Diclofenac, Cataflam or Voltaren
Diclofenac, Cataflam or Voltaren are used to relieve the pain, tenderness,
inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and gout. It also is used to
relieve other pain, including menstrual pain and pain after surgery or childbirth.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
Use of Diclofenac, Cataflam or Voltaren
Diclofenac comes as a regular and extended-release (long-lasting) tablet to take by
mouth. It usually is taken two to four times a day. Do not crush the tablets; swallow them
whole. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take diclofenac exactly as directed.
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Precautions for using Diclofenac, Cataflam or Voltaren
Before taking Diclofenac, Cataflam or
Voltaren
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diclofenac, aspirin or other
medications for pain or arthritis, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you
are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin),
aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune),
diuretics ('water pills'), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid),
medications for arthritis or diabetes, methotrexate, metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol
(Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high
blood pressure; gastritis; intestinal problems such as bleeding from the stomach or
rectum; ulcers or other gastrointestinal disease; or SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking diclofenac, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you
are taking diclofenac.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate
machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Do not drink
alcohol while taking this medication.
Side effects of Diclofenac, Cataflam or Voltaren
Although side effects from diclofenac are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor
if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- dizziness
- nervousness
- upset stomach
- stomach pain or cramps
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- bloody vomit
- bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
- ringing in the ears
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- skin rash
- itching
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