Generic name: diclofenac topical [ dye-KLOE-fen-ak-TOP-ik-al ]
Brand names: Aspercreme Arthritis Pain, DicloPrep-100, Motrin Arthritis Pain, Pennsaid, Rexaphenac, ... show all 8 brands Salonpas Arthritis Pain Relief, Voltaren Arthritis Pain, Solaraze
Dosage forms: topical cream (1%), topical gel (1%; 3%), topical kit (1%), topical solution (1.5%; 2%)
Drug class: Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 26, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is diclofenac topical?

Diclofenac topical (for the skin) is used in adults to treat joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. diclofenac topical is for use on the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or feet. Diclofenac topical is not for use on any other body area (such as back, hip, or shoulder).

Diclofenac topical solution is for use only on the knees.

Diclofenac topical 3% gel is used to treat warty overgrowths of skin (actinic keratosis) on sun-exposed areas of the body.

Diclofenac topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Diclofenac topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Stop using diclofenac and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• any skin rash, no matter how mild;

• kidney or heart problems--swelling, urinating less, rapid weight gain, feeling tired or short of breath;

• high blood potassium--tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;

• high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or

• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common side effects of diclofenac topical may include:

• skin redness, numbness or tingly feeling, itching, dryness, scaling, or peeling where the medicine was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Diclofenac topical can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use diclofenac topical just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Diclofenac topical may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

Diclofenac topical can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Diclofenac topical may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. This can occur without warning, especially in older adults.

You should not use diclofenac topical if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• asthma, or a severe allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing) after taking aspirin or another NSAID.

Do not use diclofenac topical gel 3% if you have a skin condition such as eczema, a skin infection, burns or wounds.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• stomach problems such as heartburn, ulcers or bleeding;

• any other bleeding problems;

• a habit of drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day;

• asthma;

• fluid retention; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Do not use diclofenac topical during pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID in the last 20 weeks can harm the unborn baby or cause pregnancy complications.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

It may be harder for you to get pregnant while you are using this medicine.

How should I use diclofenac topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the lowest effective dose for your condition.

Diclofenac topical is usually applied up to 2 to 4 times a day. Do not use diclofenac topical more often or longer than directed. Your doctor will determine how long you should use diclofenac topical.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition. Clean and dry the affected area before application. Use only a small amount of medicine, apply a thin layer over the affected area and rub in gently.

If you use diclofenac topical for arthritis pain, make sure to use the included dosing card when applying the medicine. Do not use large amounts of diclofenac topical without medical advice.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not bandage treated skin, expose it to heat, or exercise right after applying. Your skin may absorb the medicine, which could cause harmful effects.

You should wait until diclofenac topical has dried out where it was applied before using cosmetics, sunscreen, lotions, insect repellant, or other medicated skin products.

Do not apply diclofenac topical in the eyes and nose, to more than 2 body areas at the same time, to sports injuries, an open skin wound, on areas of infection, rash, burn, or peeling skin.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

You may not fully benefit from this medicine for up to 30 days if you use it for actinic keratosis, and up to 7 days if you use it for arthritis pain.

Your blood may need to be tested often.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Related/similar drugs

acetaminophen, gabapentin, aspirin, prednisone, ibuprofen, duloxetine, tramadol, cyclobenzaprine, naproxen, oxycodone

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using diclofenac topical?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to diclofenac topical (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid bathing or showering for at least 30 minutes after applying diclofenac topical solution.

Avoid letting treated skin areas come into contact with other people.

Diclofenac topical could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Avoid getting diclofenac topical in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Call your doctor if you have eye irritation that lasts longer than 1 hour.

What other drugs will affect diclofenac topical?

Ask your doctor before using diclofenac topical if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Diclofenac topical can harm your kidneys or liver, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, birth control, high cholesterol, seizures, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven); or

• steroid medicine (prednisone and others).

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect diclofenac. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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