Below are the general guidelines for dosing diclofenac. Note that these dosages may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis for individual patients. Always follow your prescribing physician’s instructions for taking diclofenac.
The following information comes from DailyMed, an FDA label information provider.
What if I miss a dose of diclofenac?
According to Mayo Clinic, if you miss a dose of diclofenac, take the missed dose immediately unless you are closer in time to your next available dose. Never double doses. This medication is sometimes considered a PRN or as needed medication and as a result it is okay to miss doses.
What if I overdose on diclofenac?
**If you believe you or someone you know has overdosed, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
Worldwide reports on overdosage with diclofenac cover 66 cases. In approximately one-half of these reports of overdosage, concomitant medications were also taken. The highest dose of diclofenac was 5 g in a 17-year-old male who suffered loss of consciousness, increased intracranial pressure, aspiration pneumonitis, and died 2 days after overdose. The next highest doses of diclofenac were 4 g and 3.75 g. The 24-year-old female who took 4 g and the 28- and 42-year-old females, each of whom took 3.75 g, did not develop any clinically significant signs or symptoms. However, there was a report of a 17-year-old female who experienced vomiting and drowsiness after an overdose of 2.37 g of diclofenac.
Animal LD50 values show a wide range of susceptibilities to acute overdosage, with primates being more resistant to acute toxicity than rodents (LD50 in mg/kg-rats, 55; dogs, 500; monkeys, 3200).
In case of acute overdosage it is recommended that the stomach be emptied by vomiting or lavage. Forced diuresis may theoretically be beneficial because the drug is excreted in the urine. The effect of dialysis or hemoperfusion in the elimination of diclofenac (99% protein-bound, see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY) remains unproven. In addition to supportive measures, the use of oral activated charcoal may help to reduce the absorption of diclofenac.
Dosage and Administration
Diclofenac sodium may be administered as 25 mg, 50 mg, or 75 mg delayed-release tablets. Immediate release also exist in similar dosages. Regardless of the indication, the dosage of diclofenac should be individualized to the lowest effective dose to minimize adverse effects (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: INDIVIDUALIZATION OF DOSAGE)
NOTE: As with most pain medications it is important to take the lowest effective dose that you can tolerate. NSAIDs in general are fairly hard on your kidneys. Always take NSAIDs with a full glass of water and with food if possible. Do not take other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. with diclofenac unless authorized by your doctor. If experiencing any type of MAJOR bleeding like vomiting blood, or blood in stool, stop taking NSAIDS immediately.
Osteoarthritis:
The recommended dosage is 100 to 150 mg/day in divided doses. Dosages above 150 mg/day have not been studied in patients with osteoarthritis. Could take 35 mg immediate release three times a day depending upon formulation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
The recommended dosage is 150 to 200 mg/day in divided doses. Dosages above 200 mg/day are not recommended in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Ankylosing Spondylitis:
The recommended dosage is 100 to 125 mg/day, administered as 25 mg q.i.d., with an extra 25 mg dose at bedtime if necessary. Dosages above 125 mg/day have not been studied in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
How is diclofenac supplied?
Diclofenac Sodium Delayed-Release Tablets USP
25 mg white, round, enteric-coated tablets
Tablets Identified 54 140
NDC 0054-8223-25: Unit dose, 10 tablets per strip, 10 strips per shelf pack, ten shelf packs per shipper.
NDC 0054-4223-25: Bottles of 100 tablets.
50 mg white, round, enteric-coated tablets
Tablets Identified 54 592
NDC 0054-8221-25: Unit dose, 10 tablets per strip, 10 strips per shelf pack, ten shelf packs per shipper.
NDC 0054-4221-25: Bottles of 100 tablets.
NDC 0054-4221-31: Bottles of 1000 tablets.
75 mg white, round, enteric-coated tablets
Tablets Identified 54 839
NDC 0054-8222-25: Unit dose, 10 tablets per strip, 10 strips per shelf pack, ten shelf packs per shipper.
NDC 0054-4222-25: Bottles of 100 tablets.
NDC 0054-4222-31: Bottles of 1000 tablets.
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