Woman's Health - Merpal (Brand name: diclofenac)

Drug Uses

Diclofenac is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Diclofenac may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How to use

Use Diclofenac as directed by your doctor.

Diclofenac comes as regular strength (50 mg) tablets and SR (slow release) 75/100 mg tablets.

Take Diclofenac by mouth with or without food.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Diclofenac.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Diclofenac is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Diclofenac works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Diclofenac, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Diclofenac at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Brief periods at temperatures of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) are permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Diclofenac out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Diclofenac if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Diclofenac;
you have had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to another NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib) or aspirin.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

Diclofenac may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Diclofenac with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has Merpal or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) medicine in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Diclofenac should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Diclofenac while you are pregnant. It is not known if Diclofenac is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using Diclofenac.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

burning or stinging; discharge; eye redness, irritation, or itching.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred or distorted vision; eye infection; eyelid swelling or redness; sensitivity to glare or light.

More Information

Diclofenac is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.