Topical Diclofenac is used to treat pain and reduce inflammation. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, precautions to watch out for, and more.

What is this medication for?

Topical Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to treat pain and reduce inflammation. It is commonly used for muscle and joint pain or swelling and is available as either a gel or patch.

How should I take or use this medication?

• For gels, apply a thin layer on the affected area and gently rub it into the skin as required 3 to 4 times a day.
• For plasters, apply 1 plaster on the affected area as required according to the labelled instructions. The plasters are not waterproof. Do not exceed the frequency of use recommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not apply BOTH the gel and plaster on the same area of skin.
• Avoid applying the medication on irritated or broken skin and areas near the eyes, mouth, nose and genitals.
• Avoid exposing the treated area where you applied the gel to too much sunlight.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

As topical Diclofenac is used when needed to relieve pain and swelling, it is not necessary to apply it on a fixed schedule. Please check with your healthcare professional if you are unsure.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to NSAIDs or any other ingredients used in the medication, sunblocks or perfumes.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have a history of photosensitivity reactions (redness and inflammation of sun-exposed skin).

Do not use any airtight bandage or dressing over the area of application. This may increase the risk of side effects.

If you do not experience improvement in pain or it worsens after 7 days of treatment, your condition may be too serious for self-treatment and you should consult a healthcare professional.

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Topical Diclofenac is usually well-tolerated. Common side effects may include mild redness and irritation at the area on which the medication is applied. 
  • These side effects are usually mild and go away after some time. However, if the symptoms are bothersome, do not go away or become worse, stop this medication and consult your healthcare professional.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
• The area to which the medication is applied to appears itchy, swollen or blistering following exposure to the sun

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop this medication and see your doctor immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Avoid using any other topical medication on the same area of skin when using this medication.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. 

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information. 

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on August 2024