What is Diclofenac topical?
Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drug (NSAID).
Diclofenac topical (for the skin) is used to treat joint pain due to osteoarthritis. Diclofenac topical can be used on wrists, hands, elbows, knees, feet, or ankles. Diclofenac topical might not be effective in the treatment of arthritis discomfort elsewhere on the body.
Pennsaid is only for use on knees. Solaraze can be used for treating warty skin growths (actinic keratoses) in sun-exposed regions of the body. Diclofenac topical is also used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side effects of Diclofenac topical:
See a doctor immediately when you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction (hives or sneezing, running or stuffy nose or wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of your throat or face) or severe skin reactions (fever or sore throat, burnt eyes, irritation, as well as a red or purple eruption with peeling and blisters).
Stop taking diclofenac. Seek medical assistance when you experience a severe reaction to a drug that affects the body's many organs. Symptoms may include an itch and fever, swelling of the glands, muscle pains, abnormal bruising, severe weakness, or yellowing of your eyes or skin. Stop using diclofenac immediately and get medical attention immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms of an attack on your heart or stroke. Chest pain spreading to your shoulder or jaw, suddenly feeling numb or weak in one part of your body, speech slurring, feeling tired
Make sure to contact your doctor at any time if you suffer from:
- A skin rash, regardless of how minor,
- Swelling and rapid weight gain
- Extreme headache severe headache, blurred vision pain in your neck or ear;
- Very little or no urine;
- Liver problems: nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort (upper right), fatigue, itching, dark urine, stools that are clay-colored, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
- Red blood cells are low (anemia)--pale skin and fatigue, unusually tired, feeling lightheaded or breathless, cold hands and feet;
- Symptoms of stomach bleeding, such as bloody or black stools, the spouting of blood, or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds.
Common adverse reactions to diclofenac topical medication include:
- Heartburn, gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
- Diarrhea, constipation;
- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
- Stuffy nose;
- Itching, more sweating;
- Elevated blood pressure; o
- Skin redness and itching, dryness, scaling, or peeling of the area where the medication was applied
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
aspirin, prednisone, acetaminophen, tramadol, ibuprofen, meloxicam, and naproxen
Warnings
Diclofenac topical may increase the risk of fatal coronary heart attacks and strokes. Don't use diclofenac for topical use prior to or following coronary bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, also known as CABG). Diclofenac topical can also trigger diarrhea or stomach bleeding, which could be fatal.
Before you take this drug
Diclofenac topical medication can increase the chances of suffering fatal heart attacks or strokes, even if you do not suffer from any of the risk factors. Don't use this medication prior to or following coronary bypass surgery (coronary bypass graft for the artery, also known as CABG).
Diclofenac topical can also trigger diarrhea or stomach bleeding that can be fatal. These problems can develop in a matter of minutes when you are applying diclofenac to your skin, especially in older adults. It is not recommended to take this medication if you have an allergy to diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Flector, and others) or if you have ever suffered from one of these attacks or a severe allergic reaction following using aspirin or an NSAID. Diclofenac Topical has not been approved for use by any person younger than 18 years of age.
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Heart diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking ;
- A heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
- Gastric ulcers and bleeding inside the stomach or intestines of your
- Asthma;
- Kidney or liver disease or
- Fluid retention.
Diclofenac may affect ovulation and make it harder to become pregnant if you're taking this medication.
If you're pregnant and you are taking diclofenac for topical use, unless your physician recommends it, Taking an NSAID in the final twenty weeks of pregnancy could result in serious kidney or heart issues in the baby and possibly complications in the pregnancy.
It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Consult your physician regarding any risks.
How to take diclofenac topical?
Follow all the instructions on your prescription label, and go through all the medication guides. Make sure you are using the dose that works for your condition.
Do not consume by mouth. Topical medicine should be used solely on your skin. Rinse thoroughly with water if diclofenac is absorbed in your mouth or eyes. Be sure to read and adhere to any instructions that are included in your medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist if you don't understand these directions.
Don't apply the diclofenac topically on a skin wound that is open, as well as on the areas that show inflammation or rash. It can cause burns, irritation, or skin that is peeling. Storage at room temperature is far from heat and moisture. Don't freeze.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Apply the medication as fast as you can; however, avoid the missed dose if you think it is close to time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications to treat swelling, fever, pain, a cold, or flu symptoms. These medicines may contain ingredients that are like diclofenac (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen). Do not drink alcohol. This can increase the risk of bleeding in your stomach.
Avoid exposing your skin to sunlight, heat, and tanning beds. It could increase the amount of diclofenac that you absorb from your skin. Do not get diclofenac eye drops into your eyes. If contact occurs, wash your eyes with water. Contact your physician if you are experiencing eye irritation that lasts more than one hour.
Don't use any makeup products, lotions, sunscreen, or lotions. Also, do not use insect repellent or other medicated skin products on the same skin area that you treat with diclofenac topical.
Interaction with other drug
Consult your physician before taking diclofenac if you are taking medication for depression. Taking certain antidepressants together with an NSAID can cause bleeding or bruises easily.
Inform your doctor about the current medications you are taking, including:
- Cyclosporine;
- Lithium;
- Methotrexate
- A blood thinner (Warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
- Heart or blood pressure medications that include diuretics, such as a "water pill"; o
- Steroids are medicines (prednisone and others).
This list isn't complete, and a variety of other medications could interfere with diclofenac. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of all drugs are included here.
