What Is Cataflam? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Cataflam is the brand name for diclofenac potassium immediate-release tablets, a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It's used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and treat several specific conditions. Here's everything you need to know about Cataflam in 2026 — including the critical fact that the brand is discontinued but the generic is widely available.

What Is Cataflam?

Cataflam is the brand name for diclofenac potassium 50 mg immediate-release tablets. Diclofenac is an NSAID that reduces the production of prostaglandins — hormone-like compounds that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. The potassium salt form (as opposed to the sodium salt in Voltaren) is formulated for faster absorption, making it particularly useful for acute pain situations.

The original brand-name Cataflam, manufactured by Novartis, has been discontinued in the United States. However, generic diclofenac potassium 50 mg tablets are widely available from manufacturers including Teva and Mylan/Viatris and are therapeutically equivalent to the original brand.

What Is Cataflam Used For?

Cataflam has several FDA-approved uses:

Mild to moderate pain: Headaches, dental pain, back pain, muscle pain, postoperative pain, and general acute pain

Primary dysmenorrhea: Menstrual cramps — one of the indications that specifically benefits from the fast-onset potassium formulation

Osteoarthritis: Pain and stiffness from joint degeneration

Rheumatoid arthritis: Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness from autoimmune inflammation

How Is Cataflam Different from Voltaren?

Both Cataflam and Voltaren contain diclofenac, but they're different formulations:

Cataflam (diclofenac potassium): Immediate-release; absorbed quickly; onset within 30-60 minutes; best for acute pain and dysmenorrhea

Voltaren (diclofenac sodium): Available as delayed-release (enteric-coated) or extended-release tablets; onset 1-2 hours; more appropriate for chronic arthritis conditions where sustained coverage is needed

They are NOT interchangeable automatically — the difference in onset is clinically meaningful, especially for acute pain. Always check with your doctor before switching formulations.

Cataflam Dosage: How Much and How Often?

Standard dosing for diclofenac potassium 50 mg:

Pain (general): 50 mg three times daily; an initial 100 mg dose may be used for some patients

Primary dysmenorrhea: 50 mg three times daily; initial dose of 100 mg may provide better relief; begin at onset of symptoms

Osteoarthritis: 50 mg two to three times daily (maximum 150 mg/day)

Rheumatoid arthritis: 50 mg three to four times daily (maximum 225 mg/day)

Always take the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.

Who Should NOT Take Cataflam?

Cataflam is contraindicated in people who have:

A history of allergic reactions (hives, asthma) to aspirin or other NSAIDs

Used it within 10-14 days of open heart (CABG) surgery

Active GI bleeding or peptic ulcer disease

Use with caution in people with kidney disease, heart failure, liver disease, hypertension, or those over 65.

How to Find Cataflam in 2026

Because the brand was discontinued, you'll need to ask for "diclofenac potassium 50 mg" at the pharmacy. Not all pharmacies carry it — if yours doesn't, use medfinder.com to have nearby pharmacies checked on your behalf. For more information on the shortage background, see our detailed guide on why Cataflam is hard to find in 2026.