Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

Diclofenac

Brand names: Voltarol, Arthrotec (with misoprostol)

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

Directions Use up to 21 days unless directed by your doctor Not for strains, sprains, bruises or sports injuries. This product has not been shown to work for these types of injuries. Daily Per Dose For your arthritis pain: Use 4 times per day every day Do not use on more than 2 body areas at the same time Use ENCLOSED DOSING CARD to measure a dose For each upper body area (hand, wrist, or elbow) – Squeeze out 2.25 inches (2 grams) For each lower body area (foot, ankle or knee) –Squeeze out 4.5 inches (4 grams) Read the enclosed User Guide for complete instructions: use only as directed do not use more than directed or for longer than directed apply only to clean, dry skin that does not have …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2024-07-29. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis.

Prescribing in practice

It carries a higher cardiovascular (thrombotic) risk than several other NSAIDs — avoid in established cardiovascular disease, heart failure and significant risk factors.
The usual NSAID gastrointestinal and renal cautions apply; use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, with gastroprotection where appropriate.
It adds to bleeding risk with anticoagulants/antiplatelets and impairs renal handling of several drugs.

Monitoring

With longer use or in at-risk patients monitor renal function and blood pressure, and review gastrointestinal symptoms.

Counselling the patient

Take it with or after food.
Report indigestion, black stools or reduced urine output.
Avoid combining it with other NSAIDs.

Evidence & guidelines

Effective for inflammatory pain but used selectively because of its cardiovascular risk profile, and avoided in established cardiovascular disease (MHRA).

Reference: MHRA Drug Safety Update 2013; NICE NG193; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways