The risk of stomach-related effects were also found to be lower with diclofenac compared to ibuprofen. Both diclofenac and ibuprofen are comparable in appropriate doses. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor as one might work better for you.
Sign up for ibuprofen price alerts and find out when the price changes! Get Price Alerts. Most medicare and health insurance plans cover the generic version of diclofenac. For generic ibuprofen, the cost is often covered by most medicare and insurance plans. Get the SingleCare prescription discount card.
Common side effects of diclofenac and ibuprofen include gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence or gas, stomach pain or cramps, heartburn, and constipation.
These medications can also affect the central nervous system CNS and cause side effects such as dizziness and headache. Other side effects include pruritus itching and edema swelling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet. More serious adverse effects include stomach ulcers and renal or liver problems. These side effects are more likely to occur if you have a history of them or are taking other medications that can interact with NSAIDs. This may not be a complete list.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for other side effects. Diclofenac and ibuprofen are NSAIDs that can interact with blood pressure medications like angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers ARBs , beta blockers, and diuretics. NSAIDs may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of these antihypertensive medications. These medications can interact and increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
NSAIDs can also interact with other medications and increase their levels in the body. Taking NSAIDs with drugs like lithium, digoxin, and methotrexate can increase the risk of adverse side effects. This may not be a complete list of all possible drug interactions. Consult a doctor with all medications you may be taking. Using NSAIDs can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, especially if you have a medical history of them.
NSAIDs may worsen heart failure or alter the effects of blood pressure medications. NSAIDs can also increase the risk of gastrointestinal events such as bleeding or ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
Diclofenac and ibuprofen should be avoided or monitored in people with liver or kidney problems. NSAIDs should not be used during late pregnancy. Taking NSAIDs after 30 weeks of gestation can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel in the fetal heart. Talk to your doctor about using NSAIDs during early stages of pregnancy as they should only be taken if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
When you stop taking diclofenac tablets or capsules, or stop using the suppositories, the effects will wear off after about 15 hours. When you stop using the gel, plasters or patches, the effects will wear off after 1 or 2 days.
Taking anti-inflammatory medicines, like diclofenac, in large doses or for a long time can affect ovulation in women. This may make it more difficult to get pregnant. Do not take diclofenac if you're trying to get pregnant, or if you're having tests for infertility. Diclofenac will not affect any contraceptives, including the combined pill or emergency contraception. Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking diclofenac.
But drinking too much alcohol may irritate your stomach. Try to keep to the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. A standard glass of wine ml is 2 units. A pint of lager or beer is usually 2 to 3 units of alcohol. Apart from not drinking too much alcohol, you can eat and drink normally while taking diclofenac. It happens rarely, but some people can feel tired, dizzy or sleepy when they take diclofenac.
They may also have problems with their eyesight. If diclofenac affects you in this way, do not drive or ride a bike until it passes and you feel OK again. Page last reviewed: 10 June Next review due: 10 June Diclofenac - Brand names: Voltarol, Dicloflex, Diclomax, Econac, Fenactol, Motifene On this page About diclofenac Key facts Who can and cannot take diclofenac How and when to take or use diclofenac Taking diclofenac with other painkillers Side effects How to cope with side effects of diclofenac Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions about diclofenac.
About diclofenac Diclofenac is a medicine that reduces swelling inflammation and pain. These include: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis sprains and strains in muscles and ligaments back pain toothache migraine gout ankylosing spondylitis — this causes inflammation of the spine and other parts of the body Diclofenac comes as tablets and capsules, including slow-release tablets and capsules, and suppositories.
Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? Take diclofenac tablets or capsules with a meal or snack, or just after eating. Common side effects are stomach pain, feeling or being sick and rashes. Diclofenac gel and plasters can be used twice a day to target pain in a particular area of your body.
Most adults can take diclofenac. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to diclofenac or any other medicines have an allergy to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen have ever had side effects from taking NSAIDs, such as wheezing or other signs of asthma , a runny nose, swelling of the skin angioedema or a rash have ever had stomach ulcers , bleeding in the stomach or intestines, or a hole in your stomach have high blood pressure hypertension have heart failure , severe liver disease or kidney disease have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis have lupus have a blood clotting disorder are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Diclofenac tablets, capsules and suppositories Dosage You'll usually take diclofenac tablets, capsules or suppositories 2 to 3 times a day. How to take tablets and capsules Swallow diclofenac tablets or capsules with a drink of milk. Swallow them whole, do not crush, break or chew them. How to use suppositories Suppositories are medicine that you push gently into your anus bottom. Go to the toilet beforehand if you need to.
Wash your hands before and after using the medicine. Also clean around your anus with mild soap and water, rinse and pat dry. Unwrap the suppository. Gently push the suppository into your anus with the pointed end first. It needs to go in about 3 centimetres 1 inch.
Sit or lie still for about 15 minutes. The suppository will melt inside your anus. This is normal. Diclofenac gel Dosage You'll usually use the gel 2 to 4 times a day, depending on how strong it is. Important: Maximum dose for diclofenac gel Do not use diclofenac gel more than 4 times in any hour period.
How to use the gel Gently squeeze the tube, or press firmly and evenly on the nozzle of the dispenser, to get a small amount of gel. Put the gel on the painful or swollen area and slowly rub it in. It may feel cool on your skin. Wash your hands afterwards. Diclofenac plasters and patches Dosage Treat only 1 painful area at a time.
How to use plasters and patches Stick a medicated plaster or patch over the painful area twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Take the old patch off before you put the new one on. Apply gentle pressure with the palm of your hand until it's completely stuck to your skin. When you want to take the plaster or patch off, it helps to moisten it with some water first. Once you have taken it off, wash the affected skin and rub it gently in circular movements to remove any leftover glue.
What if I forget to take it? Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. What if I take too much? It can cause side effects such as: stomach ache feeling or being sick vomiting diarrhoea black poo or blood in your vomit — a sign of bleeding in your stomach headaches drowsiness ringing in your ears tinnitus.
Urgent advice: Contact for advice if:. Important Before taking any other medicines together with diclofenac, check the label to see if they contain ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs. Common side effects Common side effects of diclofenac tablets, capsules and suppositories happen in more than 1 in people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away: feeling sick nausea being sick vomiting or diarrhoea feeling dizzy or vertigo headaches stomach ache, wind or loss of appetite mild rash You're less likely to have side effects with diclofenac gel or plasters.
It can make your skin: more sensitive to sunlight than normal develop a rash where you applied the gel or plaster dry or irritated eczema itchy or inflamed dermatitis Serious side effects These serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1, people.
Call your doctor straight away if: you have blood in your vomit or black poo — these could be signs of bleeding in your stomach or gut you have severe indigestion, heartburn or stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhoea — these can be signs of an ulcer or inflammation in your stomach or gut the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow, although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin — this can be a sign of liver problems you have a raised, itchy rash, or swollen or puffy skin — these can be signs of hives urticaria or oedema swelling you have breathlessness, tiredness and swollen legs or ankles — these can be signs of heart failure.
Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to diclofenac. Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: feeling sick nausea — take diclofenac with or after a meal or snack. It may also help if you avoid rich or spicy food. If you're being sick, try small frequent sips of water.
Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration , such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Speak to a doctor if being sick or diarrhoea lasts for longer than 3 days. Do not take any other medicines without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
Do not drive or cycle, or use tools or machinery, if you're feeling dizzy or lightheaded. As your body gets used to diclofenac, these side effects should wear off. Login Register. Enjoying our content? Thanks for visiting Clinical Pain Advisor. If you wish to read unlimited content, please log in or register below. Registration is free. Register for free and gain unlimited access to:.
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