DiclofenacRx

Trade Names: Cataflam (immediate release), Voltaren (enteric coated)  Voltaren XR (extended release), Arthrotec (diclofenac + misoprostol)

Drug Class: NSAID

Preparations
Tablets: 25-, 50-, 75 mg; diclofenac/misoprostol: 50 mg/200 mcg or 75 mg/200 mcg
Sustained-release tablet (XR): 100 mg

Dose: 100–200 mg/day in two to four divided doses (100 mg once daily of sustained release)

Clinical Pharmacology: Well absorbed after oral administration; hepatic metabolism and renal excretion of metabolites; half-life 2–3 hours.

Comments: Local application of topical diclofenac  (1% gel) may  offer benefit to some patients with lower GI and CV risk.

Cost: $$$

See NSAIDs for Indications, Mechanism of Action, Contraindications, Precautions, Monitoring, Pregnancy Risk, Adverse Effects, Interactions, and Patient Instructions.
See Misoprostol for details regarding that component of Arthrotec (diclofenac + misoprostol).

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Altman RD, Barthel HR. Topical therapies for osteoarthritis. Drugs 2011;71(10):1259-79. PMID: 21770475.