Updated: January 25, 2026

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

Author

Peter Daggett

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Diclofenac Brand Names
What Is Diclofenac Used For?
Diclofenac Dosage: Common Doses by Formulation
Who Should NOT Take Diclofenac?

A complete overview of Diclofenac in 2026: brand names, FDA-approved uses, dosage forms, how to take it, contraindications, and what patients need to know.

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, inflammation, and stiffness across a range of conditions — from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis to acute migraines and menstrual pain. In 2023, it was the 73rd most prescribed medication in the United States, with over 9 million prescriptions. Here's what you need to know.

Diclofenac Brand Names

Diclofenac is available under several brand names, each corresponding to a specific formulation:

Voltaren / Voltaren-XR: Delayed-release and extended-release tablets

Cataflam: Diclofenac potassium tablets for pain and dysmenorrhea

Cambia: Oral powder packets for acute migraine treatment

Zipsor: Liquid-filled capsules (25 mg) for mild to moderate pain

Zorvolex: Hard gelatin capsules (18 mg / 35 mg) for lower-dose pain management

Dyloject: Intravenous formulation for hospital/clinical use

Voltaren Gel (OTC): 1% topical gel for joint pain; available without a prescription

Pennsaid: Prescription topical solution (1.5% / 2%) for knee OA

Flector / Licart: Topical patch (1.3% diclofenac epolamine) for acute pain

Arthrotec: Combination product with misoprostol for GI protection

What Is Diclofenac Used For?

The FDA has approved Diclofenac for the following uses:

Osteoarthritis (OA) — pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Ankylosing spondylitis — arthritis affecting the spine

Mild to moderate acute pain (capsule formulations)

Primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods) — Cataflam

Acute migraine attacks in adults — Cambia

Actinic keratosis — Solaraze 3% gel

Postoperative inflammation after cataract surgery — ophthalmic drops

Acute strains, sprains, and contusions — Flector/Licart patch

Off-label, doctors may also prescribe it for gout flares, musculoskeletal injuries, and other inflammatory conditions.

Diclofenac Dosage: Common Doses by Formulation

Delayed-release tablets (OA/RA): 50 mg 3x/day or 75 mg 2x/day (max 225 mg/day for OA; max 225 mg/day for RA)

Extended-release tablets: 100 mg once daily

Zipsor capsules (acute pain): 25 mg 4x/day

Zorvolex capsules (acute/chronic pain): 18–35 mg 3x/day

Cambia (migraine): 50 mg dissolved in 1–2 oz water at migraine onset; not used preventively

Voltaren Gel 1% (joint pain): Applied to affected joint 4x/day for hands/wrists/elbows/feet; 2x/day for knees. Follow package directions; max 32 g/day total.

Who Should NOT Take Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is not appropriate for everyone. Do not take Diclofenac if you:

Are allergic to diclofenac or any NSAID

Have the "aspirin triad" — aspirin sensitivity with asthma and nasal polyps

Recently had or are about to have coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery

Have active GI bleeding

Are 20 weeks or more pregnant (without explicit guidance from your doctor)

Always review potential risks with your prescriber. For a detailed look at what side effects to expect, read our Diclofenac side effects guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diclofenac is an NSAID used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute migraine (Cambia), menstrual pain (Cataflam), acute musculoskeletal pain, and localized joint pain (Voltaren Gel). It is one of the most prescribed pain medications in the U.S.

Both are forms of diclofenac but differ slightly in onset and absorption. Diclofenac potassium (Cataflam, Cambia) is faster-acting and better suited for acute pain and migraine. Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren) is typically delayed-release or extended-release for chronic conditions like arthritis.

Voltaren is a brand name for diclofenac sodium. Voltaren-XR contains extended-release diclofenac sodium. Voltaren Gel 1% (OTC) is a topical form of diclofenac available without a prescription. The active ingredient in all Voltaren products is diclofenac.

Diclofenac potassium (Cataflam, Cambia) typically works within 30–60 minutes. Delayed-release diclofenac sodium tablets (Voltaren) may take 1–2 hours to take effect. Topical Voltaren Gel generally begins reducing pain within a few days of consistent use.

Diclofenac and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs with similar overall efficacy for most pain and inflammatory conditions. Diclofenac may be more potent on a mg-per-mg basis for some conditions, and its preferential COX-2 inhibition gives it a slightly different risk profile. Your doctor can determine which is best for your specific situation.

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