This article describes diclofenac oral tablets’ dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take them. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for diclofenac. If you want to know more about diclofenac oral tablets, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Diclofenac oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Lofena. Diclofenac delayed-release oral tablet and diclofenac extended-release oral tablet* are generic medications. They’re not available in brand-name versions.
Diclofenac also comes in an eye drop, oral solution, oral capsule, and topical forms for the skin. Those forms aren’t described in this article, but you can learn more about them from your doctor.
* “Delayed release” means the drug releases into your body after a certain amount of time has passed. “Extended release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over a long period of time.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about these boxed warnings.
Forms and strengths of diclofenac
Diclofenac comes in these forms and strengths:
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| oral tablet | take by swallowing | • 25 milligrams (mg) • 50 mg |
| delayed-release oral tablet | take by swallowing | • 25 mg • 50 mg • 75 mg |
| extended-release oral tablet | take by swallowing | • 100 mg |
With the oral tablet form, diclofenac starts working as soon as you swallow the tablet. “Delayed release” means the drug releases into your body after a certain amount of time has passed. “Extended release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over a long period of time.
Dosage of diclofenac
This article describes the recommended dosages for diclofenac oral tablets. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of diclofenac oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of diclofenac in adults
Doctors prescribe diclofenac oral tablets to treat pain from certain medical conditions in adults. The content below notes the approved conditions for each of the tablet forms.
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of diclofenac oral tablets. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of diclofenac oral tablets that gives the desired outcome.
Dosages of diclofenac oral tablet
Diclofenac oral tablet is approved to treat pain from certain medical conditions. The table below lists these conditions and the recommended dosages for treating them in milligrams (mg).
| Purpose | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|
| treat mild to moderate pain | 50 mg, to be taken 3 times per day |
| treat menstrual cramps | 50 mg, to be taken 3 times per day |
| relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis | 50 mg, to be taken 2–3 times per day |
| relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis | 50 mg, to be taken 3–4 times per day |
Dosages of diclofenac delayed-release (DR) oral tablet
Diclofenac DR oral tablet is approved to treat pain from certain medical conditions. The table below lists these conditions and the recommended dosages for treating them in mg.
| Purpose | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|
| relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis | • 50 mg, to be taken 2–3 times per day • 75 mg, to be taken 2 times per day |
| relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis | • 50 mg, to be taken 3–4 times per day • 75 mg, to be taken 2 times per day |
| relieve symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis | • 25 mg, to be taken 4 times per day |
Dosages of diclofenac extended-release (ER) oral tablet
Diclofenac ER oral tablet is approved to treat pain from certain medical conditions. The table below lists these conditions and the recommended dosages for treating them in mg.
| Purpose | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|
| relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis | 100 mg, to be taken once per day |
| relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis | 100 mg, to be taken once per day |
Dosage adjustments for diclofenac
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of diclofenac oral tablets based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other medications you take
Missed dose of diclofenac
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of diclofenac oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of diclofenac oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about diclofenac oral tablets and their dosages.
