Diclofenac
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, sprains, and gout flares when appropriate. Topical gel has lower whole-body absorption than tablets but still needs caution.
This medicine is part of the Pain relief category.
Generic name: diclofenac
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, sprains, and gout flares when appropriate.
How long does it take to work?
Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges.
What are common side effects?
Indigestion, nausea, raised blood pressure, ankle swelling, or skin irritation with gel.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Diclofenac with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Diclofenac is used for
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, sprains, and gout flares when appropriate.
Topical gel has lower whole-body absorption than tablets but still needs caution.
How does Diclofenac work, and how long does it take to work?
It blocks COX enzymes, reducing prostaglandins that drive inflammation and pain.
Stomach and kidney risks mirror other NSAIDs with systemic use.
How and when should you take Diclofenac?
Tablets with food or after food as directed; gels applied to intact skin only, washed hands after.
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time unless your prescriber advises longer plans with protection.
What are the common side effects of Diclofenac?
Indigestion, nausea, raised blood pressure, ankle swelling, or skin irritation with gel.
Serious side effects of Diclofenac — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for stomach bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood), chest pain, breathlessness, or severe allergic reactions.
What if you miss a dose of Diclofenac?
Take or apply when remembered unless nearly time for next regular dose; do not double.
Who should not take Diclofenac?
Active peptic ulcer, severe heart failure, third-trimester pregnancy, and some post-heart-attack patients should avoid systemic NSAIDs unless specialist-led.
Kidney disease and anticoagulants increase bleeding and kidney risk.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Diclofenac? — other interactions
Anticoagulants, SSRIs, steroids, and ACE inhibitors/ARBs/diuretics increase risk combinations — pharmacist screening helps.
Diclofenac in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid systemic NSAIDs in late pregnancy; discuss breastfeeding with your prescriber.
Blood tests and monitoring on Diclofenac
Blood pressure, kidney function, and stomach symptoms may be reviewed on longer courses.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Diclofenac?
Naproxen, Celecoxib, Paracetamol, or topical-only treatments may be considered.
Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists
Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
- Professional registration
- GPhC registration number: [placeholder — to be added when verified]
- Last reviewed
Frequently asked questions about Diclofenac
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Diclofenac used for?
- Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, sprains, and gout flares when appropriate. Topical gel has lower whole-body absorption than tablets but still needs caution.
- How long does Diclofenac take to work?
- Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Diclofenac with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Diclofenac with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Diclofenac?
- Indigestion, nausea, raised blood pressure, ankle swelling, or skin irritation with gel. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Is diclofenac gel safer than tablets?
- Systemic side effects are lower with careful topical use, but people with contraindications to NSAIDs may still need caution — ask your pharmacist.
- Can I take diclofenac with ibuprofen?
- Combining NSAIDs is generally avoided because stomach and kidney risks add up — use one class unless a prescriber gives a short clear plan.
Need personalised advice?
Your local pharmacist or GP surgery can help with questions about your medicines, side effects, and alternatives that may be suitable for you.
Links open the NHS website for finding services. DrugABC does not sell prescription-only medicines or replace clinical care.
Often used with
People searching for Diclofenac often read about these medicines too — for example when treatments are combined under GP or specialist care. This is not a prescribing suggestion.
Related medicines
You may also find these informational pages helpful. Each link opens a full guide on DrugABC. Your prescriber decides what is appropriate for you.