Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. It is frequently prescribed for various conditions causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Available Forms and Strengths
Diclofenac is available in several forms. Oral options include immediate-release, delayed-release, and extended-release tablets, liquid-filled capsules, and powder for solution. Oral tablet strengths range from 25 milligrams (mg) to 100 mg. Liquid-filled capsules are typically 25 mg, with some formulations at 18 mg or 35 mg. Powder for oral solution is often 50 mg per packet.
It is also available for topical application as gels (1%, 3%), topical solutions (1.5%, 2%), and transdermal patches (180 mg, 182 mg). For localized issues, diclofenac is also available as eye drops and suppositories.
Determining the Right Dosage
The appropriate dosage of diclofenac varies considerably depending on the specific condition being treated, the patient’s individual needs, and the form of the medication used. A healthcare professional evaluates these factors to determine the precise dose. General guidelines exist for common conditions, but these are not substitutes for professional medical advice.
For osteoarthritis, oral diclofenac is often prescribed as 50 mg two or three times daily, or 75 mg twice a day, typically totaling 100 to 150 mg per day in divided doses. Extended-release tablets for this condition are commonly 100 mg taken once daily. When treating rheumatoid arthritis, immediate-release tablets might be 50 mg three or four times daily, or 75 mg twice a day, with a total daily dose ranging from 150 to 200 mg.
In cases of acute pain, diclofenac liquid-filled capsules may be prescribed as 25 mg four times daily. Immediate-release tablets for acute pain are often given as 50 mg three times a day, sometimes starting with an initial 100 mg dose. For menstrual pain, a common regimen involves 50 mg three times daily, or an initial 100 mg dose followed by 50 mg doses as needed.
Topical diclofenac dosages vary by formulation and affected area. A 1% topical gel is applied four times a day; for upper body joints (hand, wrist, elbow), 2 grams are used per application, while 4 grams are used for lower body joints (knee, ankle, foot). A 1.5% topical solution is applied as 40 drops to each affected knee four times daily, while a 2% topical solution is 2 pumps (40 mg) applied to each affected knee twice a day. Diclofenac patches are applied once or twice daily to the painful area.
Key Dosage Guidelines and Safety
Adhering to dosage guidelines is important for the safe and effective use of diclofenac. There is a maximum daily dose for each form that should not be exceeded. For oral diclofenac, the maximum daily dose for many conditions is typically 150 mg, though for some rheumatoid arthritis cases, it can extend up to 200 mg per day. For topical gels, the total amount applied across all affected joints should not exceed 32 grams per day. When using diclofenac patches, no more than two patches should be used within a 24-hour period.
If a dose of diclofenac is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped entirely, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Never take a double dose to compensate for a forgotten one.
Use the lowest effective dose of diclofenac for the shortest duration necessary to manage symptoms. This approach helps to minimize potential risks associated with the medication. Patients should consistently follow the instructions provided by their doctor or those printed on the prescription label. Different formulations of diclofenac are not always interchangeable, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional before switching products. Oral forms of diclofenac are often recommended to be taken with food or milk to help reduce the possibility of stomach upset, and topical forms should not be applied to broken or injured skin.