You can use plasters and patches 2 times a day, once in the morning and again in the evening. Do not use more than 2 plasters or patches in 24 hours.

How long to take or use it for

Depending on why you're taking diclofenac, you may only need to take it for a short time. For example, if you have a back pain, an injury or following dental surgery, you may only need to take or use diclofenac for 1 or 2 days.

You may need diclofenac for longer if you have a long-term condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

If you need to take diclofenac tablets or capsules for a long time, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to protect your stomach from side effects.

It's best to take the lowest dose of diclofenac for the shortest time to control your symptoms.

Talk to your doctor if you're unsure how long you need to take it for.

If you forget to take or use it

If you forget to take or use your diclofenac tablet, capsule, suppository or gel, do it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take or use the next one at the usual time.

Never take or use 2 doses of tablets, capsules, suppositories or gel to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you're using diclofenac plasters or patches, do not use more than 2 in any 24-hour period.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember your medicine.

If you take or use too much

Using more than the prescribed amount of diclofenac gel, plasters or patches on your skin is unlikely to affect you.

Taking more than your prescribed dose of diclofenac tablets, capsules or suppositories can cause side effects. These can include stomach ache, feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) and diarrhoea.