About Diclofenac 50 mg Tablet
Diclofenac 50 mg Tablet contains Diclofenac Sodium 50 mg. Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to relieve pain and swelling in conditions such as arthritis, back pain, sprains and other injuries, and painful periods. It is best taken with or after food, at the lowest dose that works, for the shortest time.
Uses of Diclofenac 50 mg Tablet
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Back pain, sprains and strains
- Pain and swelling after injury or minor surgery
- Painful periods
Benefits
In arthritis and joint pain
It reduces pain, swelling and stiffness, which can make it easier to move and carry out daily tasks.
In injuries and acute pain
It eases pain and swelling after sprains, strains or minor procedures so you can rest and recover more comfortably.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild. Taking it with or after food can reduce stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if any side effect bothers you or does not go away.
Common
- Nausea
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Raised liver enzymes (seen in blood tests)
Get medical help if you notice
- Black or tarry stools, or vomiting blood — signs of stomach bleeding; stop and get medical help at once
- Chest pain, breathlessness, weakness on one side of the body or slurred speech — seek emergency care
- Passing much less urine or swelling of the legs — possible kidney problems; contact your doctor
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or severe tiredness — possible liver problems; contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction or severe skin reaction: rash, blistering, swelling of the face, wheezing — stop and seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, with or after food. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it.
How it works
Diclofenac blocks enzymes (COX enzymes) that make prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain, swelling and inflammation.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It raises the risk of stomach bleeding.
Pregnancy Unsafe
Avoid unless your doctor specifically advises it. It must not be used in the last three months of pregnancy and is generally avoided from 20 weeks, as it can harm the baby.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Small amounts pass into breast milk. Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
It can make kidney problems worse. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; it should not be used in severe kidney disease.
Liver Caution
It can affect the liver. Your doctor may check blood tests. It should not be used in severe liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it with or after food.
- Use the lowest dose for the shortest time your doctor advises.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, a past stroke, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers or asthma — it may not be suitable.
- Do not take it with other pain killers like ibuprofen or aspirin unless your doctor says so.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Phenylacetic acid derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Pain relief / anti-inflammatory
- Action class
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other NSAIDs, including aspirin | Higher risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers |
| Blood thinners such as warfarin, and SSRI antidepressants | Higher risk of bleeding |
| Blood pressure medicines and water tablets (diuretics) | Can make them work less well and raise the risk of kidney problems |
| Lithium, methotrexate and ciclosporin | Diclofenac can raise their levels or side effects |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Diclofenac prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: diclofenac; EMA review of diclofenac cardiovascular risk, 2013). Pharmacist review pending.