Diclofenac is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation (redness, swelling and soreness). Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.

What is this medication for?

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation (redness, swelling and soreness). It is commonly prescribed for joint or muscle pain/inflammation, back pain, gout attacks, migraines and menstrual pain. 

You can also find out about this medication by watching these videos:
They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (oral)

How should I take or use this medication?

• This medication should be best taken with meals to reduce stomach irritation. Your healthcare professional may also give you an additional medication to protect the stomach. E.g. Famotidine, Omeprazole. 
• Follow the instructions on your medication label and take this medication as prescribed by your doctor. 
• Do not exceed the dose recommended on the label as taking too much Diclofenac over time may cause serious stomach, kidney or heart problems.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

Diclofenac can be taken on as needed basis for short term use as prescribed by the doctor. 

If your doctor has prescribed the medication for you to be taken regularly, do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional. If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this class of medications (i.e., NSAIDs), aspirin, or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have a history of stomach or bowel ulcers or bleeding, or bleeding problems. 
• You have asthma. 
• You have a history of kidney, liver, heart problems or stroke.
• You are planned for any medical procedures, surgeries, or dental procedures.

Diclofenac should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible time. Prolonged use without medical supervision should be avoided as this may increase the risk of heart attacks or stroke, kidney problems and stomach ulcers. Do not exceed the dose as recommended on the label. 

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Stomach discomfort/irritation e.g. nausea, stomach pain, heartburn (burning sensation in your chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat i.e. acid reflux) 
  • Taking this medication after food reduces the risk of this side effect.
• Mild bleeding such as
  • Unexplained nose bleed.
  • Bleeding from gums when brushing teeth.
  • Bleeding from small cuts for 10-15 minutes even as you apply pressure on the wound. Check with your healthcare professional if the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes or if you feel unwell. 

Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away and are bothersome to you.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:
They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Drug Allergies

Patients taking Diclofenac may have an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (bleeding in the stomach or intestines). If you experience any serious bleeding, you should stop the medication and inform your healthcare professional immediately. 

Serious bleeding may include one or more of the following: 

• Blood in the urine
• Black sticky stools (if you are not using iron supplements at the same time)
• Unexplained large bruises
• Coughing up blood or coffee ground-like vomit
• Sudden severe headache with nausea or loss of consciousness

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Diclofenac can interact with the following medications: 

• Blood-thinning medications (e.g. Clopidogrel, Warfarin)
• Diuretics (e.g. Furosemide)
• Certain blood pressure medications (e.g., Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril, Candesartan, Losartan, Valsartan)
• Certain medications to treat depression (e.g. Fluoxetine, Citalopram)

Diclofenac is a NSAID, hence avoid taking together with other NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen). 

Avoid taking excessive amounts of alcohol when taking Diclofenac as this will increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach.

How should I store this medication?

Keep this medication away from children. 
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin. 

Disclaimer

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

The information above is solely for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medicine or other treatment. Always speak with your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional before taking any medicine or supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. Under no circumstances will the National Medication Information workgroup be liable to any person for damages of any nature arising in any way from the use of such information.

Last updated on June 2025