What is Diclofenac and menthol topical ?
Diclofenac, a nonsteroidal analgesic (NSAID), is a drug. Menthol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Diclofenac topical and menthol (for skin) are a combination of medicines used to treat knee osteoarthritis. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for diclofenac and menthol topical.
Side effects of Diclofenac and menthol topical
If you experience symptoms of an allergy, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling on your face and throat, or severe skin reactions like a fever, sore neck, burning eyes, or skin pain with blistering or peeling, seek emergency medical attention. If you experience any of these symptoms of stroke or heart attack: sudden weakness or numbness on one side, or slurred or mumbled speech,
Call your doctor immediately if:
- An skin rash refers to any form of body inflammation. No matter its severity, any form of skin rash should be taken seriously and treated promptly.
- Signs of stomach bleeding include bloody or tarry stool, vomiting that looks like coffee, or coughing up red liquid.
- Kidney problems: little or no urine, swelling of the feet and ankles, fatigue, or feeling short of breath;
- Liver problems: nausea, diarrhea, pain in the upper right corner of your stomach, fatigue, itching, and dark urine.
- Low red blood cells (anemia), pale skin, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness or feeling short-of-breath, and cold hands and/or feet
In older adults, serious side effects are more common.
Side effects that may occur from diclofenac topical and menthol include:
- Skin dryness or redness;
- Blistering or hardening the skin treated;
- Numbness, tingling, burning pain;
- Acne;
- Flushing (an unexpected feeling of warmth, redness, or tingling);
- Stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting;
There may be other side effects. Call your physician for medical advice regarding side effects. Alternatively, report them by calling the FDA's Hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Aspirin, prednisone, ibuprofen, meloxicam, naproxen, and Cymbalta
Warnings
Diclofenac can cause a fatal stroke or heart attack. This medicine should not be used before or immediately after heart bypass surgery. Diclofenac or menthol can also lead to stomach and intestinal bleeding that is potentially fatal.
Before you take this drug
If you've ever experienced an allergic reaction or asthma attack after using an NSAID or aspirin, you should avoid diclofenac-menthol topical.
If you've ever:
- Heart problems High blood pressure or smoking;
- A heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
- Stomach ulcers are bleeding stomach or intestinal ulcers.
- Fluid retention;
- Asthma;
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
Diclofenac may affect the ovulation process and make it harder for you to become pregnant if you use this medication. Unless your doctor has prescribed it, do not use an NSAID in the final 20 weeks of your pregnancy. It can lead to serious kidney or heart problems for the baby. Breastfeeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.
How to take Diclofenac and menthol topical?
Read all the instructions on the label of your medication and follow them. The lowest effective dose for your condition is the one you should use. Take it only by mouth. Only apply topical medicines to the skin. Use only on the skin. Do not apply to open wounds or irritated or inflamed skin. Rather, rinse with plenty of water immediately if any medication comes into contact with either your mouth or eyes. Please read and follow all directions that accompany your medication carefully, if unsure, seek advice from either your pharmacist or physician. If there are any discrepancies please speak directly with them as it could impact the quality of care that will be administered. This medicine should not be applied to open wounds, areas with infection, rash, or burnt skin. Wash and dry your hands after applying medicine. Cover the knee only after the medication has dried completely. After applying the diclofenac and menthol topical, do not shower or bathe your treated knee within 30 minutes.
Apply sunscreen, insect repellant lotion, or any other product to the skin only after it has completely dried. You should not let anyone touch treated skin before it has completely dried. Avoid covering the treated area with bandages or exposing it to hot water, a heating pad, or a sauna. The heat or bandaging may increase the absorption of drugs through your skin, causing harmful side effects. You will have to check your blood pressure frequently if you are using this medication long-term. You may need your kidneys and liver functions checked. Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. When not in use, keep the bottle closed tightly.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:
40 drops should be applied topically per knee four times daily for maximum benefit.
Comments: To achieve treatment goals effectively and quickly, administer the lowest effective dose for as short a duration as possible; any dosage exceeding or below this amount has not been studied and thus is not advised.
Use: Used to address signs and symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Apply your medicine as soon as you remember; however, skip any missed dosage if it is almost time for the next dose; do not double up on application at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Get emergency medical help or call the Poison Help Line immediately: 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, lack of energy, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
What should be avoided?
Avoid getting diclofenac and menthol topicals in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Call your doctor if you have eye irritation that lasts longer than an hour. Avoid direct heat sources like sunlight and tanning beds as much as possible to protect treated skin from inflammation or sun exposure. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold or flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to diclofenac (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen). Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage. Avoid smoking, since it can also increase your risk of stomach bleeding. If you are also taking low-dose aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, do not stop taking it or change your dose without your doctor's advice. Aspirin should be used for cardiovascular conditions only under the supervision of a doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Ask your doctor before using diclofenac and menthol if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- Cyclosporine;
- Digoxin;
- Lithium;
- Methotrexate;
- Pemetrexed;
- A blood thinner (warfarin, coumadin, jantoven);
- Aspirin or other nsaids (ibuprofen, naproxen, advil, motrin, aleve, celecoxib, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others);
- Heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill";
- Steroid medicine (prednisone and others).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect diclofenac and menthol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
