Voltaren information
Voltaren and Cataflam are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis), and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis and stiffness of the spine). Voltaren-XR, the extended-release form of Voltaren, is used only for long-term treatment. Cataflam is also prescribed for immediate relief of pain and menstrual discomfort.
How to use
To minimize stomach upset and related side effects, your doctor may recommend taking this medicine with food, milk, or an antacid. However, this may delay onset of relief.
Take Voltaren with a full glass of water. Also, do not lie down for about 20 minutes after taking it. This will help to prevent irritation in your upper digestive tract.
Dosage
- For relieving pain or menstrual cramps:
- Adults—50 milligrams (mg) three times a day as needed. Your doctor may direct you to take 100 mg for the first dose only.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For rheumatoid arthritis:
- Adults—At first, 50 mg three or four times a day. Your doctor may increase the dose, if necessary, up to a total of 225 mg a day. After your condition improves your doctor may direct you to take a lower dose.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For osteoarthritis:
- Adults—At first, 50 mg two or three times a day. Usually, no more than a total of 150 mg a day should be taken. After your condition improves your doctor may direct you to take a lower dose.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For spondylitis (lower back pain):
- Adults—At first, 25 mg four or five times a day. After your condition improves your doctor may direct you to take a lower dose.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For rheumatoid arthritis:
- Adults—At first, 50 mg three or four times a day. Your doctor may increase the dose, if necessary, up to a total of 225 mg a day. After your condition improves your doctor may direct you to take a lower dose.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For osteoarthritis:
- Adults—At first, 50 mg two or three times a day. Usually, no more than a total of 150 mg a day should be taken. After your condition improves your doctor may direct you to take a lower dose.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For spondylitis (lower back pain):
- Adults—At first, 25 mg four or five times a day. After your condition improves your doctor may direct you to take a lower dose.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or spondylitis:
- Adults—Usually 75 or 100 mg once a day, in the morning or evening. Some people may need 75 mg twice a day, in the morning and evening. Take the medicine at the same time every day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or spondylitis:
- Adults—One 50-mg or 100-mg suppository, inserted into the rectum. The suppository is usually used only at night by people who take tablets during the day. Usually, no more than a total of 150 mg of diclofenac should be used in a day from all dosage forms combined.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor
Misdose
If you take this medicine on a regular schedule, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, and fainting.
Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Voltaren.
More common side effects may include: Abdominal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramps, abdominal swelling, anemia, blood clotting problems, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fluid retention, gas, headache, heartburn, indigestion, itching, nausea, peptic ulcers, rash, ringing in the ears, vomiting
This side effects list is not complete. If you have any questions about side effects you should consult your doctor. Report any new or continuing symptoms to your doctor right away.
