NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Diclofenac

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

A potent nonselective NSAID available in multiple formulations (oral, topical, ophthalmic) used for the treatment of pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain, and dysmenorrhea. The topical gel formulation (Voltaren Gel) provides localized pain relief with reduced systemic exposure.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2016–2025
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

A potent nonselective NSAID available in multiple formulations (oral, topical, ophthalmic) used for the treatment of pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain, and dysmenorrhea. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is Oral: 50 mg two to three times daily or 75 mg twice daily (max 150 mg/day); Topical gel: apply to affected joint 4 times daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic action7
  • Treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis1,6
  • Topical formulation for localized pain relief1,8
  • Treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain10,8
  • Dysmenorrhea relief
What to watch for
  • Dyspepsia and nausea
  • GI bleeding and ulceration
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Known hypersensitivity to diclofenac or other NSAIDs1,2
  • History of aspirin-sensitive asthma

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic action, treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, topical formulation for localized pain relief. 10 sources indexed (2016–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, though with some degree of COX-2 preference. This reduces prostaglandin synthesis, decreasing inflammation, pain sensitization, and fever. Diclofenac also inhibits the lipoxygenase pathway and may affect phospholipase A2, contributing to its potent anti-inflammatory effect.

Class
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Absorption
Water-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
Oral: 50 mg two to three times daily or 75 mg twice daily (max 150 mg/day); Topical gel: apply to affected joint 4 times daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet (immediate- or delayed-release), topical gel, or topical patch

Oral formulations should be taken with food to reduce GI irritation; topical forms should not be applied to open wounds or covered with occlusive dressings

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Dyspepsia and nausea
  • GI bleeding and ulceration
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Headache
  • Peripheral edema
  • Hypertension
  • Rash (topical application site reactions with gel)
  • Renal impairment

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to diclofenac or other NSAIDs1,2
  • History of aspirin-sensitive asthma
  • Active GI bleeding or peptic ulcer disease
  • Moderate-to-severe hepatic impairment
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Third trimester of pregnancy
  • Perioperative pain in CABG surgery3,8
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

6

Reference material

4
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Diclofenac, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Diclofenac?

A potent nonselective NSAID available in multiple formulations (oral, topical, ophthalmic) used for the treatment of pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain, and dysmenorrhea. The topical gel formulation (Voltaren Gel) provides localized pain relief with reduced systemic exposure.

What is Diclofenac used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Diclofenac include: Potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic action; Treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; Topical formulation for localized pain relief; Treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain; Dysmenorrhea relief. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Diclofenac?

A typical adult dose of Diclofenac is Oral: 50 mg two to three times daily or 75 mg twice daily (max 150 mg/day); Topical gel: apply to affected joint 4 times daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet (immediate- or delayed-release), topical gel, or topical patch. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Diclofenac?

Reported side effects include dyspepsia and nausea, gi bleeding and ulceration, elevated liver enzymes, headache, peripheral edema, hypertension. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Diclofenac?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Diclofenac in NutriStack.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.