GENERIC NAME: DICLOFENAC SODIUM - ORAL ENTERIC OR SUSTAINED ACTION TABLET (dye-KLO-fen-ack SO-dee-um)

BRAND NAME(S): Voltaren

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which relieves pain and reduces inflammation (swelling). It is used to treat headaches, muscle aches, dental pain, and athletic injuries. It is commonly used to treat the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication with food, milk, or antacids to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. These tablets contain a special coating and should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew tablets.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset is the most common side effect. Nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, loss of appetite may also occur. If these effects persist or become severe, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: ringing in the ears, vision changes, loss of hearing. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye disease, asthma, nasal polyps, any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the drowsiness effect of this medication. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Infrequently, this medication may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. Use of this drug in the last 6 months of pregnancy is not recommended. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.