Diclofenac
Active ingredient · 4 therapeutic classes
Sold as DICLOMAX SR · DICLOMAX RETARD · VOLTAROL OPHTHA · DICLO-SR 75 · DICLO-XL 100
- Drug class
- Acetic Acid Derivatives and Related Substances
- Availability
- Prescription and OTC
- Routes
- Topical, Oral, Ophthalmic
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 129
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 8,394
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Diclofenac is a medication classified as an "Other Dermatological" agent [1]. It is approved for the temporary relief of arthritis pain in specific areas of the body, including the hand, wrist, and elbow, as well as the foot, ankle, and knee [1].
This product may require up to 7 days to provide relief from arthritis pain and is not intended for immediate pain management [1]. If no pain relief is experienced within 7 days of use, the product should be discontinued [1].
In the past 12 months, there have been 8,394 adverse event reports associated with diclofenac [2]. The most frequently reported issues include off-label use, claims of the drug being ineffective, product use for unapproved indications, pain, and fatigue [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 87 | May 29, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 41 | May 26, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 1 | November 21, 2025 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
87 products
Uses
4). Akis is indicated in adults. Use in children and adolescents is not recommended.
How to take
USUnited States· FDA
41 products
Uses
Uses for the temporary relief of arthritis pain ONLY in the following areas: hand, wrist, elbow (upper body areas) foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas) this product may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief.
If no pain relief in 7 days, stop use.
How to take
CACanada· Health Canada
1 product
Uses
3 Pediatrics). 4 Geriatrics).
How to take
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Diclofenac. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Showing 240 of 600. Type above to find a specific drug.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL210390018
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 005299ac-b6de-51… · revised July 29, 2024 [PDF]
- [3]Health Canada (DPD) · 02475065 · revised November 21, 2025
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.