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What Is Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Oral delayed-release diclofenac sodium tablets are used for signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Other diclofenac formulations, including topical and ophthalmic products, have different indications and dosing instructions.

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What Is Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Oral delayed-release diclofenac sodium tablets are used for signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Other diclofenac formulations, including topical and ophthalmic products, have different indications and dosing instructions.

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How Does Diclofenac Reduce Pain and Inflammation?

Diclofenac inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2 and reduces prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins contribute to inflammation and sensitize nerves involved in pain. Lower prostaglandin production accounts for diclofenac's analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing activity.

Which Conditions Are Treated With Oral Diclofenac?

Delayed-release diclofenac sodium tablets are indicated for relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They are also used for acute or long-term relief of signs and symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Different oral diclofenac formulations are not necessarily interchangeable at the same milligram strength.

How Are Delayed-Release Diclofenac Tablets Dosed?

Osteoarthritis treatment uses 100 mg to 150 mg daily in divided doses. Rheumatoid arthritis uses 150 mg to 200 mg daily in divided doses. Ankylosing spondylitis uses 100 mg to 125 mg daily, commonly as 25 mg four times daily with an extra 25 mg dose at bedtime when needed.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Diclofenac?

Diclofenac carries boxed warnings for serious cardiovascular thrombotic events and serious gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. Other concerns include high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney injury, high potassium, liver injury, severe skin reactions, and anaphylaxis. Use during coronary artery bypass graft surgery is contraindicated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diclofenac

Is diclofenac an NSAID?

Yes. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits COX enzymes and prostaglandin synthesis.

What conditions do delayed-release diclofenac tablets treat?

They treat signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Are all diclofenac formulations interchangeable?

No. Different diclofenac formulations are not necessarily bioequivalent at the same milligram strength.

Does diclofenac have boxed warnings?

Yes. The boxed warnings cover serious cardiovascular thrombotic events and serious gastrointestinal events.

References

DailyMed - DICLOFENAC SODIUM tablet, delayed release. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=663a3dbc-a631-4046-8852-ec619c41c81d. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Diclofenac. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547953/. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Diclofenac. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689002.html. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Diclofenac. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Diclofenac. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Diclofenac. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557879/. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.