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NSAID (non-selective COX inhibitor)

Diclofenac sodium

Brand names: Voltarol, Diclomax, Voltarol Emulgel

Diclofenac sodium is the standard salt of the NSAID diclofenac, available in oral, modified-release, suppository and parenteral forms for pain and inflammation in arthritis, acute musculoskeletal disorders and postoperative pain.

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.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing prostaglandin production to produce anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects.

Prescribing in practice

  • Diclofenac is associated with a higher risk of arterial thrombotic events and is contraindicated in ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease and heart failure (MHRA); restrict to the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
  • Provide gastroprotection in those at gastrointestinal risk and avoid concurrent use of other NSAIDs.
  • Use caution in renal impairment, hypertension, asthma and the elderly, and avoid in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Monitoring

Review blood pressure, renal function and gastrointestinal tolerance during treatment, especially on prolonged courses or in higher-risk patients.

Counselling the patient

  • Take with or after food.
  • Report black or tarry stools, indigestion that does not settle, or any chest pain or breathlessness.
  • Avoid taking other anti-inflammatory painkillers at the same time unless advised.

Evidence & guidelines

Diclofenac sodium is an established NSAID; its efficacy and cardiovascular/gastrointestinal risk profile are documented in MHRA reviews and NICE osteoarthritis and analgesia guidance.

Reference: NICE NG100; NICE CKS NSAIDs; MHRA Drug Safety Update; 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).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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